The Chronicles of Riddick: Assault on Dark Athena

[Jollyrigger]

Received May 2009 PC Gamer today and Chronicles of Riddick: Assault on Dark Athena was reviewed and there is some DRM.

"DRM: Online Authentication, 3 Install Limit; NON-REVOCABLE"

PC Gamer Review Score: 80%

-Jollyrigger

[Veraxus]

Remember to take the battle to Amazon.com. Give the game DRM-related tags (defective by design, rentware, drm infected, etc) and rate it 1 star. We need to increase the awareness of this sort of blatantly abusive (and some would argue illegal) business practice... and hit them where it hurts... the wallet.

I, for one, will not buy the game. I was a guaranteed sale before the I saw the activation notice on the back of the package at Frys - and now I'm a guaranteed lost sale. I can vouch for my 4 closest friends as well - all of whom were guaranteed sales before the DRM was confirmed. That's $250 of lost sales due to DRM just in my circle of friends... whereas piracy is hardly ever a lost sale... doubly so since DRM does nothing to prevent piracy while causing the paying customers no end of grief.

When I bought Bioshock I used up all my activations over the course of one afternoon as I tried to troubleshoot a nasty problem that froze up my computer every time I tried to launch the game. Then when I called to complain, I was accused of being a thief. I will NOT tolerate this kind of behavior by EA, Atari, Ubisoft, or anyone. If I pay for something, it is mine to install as many times as I want no matter what - on my desktop, on my laptop, on my Vista partition or my XP partition... or my Windows 7 beta partition. It's mine. I paid for it. Screw off. In any case, I will simply buy fewer games and take more expensive annual vacations. Simple solution, and everyone wins (well, I do anyway).

Here's the link to the Amazon.com product page for Riddick:ADA on PC: http://www.amazon.com/Chronicles-Rid...dp/B001L18SBK/

Don't forget to hit up other popular etailers like gogamer.com and gamestop.com, too. Let's let Atari know that we won't stand for this crap. Moral of the story: DRM costs more sales it saves.

[GrimReaper4383]

this is why i stopped buying pc games. the last game i bought was Postal 2. and, the 2 expansion packs.

[hlhbk]

Originally Posted by Veraxus

Remember to take the battle to Amazon.com. Give the game DRM-related tags (defective by design, rentware, drm infected, etc) and rate it 1 star. We need to increase the awareness of this sort of blatantly abusive (and some would argue illegal) business practice... and hit them where it hurts... the wallet.

I, for one, will not buy the game. I was a guaranteed sale before the I saw the activation notice on the back of the package at Frys - and now I'm a guaranteed lost sale. I can vouch for my 4 closest friends as well - all of whom were guaranteed sales before the DRM was confirmed. That's $250 of lost sales due to DRM just in my circle of friends... whereas piracy is hardly ever a lost sale... doubly so since DRM does nothing to prevent piracy while causing the paying customers no end of grief.

When I bought Bioshock I used up all my activations over the course of one afternoon as I tried to troubleshoot a nasty problem that froze up my computer every time I tried to launch the game. Then when I called to complain, I was accused of being a thief. I will NOT tolerate this kind of behavior by EA, Atari, Ubisoft, or anyone. If I pay for something, it is mine to install as many times as I want no matter what - on my desktop, on my laptop, on my Vista partition or my XP partition... or my Windows 7 beta partition. It's mine. I paid for it. Screw off. In any case, I will simply buy fewer games and take more expensive annual vacations. Simple solution, and everyone wins (well, I do anyway).

Here's the link to the Amazon.com product page for Riddick:ADA on PC: http://www.amazon.com/Chronicles-Rid...dp/B001L18SBK/

Don't forget to hit up other popular etailers like gogamer.com and gamestop.com, too. Let's let Atari know that we won't stand for this crap. Moral of the story: DRM costs more sales it saves.

Cry much? You do know that per the EULA installing a game on more than one machine is piracy right? Also per the EULA you don't own anything. You are buying a license to use one copy of the software on one machine. You don't own any of the software you buy DRM or not. If you are going to try and be all rebelious and stick it to someone how about getting some facts before posting?

I will be going out and buying the PC version day 1.

[thejtrain]

Originally Posted by hlhbk

You do know that per the EULA installing a game on more than one machine is piracy right? Also per the EULA you don't own anything. You are buying a license to use one copy of the software on one machine. You don't own any of the software you buy DRM or not.

I'm getting really tired of typing out the same thing over and over in response to the same old no-thought-required knee-jerk "read the EULA" arguments, but here goes one more time for the Atari forums.

