C-G's Virtual-Mate?

Visual Novel Community Archive, 2000-2009
#241
quote:
Originally posted by Unicorn:
Actually, you ought to have that included in your [b]OPTMISM MODE-bracket.
[/b]

I sincerely hope not, because to me that's a realist statement.

I mean, come on, it's impossible G-Col is so stupid creating a new system for their BGames to fight the piracy and increase their sales, but ends harming all their customers instead. No programmer can make such mistake and expect NOT to be fired (if he's lucky).

Probably they're working hard fixing all the possible bugs by now, before the release date of LMMeow, their very first BGame using such very unusual system.

#242

… a completely invasive system that makes the game unplayable for many now and possibly all in the future, and the price is only being dropped $10? Less of a discount than some other sites already give on G-C games?

Yeah. This is going to go over well.

#243
quote:
Originally posted by Peter Gilis:
I sincerely hope not, because to me that's a realist statement.

I mean, come on, it's impossible G-Col is [b]so stupid creating a new system for their BGames to fight the piracy and increase their sales, but ends harming all their customers instead. No programmer can make such mistake and expect NOT to be fired (if he's lucky).

Probably they're working hard fixing all the possible bugs by now, before the release date of LMMeow, their very first BGame using such very unusual system.[/b]

A number of points. first, G-C is trying to render cracked copies of LMM useless. The activation process is geared towards that. Second, w/ this VM system, you would not be able to lend your legitimately purchased copy of LMM to a friend to play. Third, you won't be able to sell the game if registered w/ VM. Fourth, if G-C goes out of business then your copy of LMM is useless b/c VM server won't be around to startup your game. Fifth, if your computer is unable to connect to G-C server through VM launcher program for whatever reason, essentially you're cut off from all G-C products that utilize VM. (That's my situation w/ NCsoft server; my computer setup cannot make the online connection, and I'm unable to play City of Heroes, LineageII, and the upcoming Guild Wars; the 50 bucks I spent on CoH went down the toilet.)

Aside from point one, the rest of these points affect consumer interest. And possible connection problems through VM is the biggest unknown factor right now, and potentially the biggest obstacle to growth of future product sales.

#244
quote:
Originally posted by Ecchifan:
A number of points. first, G-C is trying to render cracked copies of LMM useless. The activation process is geared towards that. Second, w/ this VM system, you would not be able to lend your legitimately purchased copy of LMM to a friend to play. Third, you won't be able to sell the game if registered w/ VM. Fourth, if G-C goes out of business then your copy of LMM is useless b/c VM server won't be around to startup your game. Fifth, if your computer is unable to connect to G-C server through VM launcher program for whatever reason, essentially you're cut off from all G-C products that utilize VM. (That's my situation w/ NCsoft server; my computer setup cannot make the online connection, and I'm unable to play City of Heroes, LineageII, and the upcoming Guild Wars; the 50 bucks I spent on CoH went down the toilet.)

Aside from point one, the rest of these points affect consumer interest. And possible connection problems through VM is the biggest unknown factor right now, and potentially the biggest obstacle to growth of future product sales.

Okay, i understand your point and maybe they ARE that stupid, but even so, i want to believe there's a way VMate not to harm us and our enjoyment of bgames in our PCs, with or without IC.

I will not blame G-Col for try to fight the piracy. I will blame the pirates for harm the BGame market outside Japan, forcing G-Col to do something this desesperate.

#245
quote:
Originally posted by Peter Gilis:
No programmer can make such mistake and expect NOT to be fired (if he's lucky).

You are probably right.
But I very much doubt that a programmer came up with this concept in the first place... [img]http://princess.cybrmall.net/ubb/tongue.gif[/img]

#246

It seems to me that G-collections didn’t program V-mate. I remember reading the V-mate setup site, and it mentioned that the exact setup and premium services offered depended on the host company. In other words, G-collections just contracted with a company to use this utility with their games. Hell, for all we know ad-banners are providing the extra revenue that allows G-collections to lower their prices.

