Ubisofts Kopierschutz - Special

Gameswelt: In 2008, Ubisoft shipped Prince of Persia without any copy protection. Apparently, the sales of this experiment didn't meet your expectations.

Ubisoft: The release of PoP without copy protection was not so much an experiment as it was a step in an evolution for us. So it really was not a question of not meeting our expectations.

GW: Unlike Steam, the „Online Services Platform" does not allow you to play in offline mode. Why did Ubisoft decide to make an internet connection mandatory?

US: The online services platform authenticates with a Ubisoft account and a permanent online connection allows us to verify that no one else uses the account at the same time. We know that services such as Steam offer an offline mode but this option is not as efficient in its protection against piracy.

GW: How do you explain customers without or with a too slow internet connection that they are not able to play your games?

US: The platform requires only a maximum of 50 kbps so a slow internet connection should not inhibit the ability to play the games.

GW: We noticed a huge backlash against the new DRM system among the users not only on our site but across the whole internet. Did you expect such a negative reaction?

US: We know that the subject of DRM is a highly emotional one for the community of PC gamers so yes, we did anticipate that we would incite a very lively debate.

GW: Adrian Hirst from Indie developer Weaseltron argued a „copy protection that makes the cracked version of the game more appealing threatens to turn gamers away from purchasing at all." Do you share his opinion?

US: We do share his opinion, we strongly believe that our system offers services to the player, in addition to of course offering protection against piracy.  In addition, we've obviously worked hard to ensure that the online connection requirement will not inhibit the gaming experience.  Ultimately, the system is a starting point and more services will follow and it's the services that will ensure that a gamer who has a legitimate version of the game will get the full experience that cannot be had with a cracked version.

GW: Is there a limitation for the amount of save games you can store online?

US: No, there is no limit.

GW: How long will the servers for a game be kept online? Am I still be able to play Assassin's Creed 2 in five years or will you provide an update after a certain time to remove the DRM?

US: We've clearly stated that we do not plan to take the servers offline - it's just not in our plans. But if ever that happens, we plan to release a patch so that the games can be played offline.

GW: Are there any plans to extend the features of the „Online Services Platform", i.e. games on demand or a built-in community?

US: Yes, we do have plans to expand the services.

GW: With a growing number of pirated games on Xbox 360 and Nintendo Wii, are you considering to bring the „Online Services Platform" to the consoles as well?

US: At this time, the platform is only for PC games.

GW: While Ubisoft moves to this new DRM system, other publishers have failed before in restricting their customers and are now using less aggressive copy protection methods. Why do you think it has a better chance to succeed in fighting piracy?

US: Piracy is obviously an important problem for the entire industry, and especially in the PC market. We each approach the problem in our own way, but Ubisoft believes in our new system and we feel that it provides a good balance of piracy protection and offering services to the community of PC gamers.

GW: Ubisoft has been pretty loyal to the PC gamers ever since and almost always offers a respective version of their games. If the DRM system doesn't show the success Ubisoft is hoping for, are you going to reconsider your publishing strategy on the PC?

US: Ubisoft is committed to the PC market and our goal is to continue to offer new and innovative games for this unique platform.