Discussion about Always-On Connection to Origin

[~Dee~ 215]

Not a fan of Origin, a lot of my opinion comes from what I went through waiting and playing diablo 3. After the decade wait and purchasing the collectors edition. Couldn't play initially because of all the lag and crashes. It ruined a game I waited for for such a long time.

As I understand the current model. You have to log onto origin to authenticate your simcity game but after that you can play offline. Is that correct?

I'm going to buy the game either way. I am already very excited for this game, just like I was for diablo 3. But if they are going to force me to play online with tools I don't know I'm sure I will lose interest quickly. Especially if I can't play the game because of things out of my control like server instability.

With that being said. I really like the idea of building a simcity social network. I like the idea of working with my friends to build up a region. As long as I am not forced to all the time. Or forced to maintain cities just to farm resources

No that's not correct, you need to be always online to play the game.

They say if your internet cuts out for a very short time you still can play, but only for a short time, you'll need to re-connect.

This is a server based only game, you have to save your city on EA's server as well.

[cirugo 1,889]

Not a fan of Origin, a lot of my opinion comes from what I went through waiting and playing diablo 3. After the decade wait and purchasing the collectors edition. Couldn't play initially because of all the lag and crashes. It ruined a game I waited for for such a long time.

As I understand the current model. You have to log onto origin to authenticate your simcity game but after that you can play offline. Is that correct?

I'm going to buy the game either way. I am already very excited for this game, just like I was for diablo 3. But if they are going to force me to play online with tools I don't know I'm sure I will lose interest quickly. Especially if I can't play the game because of things out of my control like server instability.

With that being said. I really like the idea of building a simcity social network. I like the idea of working with my friends to build up a region. As long as I am not forced to all the time. Or forced to maintain cities just to farm resources

Everything that you just said you don't want is EXACTLY what they are going to be doing with the game. That is why this topic is so controversial

[wtfboar 6]

Everything that you just said you don't want is EXACTLY what they are going to be doing with the game. That is why this topic is so controversial

That's too bad. I don't understand what the reasoning is to force people to use origin. What's wrong with some one wanting to play solo. Lets say I'm playing black ops for example. I don't have to go online or maintain an Internet connection to play the campaign. But I do if I want to play multiplayer kill zombies and so one. I don't see what's wrong with that model. Let people play offline if they want. Or go online if they wish.

[cirugo 1,889]

Everything that you just said you don't want is EXACTLY what they are going to be doing with the game. That is why this topic is so controversial

That's too bad. I don't understand what the reasoning is to force people to use origin. What's wrong with some one wanting to play solo. Lets say I'm playing black ops for example. I don't have to go online or maintain an Internet connection to play the campaign. But I do if I want to play multiplayer kill zombies and so one. I don't see what's wrong with that model. Let people play offline if they want. Or go online if they wish.

That's all anyone wants. No one is begrudging the multiplayer...they are outraged at being forced to be online no matter what.

[Urban Cartographer 601]

I am extremely outraged at the fact that the upcoming SimCity game is forced online.

I want a 100% offline single player mode as well. We are all not happy with how Activision-Blizzard insist that all their recent games must be online. EA is going one step ahead in forced online. With a 100% offline single player mode, the upcoming SimCity game becomes minimally tolerable for me (especially with the lack of large-scale terraforming, small city sizes, limited regional connections, etc.).

[NorthStars 66]

A fly on the wall overheard the following conversation at a meeting of EA's top executives...

CEO of EA: "Alright, people, we need to make a final decision now. Do we release SimCity 2013 exclusively through Origin with an always-online requirement?"

VP Jones: "Well, sir, I think that would be a bad idea. We've been monitoring the forums at Simtropolis and elsewhere, and everything we're getting back says the customer base is STRONGLY opposed to us enforcing DRM in this way. We have estimated that roughly 97% are opposed, and surveys we have conducted tell us they aren't just disinterested in our multi-person play ideas, but they also resent the idea that we can collect so much data from their computers, sell that data to other parties, shut down the servers any time we wish, and that they won't really be in control of the game they've purchased. Some people have even started to figure out that we're not really SELLING the game, but actually just RENTING it to them at a high price."

