Spore Copy Protection Q&A

[5xkwsk]

Honestly though, how can EA miss all of these signatures? they must have seen them by now, and by spreading the word EA won't be able to ignore us much longer.

[orifice]

Originally Posted by Peteuplink2

I already tried this. I emailed the editors of PCZone, PC gamer and G&VG magazines on Friday and as of yet I've had no reply from either.

If anyone can think of any other games magazines then let me know and I'll send them an email as well.

It's quite possible that you won't. Video games magazines are dependant on companies like EA for advertising revenue and early access to games for preview purposes.
This puts EA in a position to be able to apply pressure to these publications so that they will not print negative articles about their products and/or company.
If one of these magazines defies said pressure they could find themselves with a shortage of advertising revenue and preview copies. Not having access to preview copies of games will affect sales, because their customer base will buy whichever publication has the goods on the games that they are interested in.

[Peteuplink2]

Originally Posted by orifice

It's quite possible that you won't. Video games magazines are dependant on companies like EA for advertising revenue and early access to games for preview purposes.
This puts EA in a position to be able to apply pressure to these publications so that they will not print negative articles about their products and/or company.
If one of these magazines defies said pressure they could find themselves with a shortage of advertising revenue and preview copies. Not having access to preview copies of games will affect sales, because their customer base will buy whichever publication has the goods on the games that they are interested in.

I understand that, but it wouldn't have hurt them to send a reply even if it was "Sorry, we can't help."

[Peteuplink2]

I got a reply to my email:

Hello,

Thank you for contacting EA Technical Support. With regards to your concern with Spore, The DRM solution implemented for the Spore Creature Creator changes copy protection from being key disc based, which requires authentication every time you play the game by requiring a disc in the drive, to a one time online authentication. This system has the added benefit of allowing you to seamlessly play your game without requiring the game disc in the drive.

KEY POINTS:

* This system allows you to authenticate your game on three different computers with the purchase of one disc. EA Customer Service is on hand to supply any additional authorizations that are warranted. This will be done on a case-by-case basis by contacting Customer Support.
* Games are authorized to your machine when you first install and launch the game.
* We’ve all had those times when the discs get lost or scratched and you can’t play a game you’ve bought because you need a working disc in the drive. With this new system, players will no longer need the disc to play the game, but can instead simply retain the disc as back up for re-installation.

FAQ:
Q: What is the difference between the old PC disc authentication solution and the new online model?
A: Two things have changed:

* First, authentication of your game disc has changed from a physical format to an online format, eliminating the need to have a disc in the drive when playing.
* Second, with online authentication, consumers now connect to the Internet the first time the game is launched and are only required to reconnect if they are downloading new game content.

Q: How will the game authenticate now?
A: We authenticate your game online when you install and launch it for the first time.

Q: Do I have to re-authenticate after the first time my game is launched?
A: Re-authentication is required if the game is re-installed on a previously authorized machine for any reason. If you choose to use online features or download new content or a patch for your game you will need to register online and log in for those services.

Q: What are the benefits of online authentication, vs. the disc-based model?
A: The new system means you don't need to have the game disc in your computer in order to play. Losing a disc will no longer keep you from enjoying a game you already have installed.

Q: Am I able to play my game on more than one computer? Do I need the disc for that?
A: You'll be able to install and play your game on up to three computers without the need of the game disc. Your computer is authorized after installation and the initial launch of the game.

Q: Will I still be able to play my game offline?
A: Yes, you can play offline. However, we do hope that you will play online. Sharing creatures, buildings and vehicles with other players is something that is unique to Spore and one of the coolest features of the game.

Q: What happens when I’ve reached the maximum number of computers for my game and I need more? (Due to computer upgrades, theft, crashes, etc.)
A: EA Customer Support is on hand to supply any additional authorizations that are warranted. This will be done on a case-by-case basis by contacting Customer Support.

Q: Why are Maxis and EA implementing this new authentication process?
A: This solution serves to protect our software from piracy. It has the added benefit of allowing you to activate your game on multiple machines without needing the game disc in the drive when playing the game.

Should you require further assistance about this or any Electronic Arts games in the future please visit our website and review our extensive Self Help knowledgebase (Page Error - 404.

Thank you!

Roel
Electronic Arts Technical Support Team Response (Roel D.)08/12/2008 05:00 PM Hello,

Thank you for contacting EA Technical Support. With regards to your concern with Spore, The DRM solution implemented for the Spore Creature Creator changes copy protection from being key disc based, which requires authentication every time you play the game by requiring a disc in the drive, to a one time online authentication. This system has the added benefit of allowing you to seamlessly play your game without requiring the game disc in the drive.

KEY POINTS:

* This system allows you to authenticate your game on three different computers with the purchase of one disc. EA Customer Service is on hand to supply any additional authorizations that are warranted. This will be done on a case-by-case basis by contacting Customer Support.
* Games are authorized to your machine when you first install and launch the game.
* We’ve all had those times when the discs get lost or scratched and you can’t play a game you’ve bought because you need a working disc in the drive. With this new system, players will no longer need the disc to play the game, but can instead simply retain the disc as back up for re-installation.

