In a reader Q&A feature conducted by this Ukranian news site, GSC Game World's studio director Sergei Grigorovich answered a variety of questions about the making of the studio's popular S.T.A.L.K.E.R. series of games. The article does feature some discussion pertaining to the upcoming full-fledged sequel, though the most interesting tidbit has to do with what kind of DRM they're considering for the title, which is to be released some time next year. Here's a Google translation, slightly cleaned up:
- What is the security system that will be used in STALKER 2?
- Protection from piracy? Part of the content will be located on the server and downloaded as the game progresses. We require constant access to the Internet. Text information, code and quests will be provided this way. Software piracy is an issue for us, we try to fight it, but in moderation. If people can not buy a licensed version, it is to our advantage if they pirate it, and then want to buy a license. In the Ukraine, there are different products that people love so much that they will buy a license out of principle. We want to create just such a product.
Granted, there is the possibility that something was lost in translation or that Sergei misspoke, but the implications here are pretty serious. Apparently, S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2 will require a permanent online connection, not only to verify authenticity, but to download integral bits of the game from their server as you go. If that's "moderation" in piracy prevention, maybe Ubi-DRM isn't so bad...
LINK...http://www.firingsquad.com/news/news...searchid=24253