CEO: "Thank you, Jones. Your opinion is so noted. Anyone else have any other thoughts? Cooper...?"

VP Cooper: "Yes, sir, I do, actually. Historically, there is no evidence that any of this will have any impact on our sales. I totally agree that 97% claim to be opposed to this form of DRM, but they've complained before about other games, and we've still raked in millions off the games. This is because essentially, sir, people are stupid. These lemmings... I mean 'our respected customers'... moan about using Origin or Steam or other DRM services, but the beauty is, THEY KEEP FORKING OUT THE MONEY. Obviously, if they ever stopped buying the games, we'd have to change our strategy. But only a tiny minority of games consumers actually have the dedication to stand up for what they believe in, but the rest keep giving us their money! Why should we possibly change this strategy, sir?"

CEO: "That's a good point, Cooper. And the wealth of data we get to collect from everyone's computers is just added icing on the cake. It's actually amazing that people consent to all of this. But I totally agree with Cooper, the fact is, people don't seem to mind getting screwed both ways. They just invite us to keep coming back to give them more!! So, Jones, what do you say to that?"

VP Jones: "I don't know, sir, I must admit that people are stupid, and their actions certainly don't back their words. I still think it would be nice if we did a good thing for gaming..."

CEO: "Sorry, Jones, doing a 'good thing for gaming' doesn't help our bottom line. So, if you have nothing else, it's decided then... we go ahead with the online-only strategy through origin."

VP Jones: "How do we spin it publicly, sir?"

CEO: "I don't know, let's keep building on that 'interactive regional play' that Cooper came up with before. There are actually some people out there who are eating that up..."

[The fly on the wall proceeded to become nauseous and needed to leave the room...]

Sorry for the indictment, folks. But honestly, Origin and Steam would no longer exist if you didn't keep throwing your money at these folks. As for me, I have not purchased a single computer game in 5 years+. It's killing me, because I love gaming, but I'm doing my part to get back to the days when I can legally buy my games directly from the gamesmakers and TRULY OWN the games I buy!!! I have no sympathy for folks who complain about the way DRM works, but keep buying games...

  Edited November 25, 2012 by CaptCity  
Edited: Language - See the rules.

[Jim14409 448]

A fly on the wall overheard the following conversation at a meeting of EA's top executives...

CEO of EA: "Alright, people, we need to make a final decision now. Do we release SimCity 2013 exclusively through Origin with an always-online requirement?"

VP Jones: "Well, sir, I think that would be a bad idea. We've been monitoring the forums at Simtropolis and elsewhere, and everything we're getting back says the customer base is STRONGLY opposed to us enforcing DRM in this way. We have estimated that roughly 97% are opposed, and surveys we have conducted tell us they aren't just disinterested in our multi-person play ideas, but they also resent the idea that we can collect so much data from their computers, sell that data to other parties, shut down the servers any time we wish, and that they won't really be in control of the game they've purchased. Some people have even started to figure out that we're not really SELLING the game, but actually just RENTING it to them at a high price."

CEO: "Thank you, Jones. Your opinion is so noted. Anyone else have any other thoughts? Cooper...?"

VP Cooper: "Yes, sir, I do, actually. Historically, there is no evidence that any of this will have any impact on our sales. I totally agree that 97% claim to be opposed to this form of DRM, but they've complained before about other games, and we've still raked in millions off the games. This is because essentially, sir, people are stupid. These lemmings... I mean 'our respected customers'... moan about using Origin or Steam or other DRM services, but the beauty is, THEY KEEP FORKING OUT THE MONEY. Obviously, if they ever stopped buying the games, we'd have to change our strategy. But only a tiny minority of games consumers actually have the dedication to stand up for what they believe in, but the rest keep giving us their money! Why should we possibly change this strategy, sir?"

CEO: "That's a good point, Cooper. And the wealth of data we get to collect from everyone's computers is just added icing on the cake. It's actually amazing that people consent to all of this. But I totally agree with Cooper, the fact is, people don't seem to mind getting screwed both ways. They just invite us to keep coming back to give them more!! So, Jones, what do you say to that?"

VP Jones: "I don't know, sir, I must admit that people are stupid, and their actions certainly don't back their words. I still think it would be nice if we did a good thing for gaming..."