#247

Here’s a link from my history (they took the link down from the site when they edited):

http://www.virtual-mate.com/user/index.php

Navigate to the “Virtual-Mate Help” link. Notice the clause:
"*(Actual game contents and additional services provided may differ depending on the manufacturer.)"

[This message has been edited by Dark_Shiki (edited 10-19-2004).]

#248

It’s kind of funny, now that I think about it. V-mate might not be that bad (it might even be the revolutionary gaming system it claims it is ), but the way G-collections presented it has jaded even many of us that are least affected (i.e. those of us who don’t use a labtop but have a desktop with a cable modem or broadband connection). Our suspicions inflamed by the vague descriptions of registrations and passwords and doubtful “additional services,” we proceeded to label it as a radical and restrictive new method of dealing with piracy, and acted accordingly. I wonder if this whole fiasco could have been prevented (or at least delayed ) with a bit more forethought on G-collection’s part.

#249

I read the Virtual Mate Help and the Privacy Policy on their site and, well, i can be wrong, but it seems to me it’s just to register and receive a Licence or Product Key Registration to install any game with VM.

In other words, we will not need Internet Connection EACH TIME we start LMMeow, just during the Installation, because we will need a Product Key Registration to do so, pretty much like when instaling an Antivirus, for instance. But unlike these, we will not need support and upgrades ALL the time, i suppose.

If that’s the case, then VM is not so bad than we thought. It can be even good, because we will have free support when needed.

[This message has been edited by Peter Gilis (edited 10-19-2004).]

#250
quote:
Originally posted by Dark_Shiki:
It's kind of funny, now that I think about it. V-mate might not be that bad (it might even be the revolutionary gaming system it claims it is [img]http://princess.cybrmall.net/ubb/wink.gif[/img]), but the way G-collections presented it has jaded even many of us that are least affected (i.e. those of us who don't use a labtop but have a desktop with a cable modem or broadband connection). Our suspicions inflamed by the vague descriptions of registrations and passwords and doubtful "additional services," we proceeded to label it as a radical and restrictive new method of dealing with piracy, and acted accordingly. I wonder if this whole fiasco could have been prevented (or at least delayed [img]http://princess.cybrmall.net/ubb/wink.gif[/img]) with a bit more forethought on G-collection's part.

I would think that this whole fiasco could have been prevented if G-Collections presented this news differently.

But... We, as board members, also play a very big part in this because...

Well... I will not get into this issue further considering everything has quiet down already.

#251
quote:
Originally posted by Dark_Shiki:
It's kind of funny, now that I think about it. V-mate might not be that bad (it might even be the revolutionary gaming system it claims it is [img]http://princess.cybrmall.net/ubb/wink.gif[/img]), but the way G-collections presented it has jaded even many of us that are least affected (i.e. those of us who don't use a labtop but have a desktop with a cable modem or broadband connection). Our suspicions inflamed by the vague descriptions of registrations and passwords and doubtful "additional services," we proceeded to label it as a radical and restrictive new method of dealing with piracy, and acted accordingly. I wonder if this whole fiasco could have been prevented (or at least delayed [img]http://princess.cybrmall.net/ubb/wink.gif[/img]) with a bit more forethought on G-collection's part.

You are right. If they had explained better that time, or even gave to us a link to the Virtual Mate WebSite to check by ourselves, they had avoided so much discussion.

[This message has been edited by Peter Gilis (edited 10-19-2004).]

#252
quote:
Originally posted by Dark_Shiki:
It's kind of funny, now that I think about it. V-mate might not be that bad (it might even be the revolutionary gaming system it claims it is [img]http://princess.cybrmall.net/ubb/wink.gif[/img]), but the way G-collections presented it has jaded even many of us that are least affected (i.e. those of us who don't use a labtop but have a desktop with a cable modem or broadband connection). Our suspicions inflamed by the vague descriptions of registrations and passwords and doubtful "additional services," we proceeded to label it as a radical and restrictive new method of dealing with piracy, and acted accordingly. I wonder if this whole fiasco could have been prevented (or at least delayed [img]http://princess.cybrmall.net/ubb/wink.gif[/img]) with a bit more forethought on G-collection's part.

