14 DAY TRIAL // 2008 was riddled with discussions related to DRM and especially to its heinous SecuRom incarnation. Spore, the big release from Electronic Arts, was especially attacked for implementing a security solution meant to combat pirates but ended up annoying the common gamer. Other developers implemented similar solutions for their PC releases, feeling threatened by the specter of declining sales lost to torrents and other file sharing mechanics.
Relic is aiming for a rather different approach with its upcoming Dawn of War II, scheduled to launch in February. Players will be able to enjoy a constant stream of downloadable content once they get the game, with the publisher trying to make sure that piracy and the second hand market are not options for those interested in the videogame representation of Warhammer 40,000.
Jonny Ebbert, lead designer of Dawn of War II, recently stated that “We really want to give our players a top-notch experience and we want to reward our players for playing our game. Free downlodable, regularly accessible stuff that enhances the game and then that's an incentive for people who didn't buy it.” It's not clear what the content will be but we're likely to see new missions, probably a fresh campaign and, if Relic is really courageous, a whole new playable single player race, like the Eldar.
Ebbert acknowledged that the level of support for the first Dawn of War left something to be desired, but insisted that the company had not created a much easier way to introduce new stuff to their games, which they plan to use for Dawn of War II.
Those who are interested in seeing how Dawn of War II will look can sign up for a beta of the multiplayer component. It will be delivered via Steam and players will be able to access it on January 21, if they have bought the definitive version of the first Dawn of War, Soulstorm, or a week later, if they haven't. Relic hopes that feedback community will help create a multiplayer component for their game, just as engaging as the single player element.