PC users just want quick and easy access to their games, not restrictive software

Dec 1, 2011 08:12 GMT  ·  By

Good Old Games, the digital distribution service focused on selling classic titles without any sort of DRM and with extra features, believes other game publishers need to stop believing that DRM (Digital Rights Management) systems will stop people from pirating their games, and just try to pack in more value into their products.

The ongoing debate over PC piracy has seen some new developments in recent times, with Ubisoft criticizing PC gamers, claiming they want their own version of I Am Alive just to be able to pirate it once it’s released.

Good Old Games’ head of public relations and marketing, Trevor Longino, already talked about Ubisoft’s wrong attitude, and has now shared his thoughts on DRM software and how they don’t really stop people from pirating it, largely because hackers can overcome pretty much any system.

“DRM doesn't stop theft of games, let's make that clear,” Longino told Destructoid. “It's a false argument to say it does. Every game that came out this year -- every single one regardless of the kind of DRM on it -- was pirated. Frequently before the game was even for sale on retail shelves but within 48 hours after launch, either way. There's a whole industry devoted to selling DRM solutions to publishers and developers, and no one seems to be clued into the fact that it doesn't stop piracy.”

The GOG executive believes, and backs up his thoughts with several surveys, that gamers just want easy and quick access to a complete game, and are more than willing to pay for such a feature if it’s available to them.

“If DRM doesn't stop theft, what does? Well, according to surveys, the value of the game offer. Almost 50% of the users surveyed stated that one of the main reasons why they pirated games was the lack of perceived value of the package. Either they wanted the game for less money or they wanted more bonus content in the package. That should sound familiar, given that it's GOG.com's business model.”

Longino concludes by saying that, “DRM isn't necessary to curb piracy. We've proven that. Make the value of what you sell evident, and you'll reduce the numbers of gamers who don't pay for the games they play.”

Ubisoft isn’t really in the best position, as it’s currently complaining of piracy while fitting its recent PC games with restrictive DRM that requires users to have a permanent online connection, even if the titles have just single-player modes.