Bjossi on 1/2/2009 at 03:04
What use does anti-cheating software have for an on/off switch controlled by date? :erg:
Phatose on 1/2/2009 at 03:21
It was unintentional. They used typical internet certificates as a validation tool, and those have expiration dates built in.
lost_soul on 1/2/2009 at 05:44
I linked to this the other day. I saw someone mention much later that it wasn't because of DRM, but IMO that still doesn't make it acceptable. As far as cheat prevention goes, all they should do is ban CD-Keys and check EXE integrity. Regardless of the reasoning, a purchased product should not have a killswitch.
If I sell you a television, I have no right to remotely turn your television into a paperweight either by accident or intentionally. Someone will no doubt claim "but you didn't buy the game, you licensed it". I'm sure I could find several official ads that say "buy the game today!" in this case.
lost_soul on 1/2/2009 at 05:55
Quote Posted by fett
Dear Microsoft Customers:
2008 was a great year for PC games, due in part to our new Games for Windows initiative, designed to promote PC games to retail consumers. We're proud to announce that in 2009, all GFW displays at you local retailer will be upgraded to include a set a handlebars. Why wait until you get home with the game to get reamed in the anus? Just grab the bars at the display, and a Microsoft representative will service you within seconds. It's all part of our plan to support you, the PC gamer. We look forward to another great year!
Sincerely,
MicrosoftBwahahahaha... your "letter" reminded me of that episode of South Park where (Garrison?) builds that transportation contraption because of the terrible service at the airport. The device sells like crazy, even though it looks quite painful. :)
I personally won't buy any game that says "games for Windows" because I would rather my games run on more than one platform (like those from ID Software).
RavynousHunter on 1/2/2009 at 07:03
Quote Posted by Phatose
It was unintentional. They used typical internet certificates as a validation tool, and those have expiration dates built in.
:mad: Damn lazy programmers.
Vosla on 1/2/2009 at 11:52
OK, this is such so stupid, it could be pure fun... if you are not one of those who actually paid for that game... or does this bug also stop cracked games from running?
Anyway another fine example of sheer ignorance towards costumers...:rolleyes:
Jason Moyer on 1/2/2009 at 11:58
Quote Posted by lost_soul
As far as cheat prevention goes, all they should do is ban CD-Keys and check EXE integrity.
You can fake CRC checks fairly easily.
gunsmoke on 1/2/2009 at 15:27
Quote Posted by Vosla
does this bug also stop cracked games from running?
:
I would guess they are affected as well, but who knows...
Ostriig on 1/2/2009 at 15:44
Quote Posted by gunsmoke
Quote Posted by Vosla
or does this bug also stop cracked games from running?
I would guess they are affected as well, but who knows...
It apparently does. From the thread Phatose linked:
