The Sims 3 and Copy Protection

EAUK_Aurora · 26-03-2009, 06:09 PM

We are delighted to be able to bring you news regarding The Sims 3 and DRM today as announced by Mr Rod Humble himself!

Quote:

DRM for The Sims 3 Confirmed

We know many of you guys have been patiently looking out for news on the copy protection for The Sims 3. Well, now Rod Humble (head of The Sims) has announced how it will work and we think it’s good news for all. Rod has written an open letter for all Sims fans so check it out below:

" Hello everyone I wanted to share news with you regarding our copy protection plans for The Sims 3.

We’ll have more information for you as we get closer to launch about everything we’ll have to offer on TheSims3.com and The Sims 3 Store, but we have heard your requests over the past months and here is our plan for The Sims 3.

The game will have disc-based copy protection – there is a Serial Code just like The Sims 2. To play the game there will not be any online authentication needed.

We feel like this is a good, time-proven solution that makes it easy for you to play the game without DRM methods that feel overly invasive or leave you concerned about authorization server access in the distant future.

We’re really excited to bring you the game for the PC and Mac starting June 2, 2009 [June 5th for UK! – Ed]. The extra time we’ve taken to polish the game has resulted in an even better game experience for you to enjoy and we can’t wait for you to see for yourself!

Thanks for your passion and your loyalty."

Rod Humble

Please keep all discussion relating to this news in this one thread

sims3uni · 26-03-2009, 06:10 PM

i agree .... its great new

Becky · 26-03-2009, 06:10 PM

Great news!

I can blow up as many computers as I like and not have to worry!

Lycan · 26-03-2009, 06:21 PM

That's good.

Harribean · 26-03-2009, 06:38 PM

I think I just missed the point, but does this mean that we won't be able to download a new neighbourhood if we don't authorize it online?

simrealtor · 26-03-2009, 07:26 PM

That is wonderful news! I think that we will still be able to download a new neighborhood, but you have to register your game online to do that. I do not know for sure of course, but that would be my best guess.

Keralyn · 26-03-2009, 08:26 PM

YAY
EA .. they finally found a way!

Dominochick3 · 26-03-2009, 08:28 PM

This is great news. I finally feel that EA care! *tear* We know they do indeed listen to us now.
No seriously this I awesome I have nothing to worry about now.

STARFISH75 · 26-03-2009, 09:49 PM

Ohhh great I've just entered 17 serial numbers for Sims 2. I really do hope when I buy a new computer in a few year's time I don't have to enter 17 serial numbers again for Sims 3

I must be the only person in the world that prefers DRM over serial numbers, since I don't pirate games. Ohh well not everyone's going to be happy in these decisions.

Quick technical question, can I create a ghost with a batchfile of serial numbers to run Sims 2? And maybe install it on a USB, that way I can run it on my machine and on my girlfriend's laptop without installing twice!

Jan_831 · 26-03-2009, 11:05 PM

That is great news!

Revol · 26-03-2009, 11:06 PM

They chose wisely.

Stosh117 · 26-03-2009, 11:29 PM

Oh wow, great news.

Jarsie9 · 26-03-2009, 11:34 PM

I have one question: How do you explain this:

ACCEPTANCE OF END USER LICENSE REQUIRED FOR PLAY. TO ACCESS ONLINE SERVICES, YOU NEED AN INTERNET CONNECTION AND MUST REGISTER ONLINE WITH THE ENCLOSED SINGLE USE SERIAL CODE. REGISTRATION IS NOT TRANSFERABLE. EA ONLINE TERMS & CONDITIONS CAN BE FOUND AT EA Video Games - Play Online PC Wii Xbox PS2 PS3 and DS Games. YOU MUST BE 13+ TO REGISTER ONLINE. EA MAY TERMINATE ONLINE SERVICES AFTER 30 DAYS NOTICE POSTED ON EA Video Games - Play Online PC Wii Xbox PS2 PS3 and DS Games. THIS GAME USES SECUROM ANTI-PIRACY TECHNOLOGY BY SONY DADC. FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT SECUROM, VISIT SecuROM.