FAQ:
Q: What is the difference between the old PC disc authentication solution and the new online model?
A: Two things have changed:

* First, authentication of your game disc has changed from a physical format to an online format, eliminating the need to have a disc in the drive when playing.
* Second, with online authentication, consumers now connect to the Internet the first time the game is launched and are only required to reconnect if they are downloading new game content.

Q: How will the game authenticate now?
A: We authenticate your game online when you install and launch it for the first time.

Q: Do I have to re-authenticate after the first time my game is launched?
A: Re-authentication is required if the game is re-installed on a previously authorized machine for any reason. If you choose to use online features or download new content or a patch for your game you will need to register online and log in for those services.

Q: What are the benefits of online authentication, vs. the disc-based model?
A: The new system means you don't need to have the game disc in your computer in order to play. Losing a disc will no longer keep you from enjoying a game you already have installed.

Q: Am I able to play my game on more than one computer? Do I need the disc for that?
A: You'll be able to install and play your game on up to three computers without the need of the game disc. Your computer is authorized after installation and the initial launch of the game.

Q: Will I still be able to play my game offline?
A: Yes, you can play offline. However, we do hope that you will play online. Sharing creatures, buildings and vehicles with other players is something that is unique to Spore and one of the coolest features of the game.

Q: What happens when I’ve reached the maximum number of computers for my game and I need more? (Due to computer upgrades, theft, crashes, etc.)
A: EA Customer Support is on hand to supply any additional authorizations that are warranted. This will be done on a case-by-case basis by contacting Customer Support.

Q: Why are Maxis and EA implementing this new authentication process?
A: This solution serves to protect our software from piracy. It has the added benefit of allowing you to activate your game on multiple machines without needing the game disc in the drive when playing the game.

Should you require further assistance about this or any Electronic Arts games in the future please visit our website and review our extensive Self Help knowledgebase

Thank you!

Roel
Electronic Arts Technical Support Team

I sent them back this reply:

#The only other question I have to ask is does changing drivers or adding/removing software/hardware from my PC cause the SecuROM copy protection to trigger another activation? For instance if I use up one activation on installing the game and another if I buy a new sound card will I use up my 3rd one from something as simple as updating my graphics drivers, and if so, why?

[Spah]

I don't get what the fuss is about the whole "Securom collects our PC data" thing. What info does it exactly collect that makes it so bad?

System specs? I don't see how they can possibly abuse that beyond advertising various hardware brands in-game like they did with BF2142.

IP? Well, since Spore is mostly an online game then they would get our IPs as well. What can they possibly do with our IPs anyway, unless they have access to ISPs? Since a lot of people nowadays have dynamic IPs I really don't see what the problem is.

Internet browser history? So EA finds out you look at porn, what are they going to do, blackmail you?

Personal info? I don't know about you, but I don't have any really personal info on my PC since I only use it for games. The only info they can find out about me is the info they already have from my EA account, which is useless to them unless they have access to the Irish social security database.

[Lethn]

Looking through what they've said this does put me at ease though only marginally, what I want is a straight answer from them, are they using ANY software of the sort SecuROM has and does this authentication count through the installation of the software? If I actually got a hassle free response from customer support I wouldn't mind having to go through them but what I'm worried about is wasting more money contacting them for a game that I have already bought with the whole 3 installation thing!

Please just give us a straight answer instead of using all the PA stealth garbage! Also Spah the problem isn't necessarily the software scanning, but it's the fact that they've made the EULA so vague that it could count for almost anything on your computer, so if you have passwords or user names stored there then that is going to cause some serious issues as you could be peaked at by EA games or SecuROM and have that info taken from you, and EA would use the excuse of the EULA if you tried to take any law action against them which really infuriates me actually, not only that they could track you whilst your using a credit card number etc. if it's spyware as sophisticated as it might be.

I think EA Games needs to re-write their EULA so that the average person can understand it and so it's not so damn vague, with this whole PR thing I've actually gotten to the level now where I can read through what politicians have to bloody say and it sickens me, EA Games is supposed to be JUST a publisher and they should act like it! Not like control freaks trying to take over our systems, even other companies that install spyware or those rubbishy search engines on your computer at least warn you and give you the option to remove this.

In fact, here's a thought, why can't EA Games give us the option to remove ALL protection off the game if we contact customer support and have it done for us? I'd be happy with that, but then again that would be really annoying for most people so I'd much rather we'd not have that and just have no copy protection altogether.

I just want EA Games to give us an honest answer, they clearly don't realize just how many customers they're going to lose from all this all it does is encourage more piracy.

Oh also if you guys want to write an article about this maybe and submit it to the escapist that might work in getting the message out, I think it's about time EA started talking to us.

[Watashiii]

Originally Posted by Spah

I don't get what the fuss is about the whole "Securom collects our PC data" thing. What info does it exactly collect that makes it so bad?

