STALKER 2 requires permanent connection for downloading parts of the game as you play

[gbird]

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

[semitop]

The idea of needing an internet connection to play a game is just retarded. Especially if you have to download bits of the game from their servers. Dependent on them keeping the server up etc and pirates get past these things so easy that its only affecting ppl who pay. It's kinda moronic

[ShadowWolfe Hellscream]

If people can not buy a licensed version, it is to our advantage if they pirate it, and then want to buy a license.

If this is the case, why such a draconian DRM? Woe be the people who buy this and have LIME-like connections or whoever gets their power from JPS-like companies. Once I hear this I wouldn't even think about buying it.

[Anubis]

Hhhmm so Diablo 3 and now this, how wonderful.

[FossilWolf]

I honestly dont mind server based games .. Its like various mmos all over again , and it make cheating even harder online .. Since they will verify the data , so you can progress in game into a pvp tournement and be glad you actually won or lost with no script kiddies to worry about ..

[Desolator4U]

Well it's obvious how bad piracy is, but wow, I must say that this is the most clever way i've ever heard of a company trying to protect their software from it. It must suck for those with slow connection speeds. Imagine having a bad *** PC and yet having to experience horrible load times lol But, as always, pirates will find a way around it, and the legit players will just have to suffer from this burden...

~Des

[owen]

The end is truly near. Its a good thing I haven't played any of the old stalker games. Hopefully I can still buy those at retail and play them because keeping up with all this new stuff is a pain.