TDU PC Digital Download News

[baker011]

If you dont want to wait to purchase your copy of TDU for the PC then Atari will be giving users the chance to digitally download it before the actual release date. I dont have a confirmed date for this yet but its likely to be 1-2 weeks earlier than the actual release date.

Keep checking back here and I will continue to update you guys with news and links to how to download it when I have it!

1. Update #1 - Atari will also be running a promotion alongside the digital download launch. Each day, for the first 20 days, one lucky user who purchases a copy through our digital download service will win a Logitech racing wheel for the PC. This has a street value of about $300!
   
2. Update #2 - Download is available from Midnight March 6th
   
3. Update #3 -

   Atari, Inc. would like to apologize to all those who downloaded the game earlier today and were unable to use the online functionality. Since discovering this issue, our team has been working hard to resolve it. Users can now go online with their game and should no longer experience this problem. As a gesture of good will to users who downloaded the game in the first 24 hours, Atari is offering a coupon for 75% off your next Digital Download purchase valid through the end of June. Atari will be adding many more games (some new and many classics) to our store in Digital Format. This coupon will be sent tomorrow to the email you provided when you purchased Test Drive Unlimited.
   
   Thank you for your support and understanding!
   
   Best Regards,
   Atari, Inc

4. Update #4 - If you are having log in problems, please check out http://www.gamespyarcade.com/support/firewalls.shtml for information on firewall settings and gamespy.
   
5. Update #5 - Digital Download has now been halted until the issue is completely resolved. We will have news for all customers who purchased a copy via the DD service soon.
   
6. Update #6 -

   In response to our failed launch of the digital download of Test Drive Unlimited for the Windows platform, I would like to apologize for the service failure. It is unacceptable. We are working on the solution and Test Drive Unlimited will be available shortly via digital download. In the meantime, customers affected by this postponement will receive the boxed product of Test Drive Unlimited in the mail within one week, a 75% off certificate valid towards your next purchase on Atari.com and a $3.95 refund for product insurance, if purchased. We will do better.
   
   Sincerely,
   Nique Fajors
   Vice President, Sales & Marketing, Atari, Inc.

7. Update #7 = MOST RECENT UPDATE
   

   Atari is pleased to announce that the Digital Download version of Test Drive Unlimited for the PC is NOW LIVE, one week before retail launch, on our US website Atari.com/us. The download link can be found on this page: http://www.atari.com/us/games/test_d...imited/dvd_rom From there you will be able to get your copy of the game and download it directly to your PC.
   
   This is the final version of the game and comes with a full color PDF version of the manual so you are not missing out on anything. The download is quick, easy, and requires a one-time activation. After that point you won't even notice the difference between the download and retail versions, except that you won't need a CD of course! The kinks have been worked out and the download works just as expected and just like the regular boxed version of the game!
   
   To purchase your copy of Test Drive Unlimited for the PC in Digital Download format CLICK HERE! We are offering it on our website RIGHT NOW, more than a week before retail launch! Why wait? Start playing the game today!
   
   See you on Hawaii!
   
   Best Regards and Enjoy!
   Mattlab
   

[[BFs]GBesaw]

Thanks for the information, sir .

[Ominous Gamer]

Is this copy going to include SecuRom like the digital download of NWN2 did?

[Spyfunkr]

Originally Posted by baker011

If you dont want to wait to purchase your copy of TDU for the PC then Atari will be giving users the chance to digitally download it before the actual release date. I dont have a confirmed date for this yet but its likely to be 1-2 weeks earlier than the actual release date.

Keep checking back here and I will continue to update you guys with news and links to how to download it when I have it!

Thanks for the information!

This sounds like a great use of internet access, but after watching EA try to do this with Carbon, Im reluctant.

Are you using an in house system to distribute, or third party? Any other info that would reassure us?

Thanks, Spy

[Ominous Gamer]

Originally Posted by Spyfunkr

Thanks for the information!

This sounds like a great use of internet access, but after watching EA try to do this with Carbon, Im reluctant.

Are you using an in house system to distribute, or third party? Any other info that would reassure us?

Thanks, Spy

Neverwinter Nights 2 used Direct2Drive
and since TestDrive Unlimited requires a GameSpy ID (an IGN company), its safe to bet Test Drive Unlimited is also going to use IGN's Direct2Drive.

IGN is evil by the way.

[VertigoSFX]

This is a good idea because it competes with everyone else, I'm sure Atari has worked out their system better than EA has...

Either way I'm against downloading a digital copy, I'd much rather have an actual disc sitting at my desk..takes too much time to have to redownload in case you reformat or lose your copy somehow.

[Unkstur]

I will take a download and key please!

Please keep us informed.

[PrimalOrB]

****, i would but i already pre-ordered from EBGames

[Spyfunkr]

My F5 key is wearing out....

