New Anti-Piracy Measure Draw Flak

Ubisoft have announced that they will be using a new anti-piracy system for their PC software. The system will require the player to be connected to Ubisoft servers constantly while playing their games. Saved games will be stored on the Ubisoft servers – allowing players to access their saves from any particular computer. Additionally, new authentication methods will mean that games can be played without the disk in the drive, and can be installed on multiple computers.

However, the move has (as with all new anti-piracy measures) sparked a healthy debate, with most commentators criticising the move. This has lead Ubisoft to defend the system, which will be trialled in the Settlers 7 beta.

Ubisoft issued the following statement:

"Ubisoft's number one goal is to provide added value that will facilitate and enrich the gaming experience of our PC customers. The Settlers 7 beta version is enabling players to discover that this platform empowers them to install the game on as many PCs as they wish, to synchronise saved games online so that gameplay can be continued from where they left off (from any computer with an installed version of the game) and frees them from needing a CD/DVD in order to play.

"The platform requires a permanent Internet connection. We know this choice is controversial but we feel is justified by the gameplay advantages offered by the system and because most PCs are already connected to the Internet. This platform also offers protection against piracy, an important business element for Ubisoft and for the PC market in general as piracy has an important impact on this market.

"Any initiative that allows us to lower the impact of piracy on our PC games will also allow us to concentrate further effort on the creation and expansion of our intellectual properties for the PC - our goal is to deliver the best gaming experience to our customers."