This is the disclaimer that shows up when you preorder the game. Rod Humble's post makes it seem like they've decided not to use SecuROM after all, but since this disclaimer was just updated (notice no ingame ads or data collecting software), I have to assume that EA will still be using SecROM. So, has the DRM been modified so that it's not as invasive or what?

ETA: Nevermind. Maxoid Hydra just confirmed that SecuROM was not going to be in the software, and they've updated the Sims 3 website to reflect that. Hopefully, EA Store will update its disclaimer as well.

DeepSaphire · 27-03-2009, 12:13 AM

Aww, it's sorta sweet that they do actually listen to us about stuff like this!

Will it basically be the same as the sims 2 (DRM/serial wise)?

pollyncuts · 27-03-2009, 12:32 AM

thats great news

Hydronium · 27-03-2009, 01:54 AM

I wasn't to fussed one way or the other. At least those passionately against it can now sleep easily.

SCMA · 27-03-2009, 01:58 AM

Wow--this is great news! However, I feel like once we get the game we will find there was some 'left out' information. Hopefully that isn't the case, but can a moderator clarify: is this the exact same system as in The Sims 2?

Steve

Sims3Feen · 27-03-2009, 05:24 AM

Yesss
Oh this is Greattt
I'm relieved
Now I can finally go to sleeep

Soulfire777 · 27-03-2009, 08:22 AM

Thank you EA for listening to us! =)

I do still have a couple questions:

How will this work for people who buy the electronic download version, since there is no disk then?

Will I still be able to play my game on both a desktop and laptop computer, or will I need to buy two copies now to do this (and will the electronic download version be any different in this regard)?

Ayeffen · 27-03-2009, 10:41 AM

Great news!

LoK0v0 · 27-03-2009, 12:08 PM

I love you ea <3

jonneymendoza · 27-03-2009, 12:45 PM

im shocked!!

EAUK_Aurora · 27-03-2009, 05:46 PM

My understanding, although this is by no means official or confirmed, is that this will work the same as it does for The Sims 2.

So if you register your game then you will have access to things like the new neighbourhood. If you choose not to register your game then you won't be able to download from The Sims 3 site.

As far as digital downloads go then that could possibly vary depending on the Digital Distributor and I don't have any information about who will be distributing at this time. If you wish to purchase it from EA Store then I would check their information.

You should be able to install it on two computers if you own them as you can currently.

As far as I know there is no hidden catch at all and it should work very similarly to the way it has in the past for The Sims Series

jonneymendoza · 27-03-2009, 05:50 PM

great news indeed and i am STILL SHOCKED

B53n3 · 27-03-2009, 05:52 PM

Thats great

26-03-2009, 06:10 PM	#2 (permalink)
sims3uni Forum Guru Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: \USA Age: 22 Gender: Male Posts: 1,157 Blog Entries: 1	i agree .... its great new __________________ sims3uni . sims can now explore the new world , and enjoy lifes new choices add me http://www.thesims3.com/mypage/sims3uni

26-03-2009, 06:10 PM	#3 (permalink)
Becky EA Veteran Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Birmingham Age: 18 Gender: Female Posts: 30,664	Great news! I can blow up as many computers as I like and not have to worry! __________________ last.fm twitter

26-03-2009, 06:21 PM	#4 (permalink)
Lycan Elite Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: ∞ Studios Age: 15 Gender: Male Posts: 9,737 Blog Entries: 13	That's good. __________________ [+] DR2: ZOMBIES KILLED = 37,455 - Lvl 32 [+] ¦ dA ¦ YouTube ¦

26-03-2009, 06:38 PM	#5 (permalink)
Harribean Forum Regular Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: London :] Age: 17 Gender: Female Posts: 507	I think I just missed the point, but does this mean that we won't be able to download a new neighbourhood if we don't authorize it online? __________________