1) The EULA as constructed today is complete and utter nonsense. A binding contract that you can't read until you've purchased the product controlled by the contract, and which assumes explicit agreement with the contract upon breaking the shrinkwrap (which you have to do before you can read the contract - and making the product unreturnable @ retail if you disagree with the EULA) is absolute indefensible hogwash. If any other company tried to get its customers to sign a contract without letting them read it, and tried to make it binding, they'd be laughed out of any courtroom in America. Unfortunately, there is disagreement in the lower courts as to whether shrinkwrapped EULAs can be binding or not, so until we get some resolution from a higher court, publishers will continue to act as if their EULAs are binding. See here for details.

2) As a matter of fact, under a court-recognized doctrine called First-Sale I DO own the physical media that comes in the box, as well as that one single copy of the digital content contained therein, regardless of any contradictory language that may reside in the EULA. While I may not engage in illegal duplication, distribution, or reverse-engineering, I absolutely MAY use it in keeping with the Fair-Use Doctrine - much like I can legally rip music from a single physical CD and play it on any number of digital devices I own, or make a physical backup copy of the media as insurance against damage to the original.

So no, hlhbk, you're wrong on every point. I certainly don't begrudge you not knowing, this stuff isn't exactly common knowledge and isn't covered by the gaming media. I certainly didn't know until it was pointed out to me, so now I'm just trying to pay it forward by pointing it out to others, so that maybe someday everyone will know what the law says in this regard and consumers can be treated like loyal customers rather than criminals.

[Ominous Gamer]

Why are there 2 threads on this?
http://www.ataricommunity.com/forums...d.php?t=668735

Not that I have a problem with spamming the Atari forums to show how greatly they, once again, dropped the ball.
Problem is, Atari doesn't give a **** about the forums.

Edit:
hlhbk appears to be an idiot.

[GigaElement]

Wow, that's disappointing...

I saw Riddick was in-stock at Amazon then proceeded to uncover what DRM was being used (unfortunately a now mandatory preliminary research task for myself before buying PC games these days). There are comments at Amazon that mention the activation-based DRM (as well as the further nefarious 3 install limit), I found this thread that also helps confirm it.

Simple disc-based check would have been a sale, however, since it's activation-based I'm going to pass on this one. If the game does not sell up to the expectations of Atari, hopefully they consider the DRM as a potential contributing factor keeping some customers away.

[Mo1ecu1e]

Originally Posted by hlhbk

Cry much? You do know that per the EULA installing a game on more than one machine is piracy right? Also per the EULA you don't own anything. You are buying a license to use one copy of the software on one machine. You don't own any of the software you buy DRM or not. If you are going to try and be all rebelious and stick it to someone how about getting some facts before posting?

I will be going out and buying the PC version day 1.

Nobody has the right to tell us how many times we're allowed to install the game we paid our hard earned cash for
If you implement install limits in a game, AT LEAST provide your customers with a revocation tool
I'm not willing to call ATARI customer service and beg them for a new cd key

No revocation tool, no buy, period

[toekutr]

I reinstall my operating system all the time, I'll use all 3 installs in a few months...
I might buy the game if it's already been cracked.

[Jollyrigger]

What is preventing me from the getting the PC Version of Riddick is that lack of revocable installs/activations.

The Only reason why I bought I these Securom game is because it was stated a revoke tool would be released at a later date. List Below:

-Spore
-Command & Conquer Red Alert 3( Revoke tool now ingame)
-Crysis Warhead
-Command & Conquer Red Alert 3: Uprising (Revoke tool ingame)
-Dead Space

-FarCry 2 (uninstall revokes your install limit/activation from said machine)

I don't mind buying DRM infested games as long as I have options just in case I want to revisit these games at a later date on a newer faster system. Atari currently doesn't understand this aspect at all.

Good games shouldn't be shunned by DRM but if you have publishers like Atari who do not offer a revoke tool then I would avoid the game at all costs and get the console versions instead.

-Jollyrigger

[fentonkat]

Threatening to ratings-bomb other sites just because you don't like the DRM is childish and pathetic. You don't like it? Don't buy it.

[toekutr]

Originally Posted by fentonkat

Threatening to ratings-bomb other sites just because you don't like the DRM is childish and pathetic. You don't like it? Don't buy it.

The DRM in this game is going to SERIOUSLY hamper my ability to play the game, because like I said I reinstall my operating system frequently. I want to play the game, but only being allowed 3 installs is not worth $50 dollars.
I'll wait for a crack, maybe by then the price will drop.

[Mithan]

They just lost a sale.

