Hmmm, a thought just occured to me concerning DRM, and SOWgb.

[Michael Slaunwhite]

Hi.

While I was looking around for something to use on my website, a thought occurred to me about why use a serial key to unlock the game when a very simple usb unlock feature could be used instead which would get rid of having the game use the internet.

Once you plug he usb key in to your usb port the game will immediately unlock itself when you start the game, if you don't have the usb key in, the game stays in demo mode.

The USB could be encrypted which would disallow coping...or who knows, by tech level is about a 1, so I have no idea how you would do it.

If you buy the Hardcopy, you get the box, a USB key, the excellent Manual, and all the extras I am dieing get my hands on....

Just a thought.

I hope I'm not getting on anyone's nerves here, if so send me a PM, and I'll stop.

later!

[born2see]

Michael Slaunwhite wrote:

While I was looking around for something to use on my website, a thought occurred to me about why use a serial key to unlock the game when a very simple usb unlock feature could be used instead which would get rid of having the game use the internet.

Once you plug he usb key for sowgb, the game will immediately unlock itself when you start the game, if uou don't have the usb key in, the game stays in demo mode.

As I recall AutoCad use to use something like that which plugged into the serial or parallel port.

I can foresee more problems with that than the DRM currently in use.

B

[Michael Slaunwhite]

Michael Slaunwhite wrote:

While I was looking around for something to use on my website, a thought occurred to me about why use a serial key to unlock the game when a very simple usb unlock feature could be used instead which would get rid of having the game use the internet.

Once you plug he usb key for sowgb, the game will immediately unlock itself when you start the game, if uou don't have the usb key in, the game stays in demo mode.

As I recall AutoCad use to use something like that which plugged into the serial or parallel port.

I can foresee more problems with that than the DRM currently in use.

B

Hmmmm...How long ago did they have this for AutoCad? I can see where they may have problems with that particular setup (not all Hardware for that particular setup is identical). USB is universal, and all setups are pretty much the standard today so that would actually null out any chance of hardware config problems.

I could be wrong though... I don't know....it tis a thought, who knows where is will go.

Cheers, and take care born2see.

[Shirkon]

You are talking about what is basically a Dongle.

Back in the late 80's there were many games that used that to prevent game pirating. Unfortunately since they were just a small thing (about 1 inch long, 1/4 inch thick and maybe 3/4 inch wide) they were easy to misplace/lose. As previously hinted they plugged into the serial port to allow you to run the program/game. I can't see it being any difference if it's the serial port or a usb port, you still have the likelyhood of losing that tiny key and not being able to play the game that you paid for. I remember at one point I had 4 or 5 different games that each required a different dongle to play and they were all externally IDENTICAL. Made it a real pain to find the one you wanted and if you lost one it made the associated game useless. I much prefer the DRM method.

At least with the registration key SOW:GB uses you can contact tech support to get a copy of the key almost immediately. Getting a new Dongle can be a entirely different proposition.

[Michael Slaunwhite]

You are talking about what is basically a Dongle.

Back in the late 80's there were many games that used that to prevent game pirating. Unfortunately since they were just a small thing (about 1 inch long, 1/4 inch thick and maybe 3/4 inch wide) they were easy to misplace/lose. As previously hinted they plugged into the serial port to allow you to run the program/game. I can't see it being any difference if it's the serial port or a usb port, you still have the likelyhood of losing that tiny key and not being able to play the game that you paid for. I remember at one point I had 4 or 5 different games that each required a different dongle to play and they were all externally IDENTICAL. Made it a real pain to find the one you wanted and if you lost one it made the associated game useless. I much prefer the DRM method.

At least with the registration key SOW:GB uses you can contact tech support to get a copy of the key almost immediately. Getting a new Dongle can be a entirely different proposition.

Hi Shirkon.

I have never heard of a dongle before, very interesting name. I see your point it would be a royal pain. I just thought I would throw that out there...

Cheers Shirkon, and Thanks.