Report: Gamers angry at DRM system from EA

Over on Techdirt Thursday morning, there's a report about some angry PC users of Electronic Arts games.

The gamers are upset, according to a post in the Mass Effect forums, because EA is apparently implementing a new Internet-based digital rights management system, known as SecuROM, that they find onerous, intrusive, and inconvenient.

Techdirt writes that a new version of SecuROM being employed by EA "is causing controversy due to an online verification system connected to its CD key. The system requires a connection to the Internet during installation to check (that) the CD key is valid, and then registers the key with the users' computer. After this the game will try to re-check the CD key every 5-10 days to ensure it hasn't since been found posted on a forum, or used in some form of piracy."

Then, it seems, if the key cannot be verified, SecuROM will attempt to do so for 10 more days. If, after that period, it still cannot be verified, Techdirt writes, the game will be locked down.

Further, SecuROM seems to limit the number of times a game can be installed to three.

Systems like this are never going to be winners for companies like EA. For every copy of one of its games that it successfully keeps from being illegally copied, it's going to lose a good customer who's beyond annoyed at the way the system works and the way they feel they're being treated.

To be sure, software companies feel they have to fight tooth and nail to avoid being robbed due to the ease with which many programs can be copied. But it seems they would do well to run their antipiracy/DRM systems by their PR departments--or, if they're doing that already, then some outside consultants--to make sure that the systems aren't going to alienate their user bases.

If they're already doing that, they might want to consider seeking additional guidance. Because as the Sony rootkit scandal and other DRM PR nightmares have shown, users do not want to be controlled in this way. And they vote with their wallets.

[robert1275]

I agree with your comments. There needs to be a proper balance between protecting intellectual property and the rights of users.

[inachu]

ID software never had problems and made tons of money.

[Valethar]

I wrote off EA after the fiasco with Crysis. This is just another nail in their coffin with people who haven't seen what a worthless experience EA can be.

It's sad really. they used to be one of the best, if not THE best.

[Valethar]

Wow.. gotta love the laggy posting system that says 'error, not posted', then posts anyway....

[guest86]

Same me. I am angry at EA DRM. Game CD don't need check key again, again every 5 - 10 days. That very stupid!!!! People should face and fuss with EA DRM right now. We want same old way back in year 1990 to 2003. That all.

[umbrae]

My Son got Battlefield 2042 for christmas and has never been able to play it. I have a valid internet connection, but it can never find the host to register the game so it will not even launch. The games is T rated; however, even though a 13 year old can play it for the rating, they are not old enough to even agree to the license arrangement.

The store wont take it back and EA support never picks up and I am forced to pay long distance for that. I opened a complaint with the BBB, and they told me they would refund the game, but only after I talked with EA support. So only after I pay more in long distance charges than the game will they return it.

I urge ANYONE having problems to report EA to the BBB. It may not do much but if there are enough cases they could lose their status.

[custompcmax]

"Further, SecuROM seems to limit the number of times a game can be installed to three. "

This is utter bull. Once I buy a game, I fully expect to be able to install it as many times as I want. I understand the problem of pirate copies, but most people that actually buy the game, are not the people that need to be "punished". If this actually turns out to be true, I will definately not buy any games that have this crap included. I will also advise anyone I talk to about gaming to do the same. I think we all know how often you could need to reinstall your operating system, thus need to reinstall games. I know I do, I often get multiple upgrades to my mobo and or CPU each year, which requires a OS reinstall. [CNET editors' note: Inappropriate material deleted.]

[NewMessageN00b]

I say we just don't buy the games with the new DRM at all.

[Macajuel]

I was actually going to purchase this title on release day and I'd actually had plans to pr-order it this week. A quick scan of various forums put an end to all that.......there's no way in hell I'd buy this game and have to put up with all this crap.

I (a formerly paying customer) am going to wait till the hackers crack the game and get it then. (Same goes for Bioshock, Crysis and all the other blockbusters with SecuRom.) I hope you've learned a valuable lesson EA Games......

[WZamboni]

If you really want to send a message to the publishes about how much we despise DRM that does more to irritate the legitimate owners, get everyone you know to pre-order the game and two weeks before it ships, cancel your order and let the store know the reason you are canceling is due to DRM. Setting their expectations high and then tearing them down at the last minute is going to get noticed much more than just sending e-mail complaints or blogging about it.

[Sh4d0w_St41ker]

I agree, this is bull, all they're going to do is force people to consider alternatives to buying legit versions of the game so they dont have to worry about losing their money, and people that arnt willing to risk that will simply miss out on the games they love so much (C&C: Red Alert 3 anyone?) just because EA are too dumb to figure out how this works.

If they want to make money theyre going the wrong way about it!

[Lichking665]

I illegally Downloaded Spore just so i wouldnt have to deal with Ea's ********. Just putting that out their