[Mattlab]

Hey all,

Hello my name on the forums here is Mattlab and some of you may remember me from over a year ago when I used to run the forum. Now I am in charge of Digital Distribution / E-Commerce here at Atari, Inc. That means that I am responsible for making sure that all of you can get your favorite games as quickly and easily as possible.

As baker011 our Forum Manager has said we are indeed planning on releasing Test Drive Unlimited for the PC in Digital Download format 1 - 2 weeks ahead of retail launch which is schedualed for March 20th!

Now to answer some of your questions about the upcoming Digital Download of Test Drive Unlimited for the PC.

Originally Posted by Ominous Gamer

Is this copy going to include SecuRom like the digital download of NWN2 did?

In short, the answer is yes. However, we are NOT using the same version that was used for Neverwinter Nights 2. We made sure to optimize it and test it for a number of weeks to work specifically for download on our website to make sure everything is easy and smooth. In fact just to be sure, everything was working fine I decided to test downloaded and play Test Drive Unlimited PC last night and can safely say that whole process exceeded my expectations.

Originally Posted by Spyfunkr

Thanks for the information!
This sounds like a great use of internet access, but after watching EA try to do this with Carbon, Im reluctant.
Are you using an in house system to distribute, or third party? Any other info that would reassure us?

Thanks, Spy

Good question!

When planning the way downloads would work on our site we wanted to make sure that end user experience from download to play time was simple, intuitive, quick as possible. Although I can't say too much right now, the process will be very similar to the way buying a boxed product game works on Atari US except that instead of having to wait for the game in the mail you will be able to start downloading right away. In order to make it easy and simple for everyone the checkout process will be very similar to what it is now on our site.

Originally Posted by VertigoSFX

This is a good idea because it competes with everyone else, I'm sure Atari has worked out their system better than EA has...

Either way I'm against downloading a digital copy, I'd much rather have an actual disc sitting at my desk..takes too much time to have to redownload in case you reformat or lose your copy somehow.

We are offering a way for users who are afraid of loosing the download and not being able to download it later to opt into a program that will guarantee their download for up to 2 years. Meaning that even if we stop selling the game you will be able to still go and download the game from our servers for up to 2 years after purchase. Therefore, if you accidentally delete the game or reformat you can just login and download it again.

Warm up that F5 refresh key! Be one of the first to get the game!

Best Regards,
Mattlab
Atari, Inc.
Digital Downloads and E-Commerce, Atari Online Entertainment

[madskillz]

Hello, Mr. Matt. Is there a way to buy a hard copy manual for the game? Thanks ... and how will we pay for DLCs (Downloadable content - like cars, modes, extra tracks, clothes)?

[Ominous Gamer]

Originally Posted by madskillz

Hello, Mr. Matt. Is there a way to buy a hard copy manual for the game?

Ditto (or at least get a pdf of the manual), and the downloaded files (before unpacking) are easy to burn or backup right, no risk of having them expire after 2 years or some odd crap?


oh, and thats a big uncool on the rootkit securom, no game disc to protect, but you still have infect our machines? Even though they still need gamespy accounts and CD keys to play online...

[Spyfunkr]

Whoa!!! A human response, detailing all the available questions. Very different than another 2 letter company I know. The fact that an Atari employee has tested it and reproted is very promising, at least relatively.

Thanks very much for your responses and diligence. Looking forward to getting a nice little hyperlink.

-Spy

[shaken_bacon]

2 years, that does not seem like a very long time, so are you able to burn the game on a disc? or back it up in any way? Other then having to redownload it within the 2 years?

-thanks

[downer]

This is excellent news! I prefer to do my transactions digitally, and I was hoping something like this might be offered. The added bonus of possible getting access to it 1-2 weeks earlier is a bonus, and the possibility to win a g25 (assuming that's the model, as the price matches) is just icing on the cake!

Well done!

[TiburonGT06]

now the 360 players will have to wait even longer for our content. hurray!

[Mattlab]

Originally Posted by shaken_bacon

2 years, that does not seem like a very long time, so are you able to burn the game on a disc? or back it up in any way? Other then having to redownload it within the 2 years?

-thanks

Taken from the EULA Agreement in the manual for Test Drive Unlimited:

PERMITTED USES
If the Software is configured for loading on a hard drive, you may install and use the Software on a single computer. You may make and maintain one copy of the Software for backup and archival purposes, provided that the original and copy of the Software are kept in your possession. You may permanently transfer all your rights under this EULA, provided you retain no copies, you transfer all of the Software (including all component parts, the media and printed materials and any upgrades) and the recipient reads and accepts this EULA.

RESTRICTIONS
You may not delete or obscure any copyright, trademark or other proprietary notice on the Software or accompanying printed materials.
You may not decompile, modify, reverse engineer, disassemble or otherwise reproduce the Software.

You may not copy, rent, lease, sublicense, distribute, publicly display the Software, create derivative works based on the Software (except to the extent expressly permitted in the Editor and End-User Variation section of this Agreement or other documentation accompanying the Software) or otherwise commercially exploit the Software.

