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120°

Bioshock 2 DRM: SecuROM, activation limits, and bears

Bioshock 2 will come both as a boxed retail product and a for-pay digital download if that's more to your taste. Looking at the game's page on Steam reveals something disappointing for those of us against invasive DRM: the game will utilize SecuROM and comes with a five-machine activation limit.

2K Games dealt with this decision head-on via its official forum. "BioShock 2 is using a standard Games for Windows Live activation system, much like other games you have played in the past," a 2K Community Manager writes. "That doesn't mean you always have to be online to play or save the game-you can create an offline profile for the Single Player portion of the game (you just won't earn achievements and you can't play Multiplayer, of course.)" Of course

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forums.2kgames.com
Somnipotent5972d ago

yeah, this is why i'm getting for [insert console of choice]. besides graphical enhancements, what benefit does one get from buying this for pc? at least with the console version i could buy it, beat it, sell it, or even rent it. pc gaming sucks for this reason alone.

CoderDunn5971d ago

Maybe because you can use a mouse and keyboard for controls?

It's also nice to be able to chat by typing sometimes :)

Jamescagney5971d ago (Edited 5971d ago )

The superior graphics and the control system alone is enough.

BattleAxe5971d ago (Edited 5971d ago )

This is one of the reasons I like playing on consoles better. The only game I own for PC is Crysis, and the 3 things I really don't like are:

1. the game is buggy
2. you have to use an activation code
3. you can't trade in PC games anywhere anymore
4. there is major cheating online

If a slight graphical improvement is the only advantage, then I should just forget about PC gaming all together. I bought a gaming PC, but I'm starting to regret it.

Letros5971d ago (Edited 5971d ago )

Its no big deal buying it on PC. Have fun paying $65 and getting $25 for it.

And it won't be long before PC games are resellable,

http://www.shacknews.com/on...

http://ve3d.ign.com/article...

If this takes off, Steam will adopt it, and unlike console resales, publishers actually get a cut.

As for PC renting, http://www.gametap.com/ Some decent titles, but nothing outstanding, its growing, owned by Metaboli.

Sarick5971d ago (Edited 5971d ago )

Developers are becoming more restrictive every day. Now days even most of our game saves on consoles have been made copy protected. You can't always just pop in a CD play the game, beat it and then pawn it off for cash. They've also started the packaged content deals. You buy it new with included one time DLC. Basically you buy the game and it includes free expansions that are highly DRM protected and can't be transferred to 3rd parties.

The next step is licensed console games that have activation codes just like PCs. So please don't assume owning a console will save us from the developers who mandate DRM in all their software. If they want to copy protect game saves or sale software that requires activation they'll do it. If they want to sale software licenses with disc so that they only work on one console they can do that too. They're already doing it with DLC games.

I can say this with confidence because I wrote blogs about copy protected saves and other DRM. These where mostly ignored by the gaming community. Don't believe me check my blog. Journalist also won't touch DRM rights because isn't a hot issue. It's simple, only a minority is willing to stand up to developers who abuse these practices. Based on my experience I foresee even more DRM in our future and at this rate it's not to far off.

BattleAxe5971d ago (Edited 5971d ago )

@ Letros,

you make some valid points, but at the end of the day I just want to put a disc into the machine and play. I don't want to go through a registration process and be limited to however many machines I can play it on. Consoles are just so much easier in every aspect, and the gaming experience is excelent.

One of the things that is lacking in PC gaming is quality control. There are nowhere near the problems with console games as there is with their PC counterparts. D2D and Steam will sell anything the Publishers want to put on there. If you go on the forums for almost any PC game, Far Cry, Far Cry 2, Ghost Recon Advanced Warfighter, Crysis ect. ect. there are always problems. I just want to play the game without hastle, and on consoles its usually a flawless experience. I game mostly on my PS3, but I bought a gaming rig for PC/ xbox 360 only titles, but now I think its more trouble than its worth unfortunately. I might buy Metro 2033 and STALKER: Call of Prypyat as these games are looking really good, but I can't see myself really indulging in the PC gaming world like I do with Playstation.

@ Sarick

The PS3 hasen't had any piracy problems yet (BluRay), and personally I can't see activation codes comming to PS3. Activation codes are there to combat piracy, not the used game sales industry.

Sarick5971d ago (Edited 5971d ago )

You're missing the 3rd party used sales aspect that so many developers complain about. Just because a game isn't pirated doesn't mean developers are less interested in making more profit. Third party sales from used games are also on their hate list as profit losses.

These sales aren't piracy but big developers see them as losses. As for DRM, the PS3 includes several games that have added DRM. The copy protected saves aren't thought out fully. Why are these protections needed? Who pirates game saves? The answer is because the developers are also protecting themselves from cheaters and hackers that can use the saves to bypass DRM.