CEO: "Sorry, Jones, doing a 'good thing for gaming' doesn't help our bottom line. So, if you have nothing else, it's decided then... we go ahead with the online-only strategy through origin."

VP Jones: "How do we spin it publicly, sir?"

CEO: "I don't know, let's keep building on that 'interactive regional play' that Cooper came up with before. There are actually some people out there who are eating that up..."

[The fly on the wall proceeded to become nauseous and needed to leave the room...]

Sorry for the indictment, folks. But honestly, Origin and Steam would no longer exist if you didn't keep throwing your money at these folks. As for me, I have not purchased a single computer game in 5 years+. It's killing me, because I love gaming, but I'm doing my part to get back to the days when I can legally buy my games directly from the gamesmakers and TRULY OWN the games I buy!!! I have no sympathy for folks who complain about the way DRM works, but keep buying games...

I assume your "report" is hypothetical, but I do not doubt that such a conversation either has or could take place. I could not agree more that it is because people keep dishing out money that the restrictions become greater and rights of the purchaser become fewer. It is like the proverbial frog in the pot of water. One day people may wake up and wonder what happened, while big money laughs all the way to the bank.

I believe in looking farther than the end of ones own nose, in denying ones self and standing up for what is right for the good of all in the long run. My money will be spent elsewhere until wrong is made right and fair because big business greed is out of control and getting worse.

[Urban Cartographer 601]

connect2ashes, I found your hypothetical conversation to be very interesting.

I have absolutely no interest in buying a PC game that requires Origin or Steam. I always wanted to play a 100% offline single player game. I do not want my personal information, especially my gaming habits, to be sold to advertisers, who would then advertise games that I strongly oppose. Unfortunately, 100% offline single player games no longer exist on the PC. I am becoming disillusioned by PC gaming (and even console gaming to some extent). I would rather play an old and/or independent game instead.

[CaptCity 4,907]

Understanding that the 'dialog' was an attempt at humor, companies are going to produce what they think will sell. Do they always get it right? Of course not. While i don't always agree with the decisions people make regarding their 'buying power', classifying people as 'lemmings' or 'stupid' does not fuly explain product decisions. Taking products in different directions is nothing new. Sometimes it works, sometimes not - remember 'new' Coke? The 'general public' will buy what they want and not buy what they don't want, regardless if it is a necessity or just a 'fad'. Many do like the online aspect of gaming. With this game, EA is banking on the online capability being a popular way to play the game, thus increasing profits.

[wtfboar 6]

Funny fake conversation. I'm opposed to Origin. But I'm a big fan of simcity and have been waiting a long time for a new one. I'm sure ill buy it even though I don't like origin or any type of DRM. I don't think that makes me stupid. I'm that big of a fan of the franchise

[NorthStars 66]

Thanks for your responses... and I should clarify one thing. I apologize if people took offense to my use of the terms "stupid" and "lemmings". That's why I chose the spin of a fictitious conversation. I am not trying to launch that as an accusation from me against others as much as I'm suggesting that is HOW THEY (the executives) VIEW US when the vast majority of customers say one thing but our purchasing habits don't reflect the opinions we claim to hold.

I respect that not everyone will want to take the same stand I have (giving up purchasing any new games)... however, my main argument is that if you do indeed dislike the way DRM is done these days, then the only vote that counts is with your hard-earned $$$.

Writing a hundred posts on an electronic message board means nothing to corporate executives planning their marketing strategies (I'm not being cynical here, I would do the same in their place, and their shareholders fully demand that behavior of them). Understandably, they measure success by one and only one instrument... sales.

If you want to change the way they do it, don't buy the product. Until then, pls recognize that coming here and complaining about their methods does nothing.

And for the record, SimCity is the closest I have come in my five-year boycott to breaking my vow. I am sorely tempted. I've been a huge fan of the series right back to the very first SimCity I owned on my original 386. Many aspects of the new one are very interesting to me... my interest is even reflected in my presence on this site (I haven't posted much, but I've read a fair bit). But, at the end of the day, the idea is that I would be inviting someone into my computer (Deep access to my computer, my software, etc?) and I'd be spending my money to buy a game that they can just shut down whenever they decide the operation of the servers is no longer profitable (lots of evidence that would happen eventually)... these things are inexcusable to me.

So I won't buy it. That's $59.99 less for EA. Their choice, not mine. Of course, that means nothing to them. But if 100,000 other people made the same choice for the same reason, that would be $6 million less for them.

That might mean something to them. If only people would vote with their dollars/euros/pounds/etc.

[Gamma Stardust 50]

@connect2ashes nice write up there, you should consider a carreer

I stand pretty much on the same spot. I don't even care what EA/Maxis brings up to the table anymore, it could even be my own dreamt Simcity, as long as i am forced online + Origin it is a definite no buy. Your boycott is not a lonely boycott, be sure.

[CaptCity 4,907]

Okay, we're getting a little repetitious here - same points being made that have already been made by the same posters. The topic here is the on-line aspect of the game as it exists, not the policy and/or practices of game-producing companies and boycotts. The game is what it is. There's another topic for 'are you buying the game or not'. Just don't want things heading into other directions...

[Xenocity 343]

This is today's trailer!

Also for those who dislike Origin, I have good news.

Amazon is offering digital downloads of the LE edition thru their PC game store.

No Origin downloading required, though you will still have to log in via the game (just like games from Ubisoft and Sega).

So far it is only the PC version is listed

[The_City_Builder 299]

This video has actually been available to watch through Amazon since last week, and I think I found that through simtropolis as well.

Nontheless, I'm liking almost everything I'm seeing EXCEPT the small city tiles! Come on Maxis, give users with higher end PC's a chance, not all of us have crap computers.

Also~

"No Origin Downloading Required..."

So...? You still have to log in to Origin once you download and install the game to play it.

[Xenocity 343]

"No Origin Downloading Required..."

So...? You still have to log in to Origin once you download and install the game to play it.

Yes but you should be able to log in via the game instead of installing the Origin Client to your PC.

[Urban Cartographer 601]

I really hope that this would actually allow for a 100% offline single player mode. Right now, I am very skeptical about this "no Origin" version.

[Xenocity 343]

I really hope that this would actually allow for a 100% offline single player mode. Right now, I am very skeptical about this "no Origin" version.

You'd still have to log into Origin/Maxis servers via the Simcity main menu.

It just means you don't have to download and run Origin program.

[The_City_Builder 299]

"No Origin Downloading Required..."

So...? You still have to log in to Origin once you download and install the game to play it.

Yes but you should be able to log in via the game instead of installing the Origin Client to your PC.

I can disprove this theory.

I downloaded Need For Speed: The Run off of Amazon earlier this summer. I downloaded it without Origin, but in order for me to play the game, I needed to install Origin and run it from there.

[nathanthemayor 1,263]

IMO I am not going to believe any statement that there will be a "100% solo SimCity game" unless it comes directly from EA or Maxis.

[Urban Cartographer 601]

I knew it.

Good thing that I am still skeptical to know that even without the need to have Origin for installation, it would still require Origin to play it. Too good to be true. I would rather wait for a response from EA/Maxis.

[Xenocity 343]

I knew it.

Good thing that I am still skeptical to know that even without the need to have Origin for installation, it would still require Origin to play it. Too good to be true. I would rather wait for a response from EA/Maxis.

All of EA games made for Xbox 360, PS3, Wii U interact with Origin in some fashion.

All the online modes for all systems including 3DS, Vita, iOS interact with Origin.

It didn't hamper or ruin any of those games.

[cirugo 1,889]

I knew it.

Good thing that I am still skeptical to know that even without the need to have Origin for installation, it would still require Origin to play it. Too good to be true. I would rather wait for a response from EA/Maxis.

All of EA games made for Xbox 360, PS3, Wii U interact with Origin in some fashion.

All the online modes for all systems including 3DS, Vita, iOS interact with Origin.

It didn't hamper or ruin any of those games.

I'm not interested in any of those games...I'm interested in SimCity. And I do have a PS3 and every game for it I have purchased is playable offline...my PS3 is not connected to the internet and I wouldn't buy a game that required it for a console.

