It’s strange seeing the same company that enforces one of the industry’s most draconian DRM systems for its games (or at least tried to before bowing to customer pressure) talk about ways of adding value and eschewing DRM. On the other hand, it’s encouraging to at least hear Ubisoft acknowledge that there are problems with DRM.
“The question is, with enough on-going content development, content release, engagement at the community level, can we create that kind of MMO value system? I think we can,” explained Ubisoft’s Chris Early in a Eurogamer interview. “As the rest of the game industry continues to evolve, the more you hear about cloud gaming, the more you hear about companion gaming, the less a pirated game should work in all of that environment. So, therefore the value of that pirated content becomes less.”
The Evolution of DRM and Its Impact on Gamers
Digital Rights Management (DRM) has been a contentious issue in the gaming industry for years. Initially designed to prevent piracy, DRM often ends up punishing legitimate customers with intrusive and restrictive measures. Ubisoft, known for its stringent DRM policies, has faced significant backlash from the gaming community. Gamers have reported issues such as always-online requirements, which can render a game unplayable if the servers go down or if the player has an unstable internet connection. This has led to a growing sentiment that DRM does more harm than good.
However, Ubisoft’s recent statements suggest a shift in their approach. By focusing on adding value through continuous content updates and community engagement, they aim to make pirated versions of their games less appealing. This strategy aligns with the broader industry trend towards cloud gaming and companion apps, which offer seamless integration and additional features that are difficult to replicate in pirated copies.
Adding Value Through Continuous Content and Community Engagement
Ubisoft’s Chris Early highlights the potential of creating a value system akin to that of Massively Multiplayer Online (MMO) games. MMOs are known for their ongoing content updates, community events, and player engagement, which keep the player base invested over long periods. By adopting a similar model, Ubisoft hopes to offer a gaming experience that extends beyond the initial purchase, thereby reducing the appeal of pirated versions.
For example, games like “Rainbow Six Siege” and “Assassin’s Creed Odyssey” have seen success with this approach. “Rainbow Six Siege” continues to thrive years after its release, thanks to regular updates, new operators, and community events. Similarly, “Assassin’s Creed Odyssey” has kept players engaged with episodic content and live events. These strategies not only enhance the gaming experience but also foster a loyal community that is less likely to turn to pirated versions.
Moreover, the rise of cloud gaming services like Google Stadia, NVIDIA GeForce Now, and Microsoft’s xCloud further diminishes the value of pirated games. These platforms offer high-quality gaming experiences without the need for powerful hardware, making it easier for players to access and enjoy games legally. Companion apps also add another layer of value by providing additional content, social features, and second-screen experiences that are hard to replicate in pirated versions.
In conclusion, while Ubisoft’s past with DRM has been fraught with controversy, their new approach of adding value through continuous content and community engagement is a promising shift. By focusing on enhancing the overall gaming experience, they aim to make pirated versions less appealing and foster a more loyal player base. As the gaming industry continues to evolve with advancements in cloud gaming and companion apps, the need for intrusive DRM measures may eventually diminish, benefiting both developers and gamers alike.
Source Eurogamer
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