You may not electronically transmit the Software from one computer, console or other platform to another or over a network.

You may not use any backup or archival copy of the Software for any purpose
other than to replace the original copy in the event it’s destroyed or becomes defective.

The game works just like any other game so yes you can theoretically make a backup if you wish.

Originally Posted by Ominous Gamer

Ditto (or at least get a pdf of the manual), and the downloaded files (before unpacking) are easy to burn or backup right, no risk of having them expire after 2 years or some odd crap?


oh, and thats a big uncool on the rootkit securom, no game disc to protect, but you still have infect our machines? Even though they still need gamespy accounts and CD keys to play online...

I do not believe that we are releasing the manual ahead of the download, at least not at this moment. Once you download the game you can find the manual inside of Atari > Test Drive Unlimited > Extras > Manual GB.pdf It is a full color PDF file. Note that the location may change depending on where you choose to install it but the above is the default location.

SecuRom allows us to make sure that the game files are not distributed freely all over the place. I was playing the game and except for the one time when you need to put in your CD Key in the very begining during initial installation you never notice SecuRom again. Best of all since its a download it means that you don't need a CD to play.

Also although not relating to the download... You only need a Gamespy account if you want to do multiplayer...

[Ominous Gamer]

That EULA is the standard one given in all your recent games, it says we are allowed to make a backup, but the protection included does not make it possible. Especially for those with a DVD version.

And if you honestly think securom is going to halt pirates you're a fool. Just search (insert site of choice) for NWN2. And I've heard your line before about never having to deal with securom directly, but in all 3 betas, and with NWN2, every time I loaded the game Securom would tell me my computer time was wrong and it had to check in with the servers. I consider myself lucky; seen the NWN2 thread requesting the removal of securom lately?
Not to mention that when the game is uninstalled, securom is left behind.

[Spyfunkr]

Im pretty sure Atari (and every other established software company) realizes that no copy protection can completely prevent piracy. I think it falls under due-diligence, which is probably mandated by the legal folks.

I, personally, have never had these problems with starforce or securom. I know a lot of people that have, and they usually dont bother posting responses to "Is your software legal".

Spy

[[BFs]GBesaw]

Mattlab, is no fool. And thank you Mattlab for the update. Folks in the US now have a choice in how/when they can get the game. The pros/cons have been discussed in this thread -- each gamer can make their own decision on which method of getting the retail is best for them.

[Mattlab]

Please keep this thread on topic about the download / game and not turn it into a debate about copy protection. Thank you!

[Spyfunkr]

My bad.

[Ominous Gamer]

Originally Posted by Spyfunkr

My bad.

I don't think you were on his radar, like, at all.

[Unkstur]

I'm sold, now, about that link?!?!

I clicked on every word Matt said and still no download ?!?!

[shaken_bacon]

Originally Posted by Mattlab

Please keep this thread on topic about the download / game and not turn it into a debate about copy protection. Thank you!

Thanks for the answer but I am still not sure if that means I can back it up on a disc or not. Alot of games like O G said make it hard and prevent you from making a copy. Maybe this is differnet for downloadable games im not sure.

-thanks for your help.

[MCO_Crim]

Originally Posted by Unkstur

I'm sold, now, about that link?!?!

I clicked on every word Matt said and still no download ?!?!

Same here Unkster been refreshing every 5 seconds but nuttin yet.......




Crim

[Rosten]

Time to cancel my pre-order. I just hope the download service isn't something HORRIBLY CRAP like EA Link. I regret downloading Battlefield 2142 from that rather than getting the DVD every day, as it constantly causes problems like crashing during gameplay which switches you back to the desktop, downloading ads in the background causing lag, forgetting your password every time they change the software, etc.. When you can get a higher quality product from piracy, customers are obviously being abused.

Ideally it'd be available via Direct2Drive, as it's no-nonsense - download/install the game and it's out of your face forever after.

[Mattlab]

Originally Posted by Rosten

Time to cancel my pre-order. I just hope the download service isn't something HORRIBLY CRAP like EA Link. I regret downloading Battlefield 2142 from that rather than getting the DVD every day, as it constantly causes problems like crashing during gameplay which switches you back to the desktop, downloading ads in the background causing lag, forgetting your password every time they change the software, etc.. When you can get a higher quality product from piracy, customers are obviously being abused.

Ideally it'd be available via Direct2Drive, as it's no-nonsense - download/install the game and it's out of your face forever after.

We are following a model of easy, quick, no-nonsense digital distribution. We want to make it super easy to get the game to customer and not have to worry about anything extra. The game will work exactly the same as the boxed version.

Also we are considering a adding few more incentives, in addition to the Logitech Wheel promiton already planned, to give to people who download the game from us so stay tuned. Good things are in the works, I promise!

Last but not least... well I'll save this surprise for later...

[Unkstur]

My New Hero!

[I AM ME]

Mattlab, when is the download coming out???