[NorthStars 66]

UGGGH! That newest video does look really good! I must admit, it pains me that I can't buy this game. It looks amazing in so many ways. I agree with the 2km x 2km tiles being a problem, but everything else I see is darn close to exactly how I'd like to see it.

I notice they seem to be having some problem with their release dates. The Amazon sales page says February 8, "in preparation for the official release of the game on February 12". But SimCity.com says March 5. What gives? That's a difference of 3 weeks!

Oh well, it doesn't matter to me either way. I still can't get it due to the always-on connection to Origin, but I'll watch from a distance with big sad puppy-dog eyes. I won't give in, but for this game, I wish I could!

[snick25 384]

Yep, the tiny maps and constant online connection killed this game for many, myself included.

I wish Maxis all the luck in continuing this franchise. But, if this game flops, hopefully they'll learn from their mistakes.

[jeje71 6]

I knew it.

Good thing that I am still skeptical to know that even without the need to have Origin for installation, it would still require Origin to play it. Too good to be true. I would rather wait for a response from EA/Maxis.

All of EA games made for Xbox 360, PS3, Wii U interact with Origin in some fashion.

All the online modes for all systems including 3DS, Vita, iOS interact with Origin.

It didn't hamper or ruin any of those games.

I'm not interested in any of those games...I'm interested in SimCity. And I do have a PS3 and every game for it I have purchased is playable offline...my PS3 is not connected to the internet and I wouldn't buy a game that required it for a console.

that's because current console rules states that the game can be played offline with only the disc as requirement (so they can't prevent people from lending their game to another person, except for the online part hence the season pass)

but it's pretty much sold that next-generation consoles won't have that kind of requirement, and will also probably move to the full-online path (digital downloads will become the preferred method to retail)

and it will mean that games will be tied to an account to avoid resell and lending so in no time console players won't be in a better situation than on pc...

[Urban Cartographer 601]

Sigh. I enjoy buying, renting, selling, and trading used games for any platform. With the full-online path, there would no longer be a market for used games.

[sleeper7 4]

A fly on the wall overheard the following conversation at a meeting of EA's top executives...

CEO of EA: "Alright, people, we need to make a final decision now. Do we release SimCity 2013 exclusively through Origin with an always-online requirement?"

VP Jones: "Well, sir, I think that would be a bad idea. We've been monitoring the forums at Simtropolis and elsewhere, and everything we're getting back says the customer base is STRONGLY opposed to us enforcing DRM in this way. We have estimated that roughly 97% are opposed, and surveys we have conducted tell us they aren't just disinterested in our multi-person play ideas, but they also resent the idea that we can collect so much data from their computers, sell that data to other parties, shut down the servers any time we wish, and that they won't really be in control of the game they've purchased. Some people have even started to figure out that we're not really SELLING the game, but actually just RENTING it to them at a high price."

CEO: "Thank you, Jones. Your opinion is so noted. Anyone else have any other thoughts? Cooper...?"

VP Cooper: "Yes, sir, I do, actually. Historically, there is no evidence that any of this will have any impact on our sales. I totally agree that 97% claim to be opposed to this form of DRM, but they've complained before about other games, and we've still raked in millions off the games. This is because essentially, sir, people are stupid. These lemmings... I mean 'our respected customers'... moan about using Origin or Steam or other DRM services, but the beauty is, THEY KEEP FORKING OUT THE MONEY. Obviously, if they ever stopped buying the games, we'd have to change our strategy. But only a tiny minority of games consumers actually have the dedication to stand up for what they believe in, but the rest keep giving us their money! Why should we possibly change this strategy, sir?"

CEO: "That's a good point, Cooper. And the wealth of data we get to collect from everyone's computers is just added icing on the cake. It's actually amazing that people consent to all of this. But I totally agree with Cooper, the fact is, people don't seem to mind getting screwed both ways. They just invite us to keep coming back to give them more!! So, Jones, what do you say to that?"

VP Jones: "I don't know, sir, I must admit that people are stupid, and their actions certainly don't back their words. I still think it would be nice if we did a good thing for gaming..."

CEO: "Sorry, Jones, doing a 'good thing for gaming' doesn't help our bottom line. So, if you have nothing else, it's decided then... we go ahead with the online-only strategy through origin."