Just because the PS3 hasn't been publicly hacked yet doesn't mean developers don't have other reasons for adding extra DRM in their products. They have interest in generating as many sales as possible for their products. Even the small percentage of used game sales amount to losses in their bookkeeping.

I'm sure some developers have thought about it and would rather sale console games as software licenses to combat used resale. There really isn't much difference between pirating and used sales to them. After all when they sale a game they're making a profit off the content not the game disc itself. If that disc can be freely transferred to other third parties each time the content is used by a new party it's like another person who pirated their content.

This is why they would do it on consoles.

Letros5971d ago

@BattleAxe

You have valid points as well, and I think the quality control is much greater than you believe, granted I know what you are talking about and it was probably more of an issue many years ago. Microsoft actually has Games for Windows(not just LIVE) titles tested to make sure they meet bug free gaming. Steam games are guaranteed to work on your system or your money back. But I will not argue that Console gaming is of course more reliable.

Beware of Call of Pripyat though, don't let it ruin your PC gaming return if that's what you plan it to be, those developers have a terrible track record for producing bugged out launch games, later patched. Though the STALKER games are still very good...

BattleAxe5971d ago (Edited 5971d ago )

@ Sarick,

The one thing that can be said for used games sales is that unlike PC Piracy, there at least has to be the initial purchase of a blu ray disc. If you want a game for PC, theres no initial purchase required, you can just go to a torrent site.

I do agree that places like EB Games/ Gamestop, Best Buy/ Futureshop ect. should have to pay a royalty to the developers. This could get legislated in different countries in the future. I know that for me, I don't realy see the savings in buying a used PS3 game as they are only $5 cheaper than a new copy. If used games were priced as cheap as they should be, then I think it would be a far larger threat.

@ Letros

Yeah, I've read the reviews about previous STALKER games, so I'll keep an eye out for that. I actually support Games for Windows, as I have a Xbox 360 controller for PC which as you know will work for almost every Games for Windows game. The one game that I know of that was Games for Windows that had a huge amount of bugs was Gears of War. I wanted Gears of War so bad, but its been discontinued because of all of the issues it had. Ultimately I would like to see Games for Windows get bigger because I think its the coolest thing to have what is essentially a console on your PC. I refuse to buy multiple consoles, and I think its handy to have a PC that can do everything along with a flawless gaming experience, which is what I hope happens as the PC evolves over the next 5 or so years. I wouldn't be surprised to see the PSN come to PC one day so that Sony doesn't have the headache of building expensive consoles.

+ Show (6) more repliesLast reply 5971d ago
5972d ago
rawrockkillz5972d ago

Why use SecuRom when the game is on Steam?

CoderDunn5971d ago

SecuRom is only for the retail copies and steam atm is unknown

Nihilism5971d ago

The securom is just a disk check, it's not eh evil kind ( disk check has been in pc games for 15 years ) BUT

even the steam games will have to use GFWL for activation and it will have a 15 install limit, straight from the horses mouth, 2k foums managers told all in a thread there.

mrv3215971d ago

Because all those features will work... sarcasm.

Xdrari5971d ago

My thoughts exactly.

This won't stop major pirating of the game + a possible leak like every major game release this gen.

SaiyanFury5971d ago (Edited 5971d ago )

I liked the original Bioshock on my PC as it performed far above the consoles, but being restricted to those means, deters me from the sequel. I'll have to wait and see how things develop. I subscribe to PC gaming for freedoms, not more subjugation from developers. Bethesda only issues disc checks with their games, not big freedom limiting security checks like SecuROM. Maybe it's my love of freedoms, but as long as the PC version has these big restrictions, I won't be getting it.

Amplitude5971d ago (Edited 5971d ago )

Honestly i cant be the only person to HATE playing games with a mouse and keyboard. I honestly hate it. I play plenty of FPS games on the PC (Postal, Bioshock, Unreal, etc) and if i have the option to play with a controller i always take it. A mouse and especially keyboard just seems so much LESS precise in my opinion. WASD is only 4 buttons, so 8 directions. It's like walking around in a game with the D-Pad...
And sure, the mouse can sense insanely precise movements, but its not like that's ever necessary. I can pull headshots off in Resistance just as well as i can with a mouse.

Am i seriously alone on this one? o.o Not only that, but getting to the keyboard buttons is dumb even with a gaming keyboard. Sure, the F button or a macro on a gaming keyboard is fine since it's right beside your finger but isn't it better to push, say, Triangle? Just saying...

So anyway. Thats all. Even though it was off topic. xD Oh well.

