14 DAY TRIAL // We all know that Electronic Arts isn't the company with the highest level of credibility in the eyes of the average gamer, and "popular" definitely isn't a word that would best describe it. With the reputation of a big game mogul, part of EA’s notoriety comes as a result of several hostile takeovers of smaller game development studios and of not that good customer relations.
One of its highly anticipated new games, Spore, got very good reviews but the issue of a restrictive DRM (Digital Rights Management) system got players very annoyed. The main problems were that the game only allowed a few installations and no possibility of multiple accounts (in case of a family) from a copy of the game, which made customers very unhappy and led them to asking questions about these problems on the official Spore forum. So numerous were the threads and so vivid were the accusations to EA that the forum moderators had to take severe measures. It is reported that one of their warnings stated that if users continued to talk about the DRM problem, they would be banned, even to a point where they would have to get a new copy of the game.
In regard to a DRM based thread, one of the moderators said that "SecuROM has been discussed and discussed so much and it causes arguments in threads. If you want to talk about DRM SecuROM then please use another fansite forum. If there is any change you will be able to read it on the official Spore site. Please do not continue to post theses thread or you account may be at risk of banning which in some cases would mean you would need to buy a new copy to play Spore."
Quite harsh words from a supposed representative of the moderating team, which was quick to officially state on another forum thread that "You are not going to lose your game for posting a comment. You are allowed to discuss the DRM and any concerns as long as it's done without making it personal to anyone."
While no official word has come from EA representatives, it would seem that the moderators are very sorry about the threats issued. But until those problems are fixed, the customers have every right to be angry and to seek help in the only place available for them, which is the Spore forum.