VP Jones: "How do we spin it publicly, sir?"

CEO: "I don't know, let's keep building on that 'interactive regional play' that Cooper came up with before. There are actually some people out there who are eating that up..."

[The fly on the wall proceeded to become nauseous and needed to leave the room...]

Sorry for the indictment, folks. But honestly, Origin and Steam would no longer exist if you didn't keep throwing your money at these folks. As for me, I have not purchased a single computer game in 5 years+. It's killing me, because I love gaming, but I'm doing my part to get back to the days when I can legally buy my games directly from the gamesmakers and TRULY OWN the games I buy!!! I have no sympathy for folks who complain about the way DRM works, but keep buying games...

My friend, you're doing it all wrong.

I feel the same way about DRM that you do, and I haven't bought a game with DRM (Online, SecuROM, or similair disk protections) in probably at least 8 years (likely more than that).

It's had no real affect on my gaming . . . I've bought close to 200 games in that time that have at most a Serial Number to type in as their only form of DRM (quite acceptable), and the vast majority don't even have the S/N requirement.

How do I do it (I don't Pirate) ?

GOG - well over 70 titles (at a discount no less) that I still have to play.

Indie Bundles (DRM free ones) - well over a hundred titles here, and many are quite good.

Indie Developers - there are some Indie Devs putting out some quality games DRM free (a few use the S/N). They don't have a large budget, so you don't hear about them, you have to go looking for them.

For a couple examples of Indie Dev games you can look at Democracy 2, Legend of Grimrock (excellent game), Demise: Ascension (tons of gameplay), and Distant Worlds (plus expansions - a third one on the way).

Are there AAA titles I'd like to pick up?

Sure, but they're a DRM mess and I refuse to deal with them, and with over 200 DRM free games to play, I don't have to deal with them.

You don't have to suffer, you just need to change the way you play the game

.

[cirugo 1,889]

A fly on the wall overheard the following conversation at a meeting of EA's top executives...

CEO of EA: "Alright, people, we need to make a final decision now. Do we release SimCity 2013 exclusively through Origin with an always-online requirement?"

VP Jones: "Well, sir, I think that would be a bad idea. We've been monitoring the forums at Simtropolis and elsewhere, and everything we're getting back says the customer base is STRONGLY opposed to us enforcing DRM in this way. We have estimated that roughly 97% are opposed, and surveys we have conducted tell us they aren't just disinterested in our multi-person play ideas, but they also resent the idea that we can collect so much data from their computers, sell that data to other parties, shut down the servers any time we wish, and that they won't really be in control of the game they've purchased. Some people have even started to figure out that we're not really SELLING the game, but actually just RENTING it to them at a high price."

CEO: "Thank you, Jones. Your opinion is so noted. Anyone else have any other thoughts? Cooper...?"

VP Cooper: "Yes, sir, I do, actually. Historically, there is no evidence that any of this will have any impact on our sales. I totally agree that 97% claim to be opposed to this form of DRM, but they've complained before about other games, and we've still raked in millions off the games. This is because essentially, sir, people are stupid. These lemmings... I mean 'our respected customers'... moan about using Origin or Steam or other DRM services, but the beauty is, THEY KEEP FORKING OUT THE MONEY. Obviously, if they ever stopped buying the games, we'd have to change our strategy. But only a tiny minority of games consumers actually have the dedication to stand up for what they believe in, but the rest keep giving us their money! Why should we possibly change this strategy, sir?"

CEO: "That's a good point, Cooper. And the wealth of data we get to collect from everyone's computers is just added icing on the cake. It's actually amazing that people consent to all of this. But I totally agree with Cooper, the fact is, people don't seem to mind getting screwed both ways. They just invite us to keep coming back to give them more!! So, Jones, what do you say to that?"

VP Jones: "I don't know, sir, I must admit that people are stupid, and their actions certainly don't back their words. I still think it would be nice if we did a good thing for gaming..."

CEO: "Sorry, Jones, doing a 'good thing for gaming' doesn't help our bottom line. So, if you have nothing else, it's decided then... we go ahead with the online-only strategy through origin."

VP Jones: "How do we spin it publicly, sir?"

