Recent Event Highlights: Ubisoft Removes Constant Online Authentication DRM For PC Games, Activision, ESA Back Anti-Piracy Website U.S. Bill, Modded Xbox 360s Blocked From Xbox Live, VSDA, ESA File Suit Against Schwarzenegger, AB1179, Tecmo Sues Hackers Over Xbox Game Modification, New Chinese Body to Censor Online Games, and 3 more...
Created by cyberj914 on Feb 22, 2011
Last updated: 02/22/11 at 09:11 PM
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Question 1: What were the details of the event? Ubisoft removed its controversial DRM system that required legitimate owners of a game to remain connected to Ubisoft’s authentication servers in order to play. Question 2: Why was the event important to the industry? As one of the larger publishers with several very popular franchises Ubisoft’s removal of the controversial DRM system is a victory for gamers. Ubisoft was unprepared for just how much outcry there would be from their effort to thwart piracy. This shows that developers need to find ways to combat piracy that do not put roadblocks in front of legitimate purchasers. Parkin, S. (2011, 01 04). Gamasutra News. Retrieved 02 22, 2011, from Gamasutra: http://www.gamasutra.com/view/news/32261/Ubisoft_Removes_Constant_Online_Authentication_DRM_For_PC_Games.php
Question 1: What were the details of the event? The bill aimed at targeting websites that promote piracy and or counterfeit goods now has the backing of some of the major gaming industry organizations. This bill would allow the courts to issue restraining orders or injunctions against the offending website. Question 2: Why was the event important to the industry? In the ongoing fight to combat piracy this gives game creators another means for trying to lessen the impact of piracy. This makes it harder for rogue websites to stay in operation. However, some groups fear that the law if passed could be used to disrupt basic file collaboration websites like RapidShare or DropBox. Graft, K. (2010, 10 22). Gamasutra News. Retrieved 02 22, 2011, from Gamasutra: http://www.gamasutra.com/view/news/31126/Activision_ESA_Back_AntiPiracy_Website_US_Bill.php
Question 1: What were the details of the event? Sony released an update for the PS3 that addressed security vulnerabilities in the system. This effectively stopped the use of a USB device that allowed players to play backup copies of games. Question 2: Why was the event important to the industry? This action by Sony not only stops players from being able to play pirated games it prevents uses of the PS3 for which it was not intended. By blocking homebrew software Sony is able to maintain some measure of control over the library of games available for the PS3. Graft, K. (2010, 09 07). Gamasutra News. Retrieved 02 22, 2011, from Gamasutra: http://www.gamasutra.com/view/news/30289/Sony_Updates_PS3_Security_Following_Console_Jailbreak.php
Question 1: What were the details of the event? Microsoft obtained the patent to technology capable of censoring audio streams in real-time. This enables them to block inappropriate language with bleeps, noise, or silence. Question 2: Why was the event important to the industry? The event was important because it demonstrates Microsoft’s desire to provide a more family friendly experience for its online experience. Anonymity online is notorious for giving people the feeling that they can behave in ways that would be unacceptable in face-to-face settings. This technology if implemented would allow Microsoft a measure of control over the use of profanity on their service. Alexander, L. (2008, 10 20). Gamasutra News. Retrieved 02 21, 2011, from Gamasutra: http://www.gamasutra.com/view/news/20731/Microsoft_Patents_RealTime_Audio_Censoring_Tech.php
Question 1: What were the details of the event? Microsoft began a new policy of preventing modified XBox 360 consoles from connecting to XBox Live. This move is an attempt to maintain a fair gaming experience for all players helping to thwart cheaters on the online service. Also it prevents pirated software from being used to play on the service. Question 2: Why was the event important to the industry? This event was important to the industry because it showed that Microsoft would continue to combat piracy and cheating. They are making sure that developers of popular online genres continue to earn what is rightfully theirs. Jenkins, D. (2007, 05 18). Gamasutra News. Retrieved 02 21, 2011, from Gamasutra: http://www.gamasutra.com/view/news/14000/Modded_Xbox_360s_Blocked_From_Xbox_Live.php
Question 1: What were the details of the event? A hacker unveiled a method to exploit a weakness in the PSP game Grand Theft Auto: Liberty City Stories. Utilizing some kind of overflow exploit the cracked system can be used to execute code off of a memory stick. Question 2: Why was the event important to the industry? This event marked another chapter in the ongoing battle between hackers and hardware manufactures. Every time a hacker finds a new weakness in a particular piece of hardware the manufacture must decide how to handle the problem. In Sony’s case they release a newer version of the firmware that plugs the exploit and then require the new version for all future game releases. Each hack costs the company time and resources in order to combat the problem. Maragos, N. (2006, 01 27). Gamasutra News. Retrieved 02 21, 2011, from Gamasutra: http://www.gamasutra.com/view/news/7954/Hackers_Circumvent_PSP_250_Firmware_Protections.php
Question 1: What were the details of the event? The two video game bodies filed a suit against the California bill that would make it illegal for a retailer to sell a labeled game without asking for ID or to fail to display the label. This suit was the first legal challenge for the bill. Question 2: Why was the event important to the industry? The event was important because it is another battle in the industries long standing war against government censorship. The courts have long sided with the industry finding that censoring games based solely on their violent content violates their First Amendment guarantee of freedom of speech. Carless, S. (2005, 10 17). Gamasutra News. Retrieved 02 21, 2011, from Gamasutra: http://www.gamasutra.com/php-bin/news_index.php?story=6867
Question 1: What were the details of the event? Tecmo sued the proprietors of Ninjahacker.net for modifying XBox games. Tecmo claims that the hackers exhibited both copyright infringement and violation of the Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA). Modifications typically involve alternate skins or costumes for Tecmo games. Question 2: Why was the event important to the industry? This suit marked the first time action was brought against “modding” behavior of this type not done for monetary gain. In a much broader sense this lawsuit furthers the fight for developers to maintain intellectual control over their creations. Maragos, N. (2005, 02 09). Gamasutra News. Retrieved 02 21, 2011, from Gamasutra: http://www.gamasutra.com/view/news/4939/Tecmo_Sues_Hackers_Over_Xbox_Game_Modifications.php
Question 1: What were the details of the event? The Chinese government has formed a governing body to censor online games before they are released into the country. Question 2: Why was the event important to the industry? This event was important because it further concerned human rights advocates about the Chinese government’s tight censorship of all forms of media. This further inhibits the spreading of information to the Chinese people. Duffy, J. (2004, 06 02). Gamasutra News. Retrieved 02 21, 2011, from Gamasutra: http://www.gamasutra.com/view/news/3834/New_Chinese_Body_to_Censor_Online_Games.php
Question 1: What were the details of the event? Nintendo won a settlement in its anti-piracy case against LSI for its device called Flash Linker. The device could be used to copy Game Boy and Game Boy Advanced game cartridges. Question 2: Why was the event important to the industry? This event was another victory in the hardware manufactures fight against piracy. By shutting down a company that provides tools for duplicating cartridges Nintendo made it harder for the average user to pirate games. Gamasutra News. (2003, 06 19). Retrieved 02 21, 2011, from Gamasutra: http://www.gamasutra.com/view/news/1833/Nintendo_Scores_Victory_Against_Chinese_Piracy.php
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