I refuse to buy games that don't have a "revoke" for the DRM. The way I play games, I install them, play them, uninstall them, my brother may play through it on his system and then every year or so, I will play through it again and it really pisses me off when these people put this form of copy protection into their software. Excuse me, but I am PAYING for the software and you are actually going to penalize me for installing and uninstalling it?

Do you WANT me to pirate the damn thing? Like seriously.


I guess I will go to Blockbuster and rent it for the 360 instead.
Shrug.

[Jollyrigger]

Update on DRM!!

So I decided to purchase but not install the PC version and then I handed the copy to my attorney to review the licenses and such.

Since there is no DRM warning on the box Atari has committed an illegal act to deceive customers and if anybody decides to take this to the court level you will most certainly Win the case against Atari my attorney claims.

The only way that Atari could make this legit enough is release or patch in a revocation tool into the uninstaller or through other means deemed necessary.

I will be setting up a blog on this topic incase Atari's mods decide to kill this thread.

Update: http://drmnewsbits.blogspot.com/
Visit my blog and help speak out against deceptive DRM practices.


-Jollyrigger

[Ominous Gamer]

Speak with your wallets, and spread the word as often as possible.

Atari's decision to treat paying customers like criminals has made the front page of reddit, and its Amazon rating is now tanked.

http://www.reddit.com/r/technology/c..._ataris_about/

Keep spreading the word everyone. EA found the light, maybe Atari will to

[Brewmaster]

Originally Posted by Jollyrigger

3 Install Limit; NON-REVOCABLE"

According to several German game mag sites who are referring to an official Atari press release this is not true.

http://www.gamestar.de/news/pc/actio...rk_athena.html


Edit:

Here's a quick translation of the most important facts:

"Every version of the game contains 3 "tokens" - activation contingents - which can be used to install Assault on Dark Athena on 3 different PCs.

If you uninstall Riddick and re-install it on the same system later no token is lost. Thus, the game can be installed as often as you like on one system. If a player has to re-install his PC system more than 3 times he can ask Atari hotline to unlock another token free of charge. A revoke tool for resetting the contingent is not planned at the moment. Btw, activation over I-net is only needed when installing the game, after that the game does not phone home."

Use translation at your own risk. :P

[Ominous Gamer]

Originally Posted by Brewmaster

According to several German game mag sites who are referring to an official Atari press release this is not true.

http://www.gamestar.de/news/pc/actio...rk_athena.html

Other users are already reporting problems activating the game
http://www.ataricommunity.com/forums...d.php?t=672505

[Jollyrigger]

Originally Posted by Brewmaster

According to several German game mag sites who are referring to an official Atari press release this is not true.

http://www.gamestar.de/news/pc/actio...rk_athena.html


Edit:

Here's a quick translation of the most important facts:

"Every version of the game contains 3 "tokens" - activation contingents - which can be used to install Assault on Dark Athena on 3 different PCs.

If you uninstall Riddick and re-install it on the same system later no token is lost. Thus, the game can be installed as often as you like on one system. If a player has to re-install his PC system more than 3 times he can ask Atari hotline to unlock another token free of charge. A revoke tool for resetting the contingent is not planned at the moment. Btw, activation over I-net is only needed when installing the game, after that the game does not phone home."

Use translation at your own risk. :P

Respectfully your are wrong on this one. I have many sources that are claiming these german mag sites are downright misinformed.

You get 3 installs they are NON-REVOCABLE at present and this can only be changed through a patch or from activation servers. PC Gamer would not have posted the "NON-REVOCABLE" if it were false either. Might be the german versions of the game are tailored differently than the US versions.

I have spent the last 3 hours digging more dirt on this issue and much to my chagrin I see the same results.

I will be covering more on this issue through my blog once I have all the information compiled and thoroughly checked the information.
Blog:http://drmnewsbits.blogspot.com/

-Jollyrigger

[Brewmaster]

Originally Posted by Jollyrigger

Respectfully your are wrong on this one.

I was just reporting what's on that game mag's site and since they are referring to THIS forum thread I have no reason to believe they are wrong.

A suggestion:

Instead of digging in the dirt why don't you simply uninstall & re-install Riddick a couple of times ... this would provide you with a very quick answer.

[Linux-user]

F.U.C.K. YOU!!!

I really enjoyed the first Riddick game and really wanted to play this recycled half new Riddick game, but now I know the game uses product activation, I'm not going to buy this game!

