My Concerns

[norb]

We handle activation issues privately, mainly because we need the log and the key and we don't want that posted. So any issues like that should be sent to sowsupport at scourgeofwar dot com.

[JoeExplorer]

Time for me to chime in.

I'm 50 years old. I self taught myself programming way back on the commodore 64. Since then I retired as a programmer for the feds. I have made several of my own programs that are still being used today. As a matter of fact my first real program was a football game, written line by line in qbasic.

Having said that; I have a ton of games too. I luv the old games Panzer General/Pac General, CW2, on and on....I find myself going back to these old classics every two or three years.

Am I going to be able to put this new Gettysburg game down in six months and then pick it back up in a year or two?

I'm not worried about the internet. It's weather or not the Developers sometime down the road, let it be 5 or even 6 years from now decide for whatever reason not maintain the website for activation. Then what....??? I know 5 or 6 years from now I can still play panzer general.

I love the TC2M. And I'm trying to convince myself to buy this game. But for $45.00 I want to hold it in my hand.

[norb]

Thanks Joe, appreciate your input. We do hope to do a boxed copy someday. It's really all a factor that we are very small, do this in our spare time, and just don't have the resources to do everything we want to do. So it's possible that we may do a box set at some point, it's just that we have a hard enough time keeping up with this release right now.

[JMayer]

I have played both TC games and I think SoWGB is by far the best of all. Norb I would put a lock and key and what ever it takes to keep this game from people who Hack and Crack just to steal money from guys like you and your team who I know have worked very hard to make this game. I know it was more a labor of love than a cranked out molded remake of a piece of Crap Game. If for some reason anyone doesn't like to buy this game because of the security protection then don't buy it. I would not be without it myself.

It seems there is always one that tries to make a stink about something like security as to make it look bad in forums. This kind of person is always going to be around, sorry to it, but Norb keep the game from falling into the hands of Hackers and Crackers so we don't have to play with them. If I can't afford to buy a game I won't resort to a hacked version by any chance. My morals won't let me. In case you are wondering I am older guy who loves this game alot.

Thanks alot Norbsoftdev Team
With all sincerity
JMayer

[Vincent83]

Norb and his team have done an excellent job for being the small team they are, and have the right to protect their work. This level of DRM is fine, some companies will leave stuff in your registry that can be a pain to get rid of and sometimes even screw up your system.

That being said, even the strongest DRM doesn't stop hacks/cracks. But to me no DRM is like leaving the front door to your house open all the time. No way Jose!

[Michael Slaunwhite]

JMayer wrote:

It seems there is always one that tries to make a stink about something like security as to make it look bad in forums. This kind of person is always going to be around, sorry to it, but Norb keep the game from falling into the hands of Hackers and Crackers so we don't have to play with them. If I can't afford to buy a game I won't resort to a hacked version by any chance. My morals won't let me. In case you are wondering I am older guy who loves this game alot.

Thanks alot Norbsoftdev Team
With all sincerity
JMayer

Hello Jmayer.

well, I'm not going to bite...I'm not at all interested in an argument that is based on emotion. I would rather discuss the issues pertaining to DRM (understand, even if you purchase a game in a bargain bin, and you have to enter a one time serial, or having to place your dvd into the drive to play is DRM).

I am very interested in knowing what other people think, instead of what people are feeling.

As far as keeping a piece of software safe from theft is a fantasy. The only way to really secure a piece of software is not to make it in the first place. Or if your so paranoid, make your program, and take it to an underground bunker.

I do not have an issue with DRM per say, I am at odds with the level in which some companies are going to keep a product safe, which in this world we live in, is pure fantasy, actually some teetering on the edge of obscene paranoia.

If expressing my concerns over the level of DRM a particular company has chosen to use makes me a dissident, then I suppose I am.

Healthy discussion is based on opposing view points, and if that makes for good changes, I am all for it.


Have a good day Jmayer.

[Michael Slaunwhite]

Hello Norb.

I fully understand.

Have a good day.

[AP514]

Quick and easy..if you want the game. Buy it.... If the DRM is a deal breaker..then Move on.....
Stop Whinn'n

AP514

[Michael Slaunwhite]

AP514 wrote:

Quick and easy..if you want the game. Buy it.... If the DRM is a deal breaker..then Move on.....
Stop Whinn'n

AP514

Hmmmm.

Have a good day AP514.

[norb]

I am glad that we can discuss this and I am glad to get the opportunity to explain our system. I personally hate steam launching every time I play a game from there. I also dropped a 3D engine that we were trying out because they switched their protection to having to connect to their server every time we wanted to make a release build. I was flamed out of that board for saying that I didn't like it. I also do not like securom, even though it's what tc2m used. I was very uneducated about DRM when I did it there. It installs stuff in many places and is just not a product that I enjoy. I don't want a game to install anywhere secretly. So I understand both sides of the issue to some degree. I don't feel there is a need for either side to attack the other. It's a matter of preference. What I don't like is the current thinking that all DRM is evil. The advantage of the PC is the ability to provide an instant purchase. The disadvantage is that you have to protect it or it will get stolen right away. The PC is still a great platform for indie developers because you can do the entire thing without ever signing any rights away.