Why digital distribution is evil / Just say Nay!

A few bullet points to show why digital distributions of game software will continue to be customer(*1) unfriendly and risky business

• Why haven't I received a confirmation email?
• Why can't I download the file?
• The download cancelled and now I can't download the game, why?
• Why is it asking me to enter a serial number and a CD key?
• Why didn't the installation program ask me for an activation code?
• Activation
• Activation of the Game
• Automatic Activation
• Manual Activation
• Tages restriction(*2)
• Can I activate my game without going via the Internet?
• Why doesn't my serial number work?
• I've uninstalled my game a few times and now it won't work, why?
• I've changed my graphics card and now my game doesn't work, why?
• Activation errors
• Explaining the different numbers and codes
• Patch updates
• Where can I find a patch for my downloaded game?
• Why is there no patch available for my downloaded game?
• Why can't I just use a patch from any other website?

The above list is taken from the FAQ for “Risen” (a game I wanted to purchase) from Xfirestore.com as it was not available from Impulsedriven.com (And would most likely have had the same issues).

(The Steam version also has similar issues – in addition to being packaged as a TAGES DRM’ed product inside a STEAM DRM’ed download)

There really is no reason to add any more text as I believe the bullet points above cover the major issues. This also saves me from having to come up with any more reasons why this “offer” is a bad idea for anyone interested in an enjoyable and future-proof product that neither dictates your habits/behaviour nor your software catalogue.

The alternative to the above is naturally to purchase “Risen” in a computer store, where you will have to suffer the disc-based version of TAGES and most likely have to rely on a dongle to get the game to run properly. But at least with the disc based/retail version you can download the patches as soon as the developers decide to release the game v1.0 free of bugs and anomalies.

The free alternative is obviously to download any of the Cloned DVD versions available and utilise a virtual-IDE application to 1) avoid DVD in drive and 2) Defeat TAGES from prohibiting you to store the game media in safe location (Not to mention that all the game data is already installed on HD meaning the DVD only serves an authentication mechanisms/dongle)

Anyone else wishing back to the good old days of installing the game onto a HD from floppies, never using the floppies again, and then using a piece of paper and some transparent coloured plastic to read 3-4 codes to “authorize” the game. I know I am.

Another great example was what was utilised with Codename: Iceman.

Below copy from Ehow.com

“In an effort to tie copy protection in with gameplay, Codename: Iceman came with a USS Blackhawk Technical Manual. It is impossible to win the game without this manual, as it contains a diagram of the submarine's control panel as well as protocol procedures and code keys.”

Which also serves as an incentive to get the physical product or digital copy (no doubt provided with a DRM locked .PDF requiring Adobe Reader, with or without unpatched vulnerabilities, and a DRM plugin) since you would get “cool submarine launch codes!” to enhanced the game experience.

In summary: Digital Restriction Management is still, in 2009, acting as a hindrance to enjoying computer art/software/culture and will prevent said products from being useable/enjoyed in the future.

(*1) The industry views those who purchase games as Consumers, someone you can give a half-cooked product and never see again. Viewing them as Customers means you want to build a relationship with them to do continued business in the future. It means you respect them and will not try to deceive or offer them a poor bargain, as this is not in your self interest.

(*2) was modified from “Tages Protection” to “Tages Restriction” to more correctly reflect its behaviour and how it affects the customer of the product.