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320°

Netflix announces Bioshock film in the works

One of the most popular video game franchises of all time is set to receive a Netflix film adaptation, according to an announcement on Tuesday afternoon.

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invenglobal.com
-Foxtrot1564d ago

Gee...can't wait to see how many things they change and stray away from, oh don't forget the miscast actors

Neonridr1564d ago

I have such high hopes because the first game is so near and dear to me. That being said, I'm sure they will mess it up. I'm hoping it's adult rated, and violent. I want to see a Big Daddy put that drill to good use :P

camel_toad1563d ago (Edited 1563d ago )

They're great at butchering stuff but there have also been some gems and surprises.

I never in my life thought I'd like a series based on League of Legends but it was pretty great.

Maybe just maybe they'll do Bioshock justice.

cheetah1563d ago

Priority checklist
- Pander to POC
- Pander to woman
- Pander to LGBTQ
- Story

In that order

Silly Mammo1562d ago

Damn! It sure sucks when white men aren't the sole focus of everything! Why can't these fringe groups be kept on the fringes like the good ole days?!? /s

senorfartcushion1562d ago (Edited 1562d ago )

Virgin detector

*****SCREEEECH*****

Vx_1562d ago

Remove the story and I totally agree with the list

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senorfartcushion1562d ago

You can cast who you want as a director. Don’t be sulky.

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Knightofelemia1564d ago

Netflix did well with Dare Devil and the Punisher and I hear the Witcher is pretty good I know when I had Netflix at the time Stranger Things was also good. But Bioshock I love the franchise Bioshock Infinite is my favorite game I would pay the $21 Canadian just to check out Bioshock. Normally I would never renew my Netflix after they did their price hike but Bioshock would be worth it.

LoveSpuds1563d ago

When firing on all cinders, Netflix do produce some brilliant stuff so I am not feeling pessimistic at all here. If Netflix deliver to their potential then this could be incredible given the quality of the source material. Personally, I am quite excited.

EvertonFC1563d ago

Agreed, Netflix originals etc are fantastic in general, it's rare I don't like something they do.
Certainly not feeling negative with Netflix doing bioshock quite the opposite infact.

Ashunderfire861563d ago (Edited 1563d ago )

Bu bu bu bu but what about Cowboy Beebop though? That was a little miss opportunity. Just a little nervous that Bioshock could turn to crap 💩 like that show. If they do a Horizon Zero Dawn show, I hope they don’t screw that up as well. I know a few good actresses that could play Aloy like Jon Snow’s girlfriend from Game of Thrones, and his wife in real life. Definitely see Aloy in her.

Livingthedream1563d ago

Netflix does a lot of great things, recently finished the first season of Arcane and it was brilliant.

MadLad1563d ago

Arkane was so damn good.
I just hope they keep up the quality with later releases.

I'm not even a LoL player.

Livingthedream1563d ago

I’m sure they will, I don’t play the games either, I love the fact that I didn’t need to play them to enjoy it.

Michiel19891562d ago

Arcane was insanely good imo, I was hooked almost all the way. Im not sure of this but i think Netflix didnt have much to do with the production of the show? More like they just bought the rights to have it exclusively on there?

Some of their original shows are really good so im quite hopeful this might turn out to be a good show. Lets hope they wont F it up.

Nacho_Z1563d ago

Love Bioshock but I'll prepare myself for the likelihood this will be both crap and a pale imitation of the source material. That covers most video game adaptations and Netflix films.

dumahim1563d ago

How many have they done? It sounds like Witcher and Castlevania have done well.

Nacho_Z1563d ago

I meant Netflix films in general, there are some good ones but most are average at best in my experience. Castlevania is good but I didn't like The Witcher, although it is successful.

Not sure if there are any live action video game film adaptations on Netflix as yet but they don't have a great track record.

dumahim1563d ago

@ Nacho
For movies, I think it’s very difficult to cram he narrative from a 10+ hour game into 2 hours. I think that’s why series are much better suited for video game adaptations. Seems we have a bunch coming up, so we’ll see how well it plays out.

Terry_B1563d ago

Why are PS2 and Wii and even the PS Vita tagged?

Atom6661563d ago

The Vita tag stung a little bit extra.

Atticus_finch1563d ago

Starring Tom Holland I'm guessing.

FlavorLav011563d ago

Haha. Now if it was a Sony movie, very likely

Outlawzz1563d ago

Lol the Tom Holland craze is real

Terry_B1563d ago

Kevin Nash is going to play the..Big Daddy.

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200°

Ranking the BioShock Games From Worst to Best

The best games are able to create a never-before-seen setting and weave a completely engaging story into its DNA. One series beats almost all others out for its environmental storytelling and narrative: BioShock.

