Activation Server

[mr-tom 2]

I've already seen posts from people (in the goodbye MC thread) saying that they can no longer activate the game (new purchasers)

This has got me thinking.   If the servers go offline, we have two problems:

1 - New purchasers can't activate their game

2 - The rest of us can't do the monthly reactivation

It seems that (1) is the problem of whoever keeps selling the game and frankly I'm not condining cracking it.

However, we should think about number 2.

Moderators - to be 100% clear, I'm not advocating that we start work on removing copy protection.  Instead, I'm suggesting that we have a discussion of the issues involved so that if (and only if) the servers go offline, we already have a well thought through strategy.

It isn't my intention to encourage or facilitate piracy.  I just want to ensure that all can continue to enjoy the game they have paid for.

If this topic is too controversial, please feel free to kill it.

Tom.

(edit - P.S. This may be entirely academic as I suspect none of us would know where to begin with bypassing protection, but I have a sneaking suspicion that if we went searching, we'd find that somebody had already done it...)

[haltendehand 0]

Ever heard something about lua-scripts? rightsmgr.lua is probably not enough to completely crack the game, but there surely is a way...

[mr-tom 2]

I had a quick scout around after I posted this morning's message.

There's cracked versions available (but God knows what sort of hitch hikers they come with).

I guess that in extremis, we could probably pull together to clean up one of the cracks, but it's not an ideal solution as it would be indistinguishable from promoting (edit "or facilitating") piracy.

Tom.

[KR153 0]

I´m playing with one of these cracks right now. (i´m forced to because I don´t have a internet connection). Anyway, if you´re interested in that one I can give it to you of course (or anybody else). If you think you can do anything with it....

[mr-tom 2]

Cool.

Let's say "not yet". If we reach the point where the servers do go offline, then I suspect a lot of people will be pleased to see you...

[kiwispanker 1]

yeah i found that crack when searching for the original root mod. i use it to because i do not like how MC allows its programs to pass your passwords all over the place unprotected. plus, when using the crack, you can set up multiple planets; great for testing.

but i'm sure the new ownder of cxl wouldn't make the game unplayable. instead, in case they decide not to keep the servers running, they would surely just come out with one last patch to make the game playable without network authentication.

lastly, you'd need to modify more than just the rightsmgr file to bypass the network, if you did it on your own. i too don't condone illegal use of copyright bypass, but we are dealing with a dead game here (plus new purchases of the game can rarely, if at all, activate their game). *the crack also works with the unlocker mod (in limited edition; i don't know about normal edition).

[mr-tom 2]

Originally posted by: kiwispanker

but i'm sure the new ownder of cxl wouldn't make the game unplayable. instead, in case they decide not to keep the servers running, they would surely just come out with one last patch to make the game playable without network authentication.

quote>

That's a lot of faith to place in the invisible man...

[Livin in Sim 83]

OK, let's just not go here, all right. 

Cracking piracy discusssion is absolutely a no-no on Simtropolis, and that is immediately evident with a quick look at the rules.

5.  Prohibited Actions.    It is strictly and expressly prohibited to post or upload: 

a.  Anything relating to the pirating, or copying, of any software game title;

b.  Anything referring to CD keys or no CD cracks;

Everyone in this thread has had their first and only warning.

Thread locked.