Stupid idiots! Who do you think you're stopping by using product activation? Pirates? Think again! Those morons just download everything. Copy protections don't stop any pirate. Every copy protection gets cracked and pirates can play every game, no matter which copy protection is being used. They even play the illegal version BEFORE the game is released in my country, even when the game uses product activation! Before I can buy a game with product activation in the stores in my city. the pirate next-door is already playing a cracked version WITHOUT THE NEED TO ACTIVATE!!!

Who do you lose? People who wanted to buy the game. People like me who wanted to buy the game, but don't have an internet connection on their game PC, so can't activate the game, so can't buy the game. Even if I WANT to buy the game, I'm unable to play it, because I can't activate the game!

There are still a lot of people who don't have an internet connection. Those people can't even play your games anymore! Well, unless they install a illegal version a friend downloaded for them! This is ridiculous! A gamer who wants to pay money for a game has to use a illegal version, only because the publisher doesn't give this game the possibility to play the game in a legal way!!!

Pirates never wanted to buy the game. Your fans wanted to buy the game, but when they hear about product activation, they think again and decide to NOT buy the game!

F.U.C.K. YOU!!!

[Ominous Gamer]

Originally Posted by The Can

You posted this message didn't you? Can't you just activate it on another computer, not sure if that works but so I've been told

Not with the securom settings Atari is using. Its activated the same way Windows XP and Vista activate. You can install it as many times as you want on the same hardware over and over again, but certain upgrades, system formats, or computer replacements take away from your 3 install limit.

The difference is that Windows was able to recongize when you installed the same key on the same hardware after a system wipe. Securom can't do that, it instead uses a rootkit like registry value that stays on your system even after you uninstall all SecuRom protected games.

And Sony offers no support in removing SecuRom completely from your system without a complete system wipe.

[thejtrain]

Originally Posted by The Can

I wonder what the actual point of DRM is. It must be a dirty lie, since it can't stop piracy. I'm thinking either to get people to buy the console version instead or to kill off second hand ^^

DING DING DING, we have a winner!

[Jollyrigger]

Originally Posted by Brewmaster

I was just reporting what's on that game mag's site and since they are referring to THIS forum thread I have no reason to believe they are wrong.

A suggestion:

Instead of digging in the dirt why don't you simply uninstall & re-install Riddick a couple of times ... this would provide you with a very quick answer.

Well dude I would believe PC Gamer over some german site anyday of the week.

I have 3 copies of Riddick at my disposal. I will be posting my findings on my blog later http://drmnewsbits.blogspot.com/

I have my other sources confirming stuff as well.

PC Gamer has never been wrong when it's comes to DRM reporting either.

-Jollyrigger

[Jollyrigger]

For some proof here. I installed and uninstalled the game on one of my laptops 3 times and with an attempted 4th install which failed.

I will be posting more on this later through my blog http://drmnewsbits.blogspot.com/

-Jollyrigger

[va1o]

There's my reason not to buy the game .. will just download it.

When Atari pull there head out there ass I will pull my wallet out

[Sblade]

Atari is using TAGES, avery bad implementation of TAGES, who has the technology to avoid headaches to consumers.

Blame you Atari

[JellyDoodle91]

THANKS ATARI! Saved me the trouble of buying the game, now I will pirate the superior version.

DRM WORKS!

[NasherUK]

Damn, was going to buy this game as well. Now that it has DRM I may pirate it. All DRM does is cause legit customers problems, they always get cracked within a week of release making them completely pointless....

I had huge problems with the DRM/spyware on Bioshock and Spore, to the point where I had to crack my legit copy of the game just to get it to run.

IMO game reviewers should punish games more harshly in their review scores for sticking DRM on their games, afterall it is a form of malware and it's legality is questionable in many countries. They also give no warnings on the box about a 3 install limit, it's my understanding that this is illigal? Making their EULA invalid? Which would make it legal to download it?

[thejtrain]

I think what's really required is a reminder of what the term "DRM" means - Digital Rights Management - and an open, honest, and frank discussion between publishers and consumers about the specific definitions of the word "Rights" in that context. There are laws on the books and court decisions making rulings on those laws that are there and available to refer to - all that's required is a good-faith effort on both sides to come to some agreement as to what those "Rights" are, for both the content creators and the content consumers. What are the Digital Rights of the content creators, taken in light of 17 U.S.C. Sections 100-110? What are the Digital Rights of content consumers, taken in light of 17 U.S.C. 100-110? Let's figure THAT out first, then we can figure out how to fairly Manage those Digital Rights, on both sides.

I don't think we're really very likely to see that kind of thing happen anytime soon, absent more and more court decisions, due to the egos and "me first and the hell with you" attitudes that can be prevalent on both sides. But I continue to hold out hope for it nonetheless.