Stardock Takes Firm Stand on DRM, Profits

Demigod is a game recently released for the PC which got off to a rocky start. The publisher, Stardock Entertainment, has taken an unusual position for a commercial software developer: they have chosen not to include copy-protection(sometimes known as DRM) on their software. When Demigod was released, it was revealed that although approximately 180,000 copies were trying to access the game’s servers, only about 20,000 were legitimate.

Since Demigod has an emphasis on multiplayer content, this meant most legitimate users were unable to enjoy the game. The initial blame fell on Gamestop for selling the game two days earlier than they and Stardock agreed to, which meant that the servers for Demigod were not yet active. However, Stardock quickly fixed the issues and the game debuted on the top selling PC games at retail at #3. The CEO of Stardock, Brad Wardell, recently released a statement that the company still believes that keeping their products copy-protection free is best for their customers.

In my opinion, Stardock has shown that a company does not need to use copy-protection to make a profit from software. This idea isn’t new, Microsoft founder Bill Gates when he gave away copies of Windows to various agencies in order to popularize his software products. At this point companies should realize that trying to force people to pay money through rights-management is ineffective and counterproductive. You cannot solve a moral issue through use of software.

http://news.bigdownload.com/2009/04/13/gamestop-breaks-demigod-release-date-downloadable-copies-now-li/

http://forums.demigodthegame.com/349758

http://arstechnica.com/gaming/news/2009/04/demigod-hit-by-massive-piracy-review-scores-take-beating.ars

IS THE PS3 REALLY WORTH IT???

As the holiday season quickly approaches…parents and gamers are on the prowl for Sony’s Playstation 3 if they have not already purchased it yet.  However, where the problem lies is the price is set at an outstanding $400.  Yes, you get 80GB of storage, high quality gaming, but is it really worth it?  I do not see the need to spend a little less than half a thousand dollars for an entertainment system. These companies (Sony, Microsoft, Nintendo) know their consoles will sell regardless of the price, so there is no need to hike it up when the demand is so high!  What do you think?

http://www.cnn.com/2008/TECH/ptech/11/19/review.PS3/index.html