DRM

[norb]

Janh wrote:

I also have something for you to consider: What happens if you'd install in a virtual host, like I do on my work notebook running a Windows guest a Linux VM host? That would mainly require a lot of RAM, but with 2GB requirement and most computers today having 4-8GB no problem. I assume I could then just copy the VM-Machine with the game to my desktop if needed and launch the virtual machine there. But would I still have to reactivate? If not, that would be a some way for a "backup" or to move to a different machine, though pretty cumbersome.
The question is whether that would be something you'd tolerate, or whether not?

Tolerate? Yes. Support? Don't have the manpower. If it works, go for it.

[norb]

Rich Mac wrote:

I'd prefer #1, however if you implemented #2 it wouldn't be a show-stopper.

Would it be possible to give the purchaser the option of #1 or #2 at the time of download? Perhaps that is impossible or would be a major PITA to solve technically, but it would give you the best chance of keeping most customers happy.

I'm not sure if it's possible or not, but I don't think we will because our support is this forum right here. I'm not sure that we could offer tech support for two different methods.

[norb]

I just want to say to everyone, thanks for nothing!!! You guys can't agree on anything and I'm no closer to figuring this out than when I started

Actually you've given us a lot to consider and I am talking with the company doing the drm for us. They work very closely with us to make sure that they provide the solution that our customers want. It's sort of stupid to be spending all this time on something that will be hacked soon after release, but I can't NOT try to stop the shoplifters. Our families have spent too many years looking at the back of our heads hunched over our computers for us to just allow people to walk out of the store without paying.

[O. O. Howard]

norb wrote:

I just want to say to everyone, thanks for nothing!!! You guys can't agree on anything and I'm no closer to figuring this out than when I started

Actually you've given us a lot to consider and I am talking with the company doing the drm for us. They work very closely with us to make sure that they provide the solution that our customers want. It's sort of stupid to be spending all this time on something that will be hacked soon after release, but I can't NOT try to stop the shoplifters. Our families have spent too many years looking at the back of our heads hunched over our computers for us to just allow people to walk out of the store without paying.

We are not the ones you have to worry about. We are all going to buy it and keep using it no matter what you decide. You probably need to see what is going to effect purchases by the wider gaming audience while still protecting your work and investment as much as possible.

We know this is a labor of love for you guys, but protecting your work making some money on it will increase our chances of continued and even better releases in the future. I would say do what you need to do based on the wider gaming market and you can count on us buying, using and being very happy with the game no matter what grumbling we make.

[DrMike1997]

I think Howard is right. We will buy the game regardless of which way you go. One comment earlier said that your new mod system obviated the need for multiple installs. If this is correct then a good deal of the fear goes away for either choice!

[norb]

Yes, there will be no reason for multiple installs. Modders no longer will or can mess with our base files. Mods can now override the base files right from their mods folder. This has been one of my pet projects and the team seems pretty happy with it so far.

[IronBMike]

That sounds excellent!

[DrMike1997]

Great! At that point, pick one. Or on second thought pick the one that will make the game cheaper

[norb]

I sort of like the idea of selling the installs. 2-5-10 packs. If you need more you buy more and the price point reflects the installs. So people that maybe have a limited budget could go in with some friends and pick it up.

2 - $19.99 (one install, one backup)
5 - $39.99
10 - $59.99

In this method, if you run out, you have to buy more. I allows people on a limited budget to get the game cheap. People could pool with friends if they want. It would be easy to buy a bunch and set up a lan party.

Not sure if this would be accepted or not, but it certainly would make this whole thing easier on our limited tech support department

[8th Alabama]

Either copy protection is fine by me. If I had to pick I would choose the 5 installs.
Been playing TC2M quite awhile now, had to reinstall once when I replaced my computer.
Best $30 I have ever spent on gaming. Looking forward to Gettysburg and Multiplayer, gonna be a blast.