Gabe Newell: "Most DRM Strategies Are Just Dumb"

[DigitalAssassin]

Alas, Steam is theoretically valid, but reality is harsh: the Steam version of X3:Terran Conflict has a 5 machine activation limit, while retail doesn't require activaction at all. In this case, retail is better than Steam. I know, it's not Valve's fault, ok, but this is an example of how Steam cannot be taken as an ideal DRM scheme. It all depends from the games and the publishers. If the owner of the digital platform (Gabe/Valve) doesn't enforce a policy, we all know that Steam will not stop 3rd party DRM.

The retail version does have a 5 machine activation limit, but the limit lasts one year from the time of release, ie. there will be a patch in November next year that removes the 5-machine limit. The same patch will be released on Steam.

That's what Egosoft claims, anyway.

 

[Paulaner]

The retail version does have a 5 machine activation limit, but the limit lasts one year from the time of release, ie. there will be a patch in November next year that removes the 5-machine limit. The same patch will be released on Steam.

That's what Egosoft claims, anyway.

I have the game (retail). It doesn't need online activation.