quote:
Originally posted by Dark_Shiki:
I'm not sure about information-selling. There's not enough details out there yet to assess this. However, I see four main problems with G-collection's V-mate system:1) Activation requires the user to have an Internet connection on the computer to which the game is installed. There should at least be some sort of workaround, like Windows XP has with telephone activation.
2) The product requires the Internet connection to be active whenever the game is started. This is an extension of #1, but far more serious. There is no reason I should need Internet access available 24/7 just so I can play a single-player game I payed hard-earned money for whenever I want. Furthermore, this measure has NO precedent in the U. S. Even Microsoft would never dare go this far.
3) The product's functionality is restricted beyond a simple activation code that is associated with it. If I own a game, I should be able play it on any computer I own, and I should be able to sell it. If hardware configurations are a factor, then this freedom is being wrongfully restricted. The product in question isn't an operating system like Windows XP, it's a game. There's a big difference.
4) The company website must be active for the game to start. Whether the site is down temporarily, or G-collections goes out of business, if my game cannot work then we have a serious problem. Microsoft does not require continuous activation, so temporary web site problems aren't an issue. Microsoft is also one of the most stable corporate institutions in the world, rendering the latter issue moot as well.
In 3 of my 4 points, G-collections has exceeded even oft-criticized Microsoft in its infringement on the consumer. With regards to the remaining point, the comparison is invalid due to the innate differences between an operating system and a game. Professionally, this proves that G-collections has made a huge blunder.
I'm not a fan of product activation in general, but I can stomach it if I must. However, if the system remains as it is, I don't think I can continue to buy G-collections games. Point 1 isn't really of concern to me, since I generally have Internet on any computers I would ever play games on. Point 2 is of concern, since Internet connections can be fickle things, even if I do have LAN on my main computer. Points 3 and 4 concern almost everyone, including me.
Well I've stated my opinion. Hopefully G-collections will reconsider this hasty endeavor, or at least will try to seek a satisfactory compromise. Until then, I can only bide my time and wait. It's a shame, because I was also looking forward to this upcoming game.
[This message has been edited by Dark_Shiki (edited 10-16-2004).]
Yes, this is exactly right. I'm glad that you were able to seperate the problems from the non-issues. Non-issues include G-Collections "selling" you information. Heck, they already have your credit card number and address when you order from them, and they track your IP when you visit their website. Here's what I think so far:
Point 1 - I'm only slightly against this one, because Peter Payne once mentioned that he sees bishoujo game fans at conventions who buy the games but do not have internet access. They would be unfairly cut off from being able to play a single player game. In most cases it wouldn't make a difference.
Point 2 - This has an impact on me, because I have a Dell notebook PC and I use a wireless DLS connection in my house, but when I take the computer with me other places I don't always have a connection. If I want to take the PC with me and show the game to someone, I can't do it. It's a bigger problem than what it seems.
Point 3 - I won't change hardware on a notebook PC, but I still agree that this is a crazy restriction for a bishoujo game.
Point 4 - This is the biggest problem of all. If G-collections goes under, the only way to play the game would be to get a pirated copy. Isn't that just a bad way to do business?
@Italicus
You can't expect G-Collections to do too much to pirates. You talk about how you're going to sue this person and that person all the time, and how you're going to crush the pirates, or make G-collections sorry for using V-mate. Really, it's just a lot of talk. It's really hard to get pirates to stop pirating a game. I've seen a website that stopped distrobution because G-collections asked them too. It's possible that G-collections did the same thing with the pirates you mentioned, but they simply ignored G-C. It's really impossible to be warriors who attempt to destroy piracy. Hmm, I think the best thing is to be more like bishoujo game missionaries! lol. Seriously, if you spread good word about the games and also about how fragile the companies are, it will do more good than to try to destroy piracy.