CEO: "I don't know, let's keep building on that 'interactive regional play' that Cooper came up with before. There are actually some people out there who are eating that up..."

[The fly on the wall proceeded to become nauseous and needed to leave the room...]

Sorry for the indictment, folks. But honestly, Origin and Steam would no longer exist if you didn't keep throwing your money at these folks. As for me, I have not purchased a single computer game in 5 years+. It's killing me, because I love gaming, but I'm doing my part to get back to the days when I can legally buy my games directly from the gamesmakers and TRULY OWN the games I buy!!! I have no sympathy for folks who complain about the way DRM works, but keep buying games...

My friend, you're doing it all wrong.

I feel the same way about DRM that you do, and I haven't bought a game with DRM (Online, SecuROM, or similair disk protections) in probably at least 8 years (likely more than that).

It's had no real affect on my gaming . . . I've bought close to 200 games in that time that have at most a Serial Number to type in as their only form of DRM (quite acceptable), and the vast majority don't even have the S/N requirement.

How do I do it (I don't Pirate) ?

GOG - well over 70 titles (at a discount no less) that I still have to play.

Indie Bundles (DRM free ones) - well over a hundred titles here, and many are quite good.

Indie Developers - there are some Indie Devs putting out some quality games DRM free (a few use the S/N). They don't have a large budget, so you don't hear about them, you have to go looking for them.

For a couple examples of Indie Dev games you can look at Democracy 2, Legend of Grimrock (excellent game), Demise: Ascension (tons of gameplay), and Distant Worlds (plus expansions - a third one on the way).

Are there AAA titles I'd like to pick up?

Sure, but they're a DRM mess and I refuse to deal with them, and with over 200 DRM free games to play, I don't have to deal with them.

You don't have to suffer, you just need to change the way you play the game

.

Good advice! thanks for that. People really need to start looking up these kinds of companies and supporting them. The more that people indiscriminately throw money at companies like EA and MAXIS, with their anti-gamer and anti-consumer design decisions and condescending marketing, the less they will listen to what people want. The only way they'll start paying attention is when their bottome line starts to suffer.

[Xenocity 343]

I knew it.

Good thing that I am still skeptical to know that even without the need to have Origin for installation, it would still require Origin to play it. Too good to be true. I would rather wait for a response from EA/Maxis.

All of EA games made for Xbox 360, PS3, Wii U interact with Origin in some fashion.

All the online modes for all systems including 3DS, Vita, iOS interact with Origin.

It didn't hamper or ruin any of those games.

I'm not interested in any of those games...I'm interested in SimCity. And I do have a PS3 and every game for it I have purchased is playable offline...my PS3 is not connected to the internet and I wouldn't buy a game that required it for a console.

that's because current console rules states that the game can be played offline with only the disc as requirement (so they can't prevent people from lending their game to another person, except for the online part hence the season pass)

but it's pretty much sold that next-generation consoles won't have that kind of requirement, and will also probably move to the full-online path (digital downloads will become the preferred method to retail)

and it will mean that games will be tied to an account to avoid resell and lending so in no time console players won't be in a better situation than on pc...

Wii U being the first out of the gate, it has the option to download retail games day one instead of buying the physical copy.

The video game industry cannot move to a full digital download future due to these 4 reasons:

1. Retailers will not sell a DD only system(PSP Go doesn't count because it was revision)
   
   
2. The internet speeds are not fast enough in most cities and countries (including USA) to support DD only
   
   
3. Internet caps generally ranging from 150GBs-250GBs for your monthy internet usage
   
   
4. Game file sizes this coming gen will be ranging from 25GBs-75GBs for the most part
   

On Wii U to obtain DLC and certain game features on Ubisoft's titles, you must go thru Ubisoft's uPlay App and store to get them.

You cannot get the stuff thru the Wii U eShop!

Many developers are doing this now and it will only increase as this new gen continues.

I hate this as much as I hate Capcom's on disc DLC...

But due to piracy being ramped (look at PSP, DS, and Wii) and game development costs going thru the roof, most developers are bleeding money.

Yes Piracy was that bad that it literally killed most developer support for PSP, DS, and Wii (all those 3rd parties games that failed to sell on Wii, were pirated in the at least a million times).