26-03-2009, 07:26 PM	#6 (permalink)
simrealtor Rookie Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: United States Posts: 221	That is wonderful news! I think that we will still be able to download a new neighborhood, but you have to register your game online to do that. I do not know for sure of course, but that would be my best guess. __________________ Visit My Sim Realty : Home of Quality Lots for Your Sims Featuring CC-Free Lot Downloads for Sims 2 and Sims 3 www.mysimrealty.com

26-03-2009, 08:26 PM	#7 (permalink)
Keralyn Forum Regular Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: The UK! >:( Age: 16 Gender: Female Posts: 536	YAY EA .. they finally found a way! __________________ My sims3 page! http://iweb.thesims3.com/mypage/albanie

26-03-2009, 08:28 PM	#8 (permalink)
Dominochick3 Forum Guru Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: England Age: 19 Gender: Female Posts: 1,001	Yesss!! This is great news. I finally feel that EA care! tear We know they do indeed listen to us now. No seriously this I awesome I have nothing to worry about now. __________________ Me as a Sim : Loner, Clumsy, Artistic, Hopless Romantic, Neurotic http://www.thesims3.com/mypage/Dominochick3

26-03-2009, 09:49 PM	#9 (permalink)
STARFISH75 Forum Regular Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: London Gender: Male Posts: 784	Ohhh great I've just entered 17 serial numbers for Sims 2. I really do hope when I buy a new computer in a few year's time I don't have to enter 17 serial numbers again for Sims 3 I must be the only person in the world that prefers DRM over serial numbers, since I don't pirate games. Ohh well not everyone's going to be happy in these decisions. Quick technical question, can I create a ghost with a batchfile of serial numbers to run Sims 2? And maybe install it on a USB, that way I can run it on my machine and on my girlfriend's laptop without installing twice!

26-03-2009, 11:05 PM	#10 (permalink)
Jan_831 Forum Guru Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: USA Posts: 2,413	That is great news! __________________ For the past is past and can never return; the future we know not; only today can be called our own

26-03-2009, 11:06 PM	#11 (permalink)
Revol Rookie Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: England Age: 19 Posts: 379	They chose wisely. __________________ The truth shall make ye fret!

26-03-2009, 11:29 PM	#12 (permalink)
Stosh117 Forum Guru Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Seattle, WA US Age: 17 Gender: Male Posts: 1,236	Oh wow, great news. __________________ Intel Core i7-965 Extreme 3.2 GHz 8MB Cache Dual 1,792 MB NVIDIA GeForce GTX 295 12GB DDR3 SDRAM at 1600MHz - 6 x 2048MB Windows Vista Ultimate 64-bit

26-03-2009, 11:34 PM	#13 (permalink)
Jarsie9 Rookie Join Date: Jun 2006 Posts: 20	I have one question: How do you explain this: ACCEPTANCE OF END USER LICENSE REQUIRED FOR PLAY. TO ACCESS ONLINE SERVICES, YOU NEED AN INTERNET CONNECTION AND MUST REGISTER ONLINE WITH THE ENCLOSED SINGLE USE SERIAL CODE. REGISTRATION IS NOT TRANSFERABLE. EA ONLINE TERMS & CONDITIONS CAN BE FOUND AT EA Video Games - Play Online PC Wii Xbox PS2 PS3 and DS Games. YOU MUST BE 13+ TO REGISTER ONLINE. EA MAY TERMINATE ONLINE SERVICES AFTER 30 DAYS NOTICE POSTED ON EA Video Games - Play Online PC Wii Xbox PS2 PS3 and DS Games. THIS GAME USES SECUROM ANTI-PIRACY TECHNOLOGY BY SONY DADC. FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT SECUROM, VISIT SecuROM. This is the disclaimer that shows up when you preorder the game. Rod Humble's post makes it seem like they've decided not to use SecuROM after all, but since this disclaimer was just updated (notice no ingame ads or data collecting software), I have to assume that EA will still be using SecROM. So, has the DRM been modified so that it's not as invasive or what? ETA: Nevermind. Maxoid Hydra just confirmed that SecuROM was not going to be in the software, and they've updated the Sims 3 website to reflect that. Hopefully, EA Store will update its disclaimer as well. Last edited by Jarsie9; 27-03-2009 at 12:00 AM..