Dark Shiki, i live in Italy. Since when we born, we are inscripted in the anagrafic register ( mine is I° A ). Since we are 15, we must own a Id card ( mine start wit AB ). Since we are 18, we must have a fiscal code ( mine start GD ). I can deal with the whole stuff, i can deal they can put me under preventive investigation, but i can't deal a foreigner extracomunitarian software house in order to preventing piracy is asking me to register everytime i want to play an hentai game. EDIT I checked V-Mate page and reg is only once. But 'im screwed up anyway 'cuz situation hasn't changed. I still have my no modem laptop to play with, so no confirmation email. Sigh.
Can't care less of G-Coll. No more.

[This message has been edited by Italicus (edited 10-19-2004).]

#253
quote:
Originally posted by Peter Gilis:
I read the Virtual Mate Help and the Privacy Policy on their site and, well, i can be wrong, but it seems to me it's just to register and receive a Licence or Product Key Registration to install any game with VM.

In other words, we will not need Internet Connection EACH TIME we start LMMeow, just during the Installation, because we will need a Product Key Registration to do so, pretty much like when instaling an Antivirus, for instance. But unlike these, we will not need support and upgrades ALL the time, i suppose.

If that's the case, then VM is not so bad than we thought. It can be even good, because we will have free support when needed. [img]http://princess.cybrmall.net/ubb/smile.gif[/img]

[This message has been edited by Peter Gilis (edited 10-19-2004).]

I read it too, and because what i have - a laptop Pentium II Pc with no modem connection - i realized i was cut out anyway.

No more G-Coll, sigh... I'll e-mail Radox and cancell HdR and Slave Pageant reviews. No more help from me. No more a cent from me. They were not nice with me mounting this weirdo, i'll never be nice with them again.

@Unicorn Ganbatte!!!!!! [img]http://princess.cybrmall.net/ubb/smile.gif[/img]

[This message has been edited by Italicus (edited 10-19-2004).]

#254
quote:
Originally posted by Peter Gilis:
I sincerely hope not, because to me that's a realist statement.

I mean, come on, it's impossible G-Col is so stupid creating a new system for their BGames to fight the piracy and increase their sales, but ends harming all their customers instead.

An old italian proverb says "everyone has a 15 minutes time to go crazy in the year" - i'm not sure if it's exactly translated....

When they decided to use V-Mate maybe they were in the middle. [img]http://princess.cybrmall.net/ubb/smile.gif[/img]

[This message has been edited by Italicus (edited 10-19-2004).]

#255

Don’t discard G-Collections so fast, Italicus, just because we misunderstood what they mean. I’m not sure, but it’s possible we don’t need to have Internet Connection on the same PC we are installing the BGame with VMate. Maybe we will need just the Code Key instalation.

And what if G-Col release someday other great and memorable story-focused BGame like CRESCENDO or KANA, without VMate system?

#256
quote:
Originally posted by Peter Gilis:
In other words, we will not need Internet Connection EACH TIME we start LMMeow, just during the Installation, because we will need a Product Key Registration to do so, pretty much like when instaling an Antivirus, for instance. But unlike these, we will not need support and upgrades ALL the time, i suppose.

Nah, this bit of information actually isn't hearsay. Vaga42Bond specifically stated that a connection was required every time the game started. Of course, since G-collections doesn't seem to be able to make up its mind how on how its own system works, who knows? [img]http://princess.cybrmall.net/ubb/tongue.gif[/img] Not that I'm blaming Vaga42Bond. He's doing the best he can based on the information management lets trickle down to him.

quote:
But... We, as board members, also play a very big part in this because...

Well... I will not get into this issue further considering everything has quiet down already.

