Messages

1

General / Re: Applauding the DRM removal

« on: December 29, 2008, 06:34:49 pm »

8. Limitations on License. Nothing in this Agreement shall preclude you from making or authorizing the making of another copy of the Program provided, however, that (1) such new copy is created as an essential step in your utilization of the Program in accordance with the terms of this Agreement and for NO OTHER PURPOSE; or (2) such new copy is for archival purposes ONLY and all archival copies are destroyed in the event of your Transfer of the Program, the Termination of this Agreement, or other circumstances under which your continued use of the Program ceases to be rightful.

Can anyone clarify for those who want to know if it's legal?

It says this agreement will not deny you the ability to make a backup copy or having someone else back it up for you as long as it's required (computer can't use it any other way) or it's for personal keeping. Personal copies have to be broken (or given along with) the legitimate version when you give it away or if Bit-Blot says you can't have it anymore.

This is all assuming the EULA is even legal in your state, in most states they aren't and it's entirely up to which circuit the dispute goes through as to if they're enforceable. Even if the state doesn't have EULAs, it still has copyright so you can't go giving out pirate copies just because the specific agreement is meaningless

2

General / Re: Applauding the DRM removal

« on: December 28, 2008, 09:23:41 pm »

However, given how light it sounds like it was, and Alec's attitude in this thread, I probably would never have minded the DRM had I purchased the non-Steam version.

You are entitled to that decision, but I still must ask you at what point are you willing to "put your foot down" so to speak?

The original post sounds inflammatory. I don't think that sort of tone is appropriate.

I've already apologized about that; I tend to speak aggressively against what I feel is wrong or misguided. I've seen so much apathy about things that should be taken seriously lest they worsen.

I respected Bit-Blot for how they are interactive in their community, but activation is too far IMHO and they lost it. Taking it out has restored my respect for them, and so I wish to speak more effectively than a forum post by even buying a copy of their hard work. I also wanted to make sure that it was known that this choice was out of respect than simply a random sale.

Spreadsheets cannot show intent, which is what makes it nearly impossible to argue that DRM is "good". If a game fails due to DRM the writeoff is piracy and more DRM is added. If a game succeeds, DRM is praised as the reason and more is added. By buying a copy and posting a thanks, they can know.

3

General / Re: Applauding the DRM removal

« on: December 23, 2008, 02:44:13 pm »

I just hope nobody rips graphics or sound effects from your game for their own productions now that they are so easily accessible.

I don't think that's ever been a really bad issue, it's usually just tiny pieces that get re-used if anything. Panic's truck icon for their FTP app has been recycled in to a couple shopping sites (they actually had a laugh about it on their site at one point) and Uplink reused a clicking noise from Dungeon Keeper (the copyright tag was still on the wav, lol)

4

General / Re: Applauding the DRM removal

« on: December 22, 2008, 10:57:26 am »

kind of a passive aggressive thanks there.

I meant it to be more congratulatory than aggressive, but I'm not so great with inflection. Sorry about that.

5

General / Applauding the DRM removal

« on: December 21, 2008, 06:00:24 pm »

When I heard about Aquaria ages ago I was put off by the use of DRM (as it was explained to me, you have to activate it every time you install the game) and I do not purchase from authors that treat legitimate users as thieves. However since this is actually being *removed* in 1.1.2 I've gone ahead and purchased a copy. Kudos to Bit-Blot for shedding faulty technology, and writing  good games

I wish the team success on future projects, though you should maybe remove the DRM a little sooner next time