27-03-2009, 12:13 AM	#14 (permalink)
DeepSaphire Rookie Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: England :) Gender: Female Posts: 335	Aww, it's sorta sweet that they do actually listen to us about stuff like this! Will it basically be the same as the sims 2 (DRM/serial wise)?

27-03-2009, 12:32 AM	#15 (permalink)
pollyncuts Forum Junkie Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Norfolk ^o^ Age: 28 Gender: Female Posts: 2,572	thats great news __________________ Doggysnaps

27-03-2009, 01:54 AM	#16 (permalink)
Hydronium Rookie Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Perth, Australia. Age: 19 Gender: Male Posts: 23	I wasn't to fussed one way or the other. At least those passionately against it can now sleep easily.

27-03-2009, 05:52 PM	#25 (permalink)
B53n3 Pinky & The Brain Expert Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: In my garage working on a time machine to take me back to the 70s or 80s. Age: 18 Gender: Male Posts: 15,123	Thats great __________________ The Resident Agony (aunt) Uncle require someone to listen to you or a bit of advice? just drop me a PM day or night

27-03-2009, 01:58 AM	#17 (permalink)
SCMA Rookie Join Date: Jan 2009 Posts: 24	Wow--this is great news! However, I feel like once we get the game we will find there was some 'left out' information. Hopefully that isn't the case, but can a moderator clarify: is this the exact same system as in The Sims 2? Steve

27-03-2009, 05:24 AM	#18 (permalink)
Sims3Feen Forum Regular Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Stoneybrook, Connecticut coming soon hehe Age: 18 Gender: Female Posts: 700	Yesss Oh this is Greattt I'm relieved Now I can finally go to sleeep

27-03-2009, 08:22 AM	#19 (permalink)
Soulfire777 Forum Guru Join Date: Jan 2009 Posts: 1,245	Thank you EA for listening to us! =) I do still have a couple questions: How will this work for people who buy the electronic download version, since there is no disk then? Will I still be able to play my game on both a desktop and laptop computer, or will I need to buy two copies now to do this (and will the electronic download version be any different in this regard)?

27-03-2009, 10:41 AM	#20 (permalink)
Ayeffen EA Veteran Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: London, England Age: 19 Gender: Male Posts: 19,792 Blog Entries: 2	Great news! __________________ A y e f f e n

27-03-2009, 12:08 PM	#21 (permalink)
LoK0v0 Rookie Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Hong Kong (: Gender: Female Posts: 287	I love you ea <3

27-03-2009, 12:45 PM	#22 (permalink)
jonneymendoza Forum Guru Join Date: Jul 2008 Posts: 1,237	im shocked!! __________________

27-03-2009, 05:46 PM	#23 (permalink)
EAUK_Aurora Community Representative Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: UK Gender: Female Posts: 55,659 Blog Entries: 259	My understanding, although this is by no means official or confirmed, is that this will work the same as it does for The Sims 2. So if you register your game then you will have access to things like the new neighbourhood. If you choose not to register your game then you won't be able to download from The Sims 3 site. As far as digital downloads go then that could possibly vary depending on the Digital Distributor and I don't have any information about who will be distributing at this time. If you wish to purchase it from EA Store then I would check their information. You should be able to install it on two computers if you own them as you can currently. As far as I know there is no hidden catch at all and it should work very similarly to the way it has in the past for The Sims Series __________________ Aurora Community Representative Electronic Arts View past Signature Showcase entries Currently playing The Sims 3 and Brutal Legend Looking forward to The Sims 3 World Adventures

27-03-2009, 05:50 PM	#24 (permalink)
jonneymendoza Forum Guru Join Date: Jul 2008 Posts: 1,237	great news indeed and i am STILL SHOCKED __________________