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culturedvultures.com
Inverno1736d ago

Infinite better than 2? No way

roadkillers1735d ago

IMO Infinite is better than 2... The only thing I remember from 2 is playing as a little sister. It felt too much like Bioshock (which wasn't bad). Infinite was the right stepping stone.

Inverno1735d ago

Infinite was a huge step back. It played like a generic fps because it was dumbed down to be an fps and it's not at all the gameplay evolution Bioshock needed. It was a mindless shooter where story and it's world building took a backseat to repetitive shooting galleries against dumb AI while making you look for health in trash cans cause they removed mechanics that worked in favor for a more action oriented gameplay.
I think people are remembering Infinite all wrong.
It's story is a mess and it's world isn't as fleshed out as Rapture was in the first Bio.

LucasRuinedChildhood1735d ago (Edited 1735d ago )

@Inverno

"It was a mindless shooter where story and it's world building took a backseat to repetitive shooting galleries"
Sounds more applicable to Bioshock 2, tbh. B2 has wave-based gameplay where Subject Delta casually goes through large hordes of splicers to protect Little Sisters. C'mon. I still wouldn't call any of the Bioshocks mindless shooters though.

If you want to criticize the lack of the weapon wheel and the replacement of certain mechanics in Infinite in favour of increased mobility (e.g. addition of the sky-hook), fair enough, but the story and world-building of 2 are less memorable, noteworthy and interesting than Infinite by a huge margin. Most people don't even remember much beyond the basic premise of 2 (including any of the characters) because it felt so unnecessary. It's not even close.

"It's story is a mess and it's world isn't as fleshed out as Rapture was in the first Bio." Needing to use Bioshock 1 to criticize Infinite instead of 2 is an admission that 2's story is the weakest.

roadkillers1735d ago

@Inverno

I remember it being very imaginative and a breath of fresh air, while still being familiar. The last hour or two was big on shooting.

SegaSaturn6691735d ago

Infinite was the most boring and repetitive in terms of gameplay. It lost the suspenseful atmosphere of the first 2

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SonyPS3601735d ago (Edited 1735d ago )

Am I reading that backwards or are you really shocked that people like infinite more than 2?

Just wanna make sure I have it right because you're literally the first person I've seen say that 2 is better.

Inverno1735d ago

I understand 2 is more of the same but I much prefer more of the same than going backwards in terms of gameplay. It wasn't the step in the right direction. But thats just my opinion, I'm not surprised at all. Just to me I much rather the first 2. However what they had planned for Infinite originally sounded very interesting and it sucks we won't ever see it

Concertoine1735d ago (Edited 1735d ago )

Imo 2 is tied with 1 as my favorite Bioshock. The gameplay is the natural evolution of the first, with more freedom to experiment. The story and locales are more intimate and less grandiose than you would see in a Ken Levine story. I love the atmospheric break of the underwater sections and never understood the hate for them. All 3 games have pacing issues but imo 2’s are less severe. The level design has a lot of ex-Looking Glass alumnis and is generally more open ended.

The endings are more tailored to your moral choices than the other games.

Infinite hedges on a admittedly cool twist that is poorly executed when scrutinized. The gameplay takes a huge step back, it isnt the game that early gameplay and trailers promised. The world is less fleshed out. It was prescient politically and that makes it interesting but otherwise i have no desire to replay it.

Yui_Suzumiya1735d ago

2 had better gameplay but 3 had a better story

leahcim1736d ago (Edited 1736d ago )

Hurts to see the word "worst" related to Bioshock saga.
The 3 games are masterpieces.

ScootaKuH1735d ago

Bioshock 2
Bioshock
Bioshock Infinite

That was easy

Rebel_Scum1735d ago

oh great. Can’t wait to see the posts of game titles in a ranked order without context as to why.

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130°

BioShock 2's director reveals what could have been a different BioShock

In a podcast with Wassup Conversations, Jordan Thomas, director and the writer of BioShock 2 reveals his initial ideas for a new rapture and how they were shut down by 2K.
"My first proposal was about a little sister, it was playing as a little sister and it was much more horror-oriented pace and about vulnerability, closer to Thief frankly, but I was told no, we want it to be our Gears of War, this need to be a big shooter franchise with an emphasis on the shooter element, and so what I think of the protagonist of a shooter as is a big lumbering sort of porthole on a stick with guns sticking out in front like you’re almost a vehicle."

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nikoofarmusic.com
plainview10302256d ago

And he also wanted it to be above the sea or in space. What a wasted opportunity.

Nacho_Z2255d ago

It's surprising the game turned out to be good with this guy at the helm. The combat mechanics were actually the biggest improvement in the sequel as much as he wouldn't want to hear that, everything else was inferior.