Namco Bandai Partners Supporting "Always On" DRM Idea

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Namco Bandai Partners VP, Olivier Comte, in speaking with CVG has called Ubisoft's always-on DRM solution for PC games "a good strategy" in the absence of an alternative.

This comes just a day after Blizzard co-founder Frank Pearce called the fight against piracy with DRM a "losing battle."

The full explanation from Namco's Comte, who's company is publishing Test Drive Unlimited 2 and The Witcher 2, goes a little something like this:

I will be very honest. I think it's a good [approach] for one reason: I have no alternative today. Is the best one? Certainly not but as of today if I can make something else I'll do it, but it's better to do something than not do something.

Surprisingly, Comte also admits that regardless of the DRM system is utilized, "it'll be cracked in Russia... two hours before putting it out." Seems like a good reason to punish paying customers. I cannot say for sure, but perhaps Namco Bandai will face some backlash for backing Ubisoft on this one.

This shouldn't serve as a confirmation of always-on DRM for the two games mentioned, but it seems likely. Console versions of both titles will also be released.

From The Chatty
  • reply
    May 31, 2010 9:09 AM

    excuse me while i bang my head against the table .. ow.. ow, yes let's sign with one of the / if not the) most hated DRM systems that is gonna screw paying costumers , or mainly / specially with bad internet connections.

    I'm pretty sure he's right that it's gonna get cracked in Russia pretty fast, I'm a PC gamer only ('n proud of it, not interested to get a console) but I am never gonna get like Ubisoft games and others that have this DRM, passed on Assasin's Creed 2 (that i was looking forward to) and splinter cell

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