EA is a gathering of fools

Recently EA published the seemingly cool and groundbreaking game Spore that was developed by Maxis. This has caused a lot of controversy in the PC-gaming world.
Wait what? Why would a cool new game be controversial to the gamers? Even hooker-sex and murdering old grannies won’t upset gamers, so what the hell could’ve gotten gamers all up in arms about this title?
Well, there’s actually nothing wrong with the game itself. It’s the DRM included in the package that got gamers all riled up. On Amazon there are currently 1,965 reviews, out of those, 1,814 gives the game a 1-star rating. Here’s what the currently voted most helpful review says:

“The game incorporates a draconian DRM system that requires you to activate over the internet, and limits you to a grand total of 3 activations. If you reach that limit, then you’ll have to call EA in order to add one extra activation. That’s not as simple as it sounds, since when you reach that point EA will assume that you, the paying customer, are a filthy pirating thief. You will need to provide proof of purchase, reasons why the limit was reached, etc, etc (it has all happened before with another recent EA product, Mass Effect). EA, of course, is not obligated to grant you that extra activation or even provide that service. In a couple of years they might very well even shut down the general activation servers, because “it’s not financially feasible” to keep them running. What you will be left with is a nice, colorful $50 coaster. And you will be required to pay for another copy/license if you want to continue playing.

This basically means that you are actually RENTING the game, instead of owning it. The game WILL stop to function in the future. That’s inevitable, because even if EA keeps the activation servers going, there IS going to be a time when EA will simply cease to exist because of financial issues or federal laws (like most businesses eventually do).”

The real irony here is that the people who decided to download the cracked version (that came out 5 days before store release), won’t have to deal with any of this. So, the end result:

• Piracy wasn’t thwarted in any way whatsoever.
• Paying customers end up with an inferior product that can only be installed three times, requires internet for activation, might not work at all in the future and could likely cause your cd/dvd-burner to stop functioning. And on top of that, they will be treated like criminals as soon as they complain.

I think I’ve made my point already. But just for fun, here are some other quotes from the amazon review page:

“I purchased Spore directly from EA on Sunday night when it was released, and have yet to even install it because EA forces you to install their “EA Download Manager” first, which won’t install on my machine (Vista Home Premium). So I am here, 2 days later, no response from EA support to my open tickets, not able to even install the game that I paid for. I’ve opened a paypal dispute against EA/DigitalRiver but I doubt I am going to get my money back. Looks like EA made an easy $50 off me, but I promise you EA, it will be your last. “

“I wanted to voice my concern over the DRM. Electronic Arts, if you are reading this, take notes.

No one wants DRM in their video games.

I have long awaited the release of Spore; I was going to run out and purchase a “copy” until I heard about the 3 time install limit. This is worse then Microsoft Window’s activation scheme. Until the DRM is removed, I will not purchase this game.”

“The DRM for the game utilizes securom which is essentially a virus that installs itself without warning when you install the game. There is no way to completely remove it without reformatting and it is constantly running in the background if not removed. Sucking up computer resources.

It also is overpriced. This is actually a RENTAL, not a bought game because it only lets you install 3 times. If you install over 3 times then you must call EA customer support and beg them to let you play the game you bought. Did I mention the call is not free? If you live outside the U.S. it will be a very expensive call.”

Hopefully EA will learn it’s lesson and NOT use DRM in the future.  Maybe they could learn a thing or two from Stardock and Gas Powered Games.