Difference between revisions of "Digital rights management (DRM)"
| Line 1: | Line 1: | ||
| − | |||
Digital Rights Management (DRM) is a method in which digital products such as games, music and films can be controlled with the aim of reducing copyright infringement, also known as piracy. | Digital Rights Management (DRM) is a method in which digital products such as games, music and films can be controlled with the aim of reducing copyright infringement, also known as piracy. | ||
==DRM-free== | ==DRM-free== | ||
| + | DRM-free refers to games which can be played and copied without restriction. An ex | ||
| − | == Forms of DRM == | + | ==Forms of DRM== |
DRM can come in many forms, not all of them exclusive to each other. | DRM can come in many forms, not all of them exclusive to each other. | ||
| + | |||
| + | ===Physical Check=== | ||
| + | Many PC games before 2000 included codes hidden inside manuals and other items included in retail packages. This might deter some people from making simple copies of games, as installation would require copies of the physical checks (of manuals or of other devices). | ||
| + | |||
| + | [[File:Monkey_Island_check.jpg|300px|thumb|none|Monkey Island's 'Dial-a-Pirate'.]] | ||
| + | |||
| + | For example, [[Monkey Island]] originally included a 'Dial-a-Pirate' wheel. A point in the game would require the player to match up two halves of the faces and to read off a certain code that was revealed. Once one span the two interlocking wheels into the correct position, the correct answer would be revealed. | ||
| + | |||
| + | ===Disc Check=== | ||
| + | Part of the game may not be on the disc, requiring a download of the rest of the games content in order to work. | ||
===Serial Key=== | ===Serial Key=== | ||
The simplest form of DRM is Serial key, also known as a CD-key. The game comes with a code, usually printed in the case or on the back of the manual, that the user inputs during install. | The simplest form of DRM is Serial key, also known as a CD-key. The game comes with a code, usually printed in the case or on the back of the manual, that the user inputs during install. | ||
| − | === | + | ===Always Online=== |
| − | + | An example of Always online is [[Diablo III]], which requires one to be connected to [[Battle.net]], even to access single player content. This is in start contrast to [[Diablo II]], which had no restrictions for single player gaming. | |
| − | + | Another notorious example is [[Uplay]], Ubisoft's always online DRM platform. | |
| − | |||
==DRM Software== | ==DRM Software== | ||
Revision as of 12:57, 9 July 2012
Digital Rights Management (DRM) is a method in which digital products such as games, music and films can be controlled with the aim of reducing copyright infringement, also known as piracy.
DRM-free
DRM-free refers to games which can be played and copied without restriction. An ex
Forms of DRM
DRM can come in many forms, not all of them exclusive to each other.
Physical Check
Many PC games before 2000 included codes hidden inside manuals and other items included in retail packages. This might deter some people from making simple copies of games, as installation would require copies of the physical checks (of manuals or of other devices).
For example, Monkey Island originally included a 'Dial-a-Pirate' wheel. A point in the game would require the player to match up two halves of the faces and to read off a certain code that was revealed. Once one span the two interlocking wheels into the correct position, the correct answer would be revealed.
Disc Check
Part of the game may not be on the disc, requiring a download of the rest of the games content in order to work.
Serial Key
The simplest form of DRM is Serial key, also known as a CD-key. The game comes with a code, usually printed in the case or on the back of the manual, that the user inputs during install.
Always Online
An example of Always online is Diablo III, which requires one to be connected to Battle.net, even to access single player content. This is in start contrast to Diablo II, which had no restrictions for single player gaming.
Another notorious example is Uplay, Ubisoft's always online DRM platform.
DRM Software
Valve Steam
Steam ties all games bought through its service, or using the Steamworks API, to a user account and requires an online connection to install and play.
EA Origin
A relatively new content delivering/DRM system that has received negative attention due to it's intrusive anti-piracy measures.
Other examples
SecuROM; StarForce; Games for Windows Live; Tages.
Controversy
DRM presents an issue for long term games collectors as it can lead to games becoming completely locked out as CD-keys are lost, studios close or withdraw support, or online services discontinued. This can be resolved by studios issuing a patch that removes the DRM, though not all studios do this.