For my part, I've tried to at least make my ranting vaguely constructive. [img]http://princess.cybrmall.net/ubb/tongue.gif[/img] I took the information available and pointed out the potential problems with the system, stating that I felt these problems needed to be addressed (if they weren't already) before I would lay down my money for future games. Why? Well yes, I was blowing off steam, but I was also hoping that G-collections would pay attention and do something about the problems, ideally before the game was released. I still don't think Let's Meow Meow! is a lost cause. They could always release a patch to fix certain issues in the V-mate utility and its functionality. In fact, it seems like the utility would be small enough that we could just download an entirely new version from scratch, if need be. It's not like the V-mate utility plays flashes CG's, plays music and talks. [img]http://princess.cybrmall.net/ubb/wink.gif[/img] Though that would be an interesting feature...


[This message has been edited by Dark_Shiki (edited 10-19-2004).]

#257

BTW, anyone read through the LMMW (Little My Meow) character bios? It sounds like the story is going to be pretty wacky. I feel fairly certain we’re not going to have another Jewel Knights Crusaders on our hands. The pictures they show in the character section aren’t very flattering, but the actual in-game CG is nice. I just hope the character cels are more like the CG…

#258
quote:
Originally posted by Peter Gilis:
what if G-Col release someday other great and memorable story-focused BGame like CRESCENDO or KANA, without VMate system? [img]http://princess.cybrmall.net/ubb/wink.gif[/img]


Then it 'll be another pair of shoes, Peter. [img]http://princess.cybrmall.net/ubb/smile.gif[/img]
I'll buy it from PP. [img]http://princess.cybrmall.net/ubb/wink.gif[/img]
And i agree with Dark. If we need V-Mate to launch and obtain the code i'm screwed anyway since i can't use such my PC to download the codekey. Nor i think i can register with it.

[This message has been edited by Italicus (edited 10-19-2004).]

#259
quote:
Originally posted by Dark_Shiki:
BTW, anyone read through the LMMW (Little My Meow) character bios? It sounds like the story is going to be pretty wacky. [img]http://princess.cybrmall.net/ubb/smile.gif[/img] I feel fairly certain we're not going to have another Jewel Knights Crusaders on our hands. [img]http://princess.cybrmall.net/ubb/wink.gif[/img] The pictures they show in the character section aren't very flattering, but the actual in-game CG is nice. I just hope the character cels are more like the CG...

Hmmm... a Maid-cat, a thief-Bunny, a policewoman-cat, a cat-robotgirl, an older sister/childhood friend and a miko-cat... yeah, many kinds of catgirls (and one bunnygirl) to many kinds of tastes. [img]http://princess.cybrmall.net/ubb/smile.gif[/img]

Wait, at the original WP... we have a Bishounen-cat too?! WTF!! [img]http://princess.cybrmall.net/ubb/eek.gif[/img]

Well, I just hope this one is not so bad than JKC, and please - NO YAOI SCENE!!

For those interested in know, he have a Demo here:
http://www.cd-bros.co.jp/yamitsu/game/nyannyan/dl/minnyan_demo.mpg

#260
quote:
Originally posted by Peter Gilis:
Hmmm... a Maid-cat, a thief-Bunny, a policewoman-cat, a cat-robotgirl, an older sister/childhood friend and a miko-cat... yeah, many kinds of catgirls (and one bunnygirl) to many kinds of tastes. [img]http://princess.cybrmall.net/ubb/smile.gif[/img]

Wait, at the original WP... we have a Bishounen-cat too?! WTF!! [img]http://princess.cybrmall.net/ubb/eek.gif[/img]

Well, I just hope this one is not so bad than JKC, and please - NO YAOI SCENE!!

For those interested in know, he have a Demo here:
http://www.cd-bros.co.jp/yamitsu/game/nyannyan/dl/minnyan_demo.mpg

That's a policewoman-dog.

And no Yaoi. (Unless they slipped something in after I was done that I don't know about. Or rather, don't want to know about.)