Because it's a gateway to them makong a new Bonzi Buddy in a few years. We should complain and spread some awareness while we are ahead

[Watashiii]

Originally Posted by Peteuplink2

I sent them back this reply:

They do love to avoid that answer, don't they?

[Wishbone77]

Originally Posted by Lethn

are they using ANY software of the sort SecuROM has?

Yes, because they are using SecuROM. I didn't realize anyone had any doubts as to what system they are using.

[Lethn]

Like I said I just personally want them to be upfront and honest about what they're putting onto our computers, this kind of stuff has gone on long enough.

[Wishbone77]

Well, they are honest and upfront about what they're putting on our computers. It's SecuROM. However, they are not honest and upfront about what it does.

[Malgor]

I've sent articles out to PC Zone, EDGE Gaming, and the Escapist. I have encouraged them to write their own articles on the subject, but have also supplied them with a short 1500 word article to run if they would rather. I don't hold much hope of any of them running anything, but you never know, we have to try.

I will upload another article later, which you can all send on to whoever you like, or you can use as inspiration to write up your own articles for submission.

[5xkwsk]

The only thing I don't like is that you have to re-activate every time you change hardware, and I do that quite a bit, which means I'll have to request more activations.

[Peteuplink2]

Originally Posted by 5xkwsk

The only thing I don't like is that you have to re-activate every time you change hardware, and I do that quite a bit, which means I'll have to request more activations.

This is the main thing that's bugging me as well... I'm not quite so bothered about SecuROM "snooping" my PC because I've got nothing on there worth snooping at and I'm not that bothered if it leaves me open to some sort of security risk, because it's next to no time for me to format and reinstall should I really have to. Of course I wouldn't be happy with it, but it's not the end of the world... Now what's bugging me is the activations of the software on doing simple things like updating drivers, and it's the one thing EA seem to be unwilling to answer.

[SkywalkerPL]

Now what's bugging me is the activations of the software on doing simple things like updating drivers, and it's the one thing EA seem to be unwilling to answer.

Aye, that could be real pain. I tend to always have most recent drivers, what means quite lots of updates, so in about 2-3 months I'll be out of my 3 activations. Then I call EA, ask for 3 new, 3 months pass, next call -_- bleah, no matter how cool the game would be - this can make me hate it.

[5xkwsk]

I really hope that there will be a free system to getting activation points back, not some expensive phone call to EA.

[Watashiii]

Originally Posted by Wishbone77

Well, they are honest and upfront about what they're putting on our computers. It's SecuROM. However, they are not honest and upfront about what it does.

Well, then I know about some people who were upfront and honest about leting you download their Bonzi Buddy program

[Watashiii]

Originally Posted by Peteuplink2

if it leaves me open to some sort of security risk, because it's next to no time for me to format and reinstall should I really have to

It would cost you one activation

[Pagett04]

I read/watched somebody talking about secuROM and it said that all you have to do to uninstall SecuROM is download a game specific uninstaller for secuROM. Can anyone confirm this?

And also I was not aware that SecuROM 'damages' your PC, I thought it:

1) Blocked some registry access.
2) Conflicted SOME disk drives.
3) Validates at a predefined time or event.
4) Can interfere with software.
5) It can be abused to allow a third party to gain access to private areas.

Theres probably more but i can't remember, Please add to this list.

[Kris015]

So there is a way to uninstall it?

[Watashiii]

Originally Posted by Kris015

So there is a way to uninstall it?

Yes, but then the game won't work. The uninstaller is used so you can get rid of it after you uninstall the game because, like any other spyware, it stays on your computer even after you delete a game

[Peteuplink2]

Originally Posted by Watashiii

It would cost you one activation

That's why I have an issue with the activations... Other aspects of SecuROM don't bother me that much because I don't have personal or private data on my gaming PC and there's nothing saved to it that I wouldn't mind losing... No, the only worry for me is the 3 activations thing should SecuROM screw up and cost me an activation or should a simple thing like plugging my USB joystick into a different port cost me an activation.

It's the 3 activations I want to see gone, but I totally understand people reasons for wanting SecuROM gone as well.

Don't get me wrong, I'm not overjoyed at having SecuROM on my gaming PC, but it's the activations issue that's the biggest concern for me.

[Carenthos]

Maybe thats what they are going to do. They'll use securom to break peoples computers, forcing them to reinstall spore all over the place and in no time they'll have hundreds of people buying new copies and phoning the support number.

[Peteuplink2]

Another reply:

Hello,

Thank you for writing us back. Changing Operating system and hardware will trigger the activation as far as I am aware.

Should you require further assistance about this or any Electronic Arts games in the future please visit our website and review our extensive Self Help knowledgebase (http://electronicarts.co.uk/support).

Thank you!

Roel
Electronic Arts Technical Support Team

and my reply:

Thanks for your quick reply. One last question: Does updating drivers trigger an activation also?

[Sporelord100]

what is this thing called ''SecuROM''