Friday May 25, 2012 7:30 AM AEST

Ubisoft to remove online-only DRM from From Dust

By David Hollingworth
12:08 Aug 23, 2011
Tags: ubisoft | from | dust | online | authentication | drm | pc | gaming | news
Ubisoft to remove online-only DRM from From Dust

Ubisoft admits it's mistake over the From Dust DRM, and announces its removal. But is this enough for PC gamers?

It's been an up and down few days for publisher Ubisoft. First, it was a all good news and cheering when the company announced that it was removing the prohibitive online-only DRM component from From Dust (available now on Steam), and the upcoming Driver: San Francisco. 

Then it was all boo-yah sucks to you, as it became obvious that Ubisoft was either lying (which is bad enough), or was unaware of which version of From Dust was actually being released (possibly even worse. Gamers avid to play the game (which, by all reports, is a less than stellar port), discovered it simply wouldn't play without a net connection.

There followed a period of disappearing and reappearing forum posts, which drew even louder boos, but now, thankfully, Ubisoft's seen the light (big ups to site commenter Dapper Dan) and announced that the first announcement is the one they're sticking by. The bad news, though, is that From Dust fans will have to wait two weeks for a patch.

"Our tech teams are working on a patch that should release in approximately two weeks that will eliminate the need for any online authentication," said an Ubi forum bunny. "This development time is required as we are working to ensure that those who have already started the game, and who’s progress is currently saved on our servers, will receive and save their game information locally." 

In other words, this is why off-site save games suck, and are a bad idea. However, kudos to Ubi for admitting the mistake at least. However... what do you guys think? Too little too late?

 
 
Aliens: Colonial Marines in depth; Z-77 Motherboard round-up; strategy gaming special; Home Server tutorial. PLUS MUCH MORE - ON SALE NOW!
 
Atomic Magazine

Issue: 137 | June, 2012

Atomic is a magazine aimed squarely at computer enthusiasts, gamers, and serious PC upgraders.

Every month we bring you the latest reviews of new technology and PC components, in depth features on everything from overclocking to console hacking, and gaming previews and interviews.
 
Latest Comments
 
Latest User Reviews
Battlefield 3 is the new benchmark online FPS
90%
A very fun and realistic multiplayer ride.
 
Antec Kuhler 920 - liquid cool
90%
Antec Kuhler 920 silent but effientive out of the box no maintence water cooling kit
 
Antec's Lanboy Air - our new favourite case
90%
Antec Lan boy Air in red a very cool design
 
Antec's Lanboy Air - our new favourite case
90%
This product overall is awesome.
 
MSI's GT780 laptop as fast as it gets
90%
Nice laptop