GameBanshee Forums

Gidday all,

Just a quick question regarding the new premier modules Bioware has made available on their site - what type of protection do they have on them? I mean, how does Bioware ensure you paid for the module, rather than copied it off a friend? I noted that all of these modules require a "live internet connection" - does that mean that they connect to the Bioware site to verify the module, before you can play it each time?

Cheers all,
TGHO

Oh no, it's not another "Half life 2" fiasco, is it? Half life requires that you register your IP address on the internet aginst your copy of the game. Apparently you don't have to do this to play every single time, just the first time you install it. This is majorly bad news for those of us who do not have internet access at home, becasue it means that having forked out a huge amount of money so that I can play new games in the future, I will in fact be restricted to those that do no use this technology. Not really clear how it will work for some people, as I believe there is a case where the IP address changes everytime they log on - preusmably there is still something unique to the computer that will be used for identification? Or perhaps they will have to play on line everytime?

The Half life website refuses to comment on this problem, presumably thinking that if they take no notice, it will go away. After all, they're not losing too many of the prospective buyers, now are they?

I believe they check your NWN CD key when they verify, but they verify every time you start the module and every time you load a game. So you'll need to be connected to the Internet to play the modules.

SWC

Thanks for the info swcarter. And thanks ladyblack, re the info about HL2. Cross that one off the xmas list!

That's a real pain, that Bioware does that. Okay, yes I know that they have to protect their intellectual property, but I like to play on my laptop, without an Internet connection. Scratch buying these modules!

Cheers,
TGHO

I actually believe that you need to be connected the entire to the internet the entire time you are playing the module, not just the startup.

[QUOTE=The Great Hairy]Thanks for the info swcarter. And thanks ladyblack, re the info about HL2. Cross that one off the xmas list!

[/QUOTE]

You're welcome, although you may want to check it out anyway, in case they do come up with a solution for the problem. From what I've heard, it's a great game.

A friend of mine has reminded me that no doubt someone is already working on a way to get around the technology so with any luck, after the manufacturers have been ripped off by hackers, they may get a legal solution up and running. I live in hope........

[QUOTE=ladyblack]<snip>
A friend of mine has reminded me that no doubt someone is already working on a way to get around the technology so with any luck, after the manufacturers have been ripped off by hackers, they may get a legal solution up and running. I live in hope........[/QUOTE]

That isn't likely - but completely besides the point in this thread

There is a thread in SYM regarding Valve and HL2, in case people are interested in airing their views about HL2 there
edit: link thingy