id Software - Games for Windows to Protect Against Piracy

Who would have thought that Games for Windows may play a crucial role in taking some weight off PC developers' shoulders, as far as piracy is concerned? And it's not just game developers who should benefit from this, but the end user as well, as GameIndurstry.biz reports.

"Some people say it's a little too Big-Brotherish, but it's a legitimate progression of making the PC feel more - not like a console, but like a closed system," said id's lead designer Tim Willits in an exclusive interview with GamesIndustry.biz, published today. "For us, if there's a way to link a Live account into your security for your game in a nice closed system, it would help reduce the piracy, which kills us, and is killing the industry. At least Microsoft is doing something, and I think that they're in a position to do it."

A console-style certification scheme will also be one of the most important benefits for game developers, as well as a strong integration with Windows Vista and ESRB ratings, Willits continued implying.

However, Microsoft's old habits of charging too much for too little stay in place. It is well known that gamers aren't always satisfied with Games for Windows, which requires not only Vista, but a yearly subscription to use Xbox Live services and play online. As the same site reports, Willits reckons it's necessary. Why? Here's why:

"I believe it will help us in the future," he said. "The whole system's young and Microsoft's made some mistakes, but they're fixing it. As we move forward, if it can help prevent piracy, if it can help people connect together, if it can help things be more uniform, so when end users buy any PC game they know how to connect, they know how to search for games - I do think it will help the games industry, and it's just the way things are going to need to move."

Was there anyone present at the interview who could tell Willits that pirates, always... always find a way? Don't get me wrong, I'm just being sarcastic, but honestly now, why doesn't MS just admit it? The money's good too.