Anno 2070's Draconian DRM: Ubisoft Loosens Restrictions. Slightly

[qubit]

Last week we brought you news (http://www.techpowerup.com/158717/Anno-2070-s-Draconian-DRM-Guru3D-s-Graphics-Card-Review-Killed-Off.html) of Ubisoft's hard three machine activation limit on Anno 2070 and how it scuppered a review by Guru3D when they swapped out graphics cards. Guru3D's post then went viral on the web and it appears that this has put sufficient pressure or 'heat' on Ubisoft to relax the restrictions just a tiny bit, since they weren't going to use any more Ubisoft games for benchmarks. So what have they done? Allowed an unlimited number of graphics card swaps. That's it, everything else stays the same, so if other components such as the CPU, motherboard etc are changed, then one will still run into this frustrating brick wall and have to get in touch with customer support to reset the activations.

http://www.techpowerup.com/img/12-01-14/anno2070 header_292x136_thm.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/img/12-01-14/anno2070 header_292x136.jpg)[---]

Interestingly, before the restriction was lifted and after writing their initial article and vowing not to use Ubisoft titles any more over this issue, Guru3D changed their mind (http://www.guru3d.com/news/ubisoft-changes-anno-2070-drm-after-guru3d-critique), because they feel that by continuing, they ensure that issues like this are kept in the public eye and can be addressed, with the hope that the company will see sense eventually:In our opinion not writing about something is the most bad thing you can do and as such we decided to continue with that article. By excluding Ubisoft from the benchmarks we'll never be able to address issues like this DRM story, and they'll continue what they are doing. In fact if we'd have excluded Ubisoft titles we never would have been able to report about this issue.

By posting an article and explaining/mentioning DRM time after time, there will be more awareness about it and in the end that message will get across to Ubisoft and the producer. In the hope that one day they'll see the light.Note that in an update to their original article, Guru3D explained that they were given unlimited activations after contacting support, to allow them to complete their review. Just after their review was finished however, Guru3D received the following email from the developer, BlueByte, which formally advised them of the policy change:Hi Hilbert,

Just wanted to let you know, that we now remove the graphics hardware from the hash used to identify the PC.
That means everyone should now be able to switch the GFX as many times as he/she wants.

Cheers,

Note that it's not explained whether this change applies only to this one game, or all of Ubisoft's titles, which is quite important to know, really. Finally, whether this small change is really sufficient to satisfy customers of Anno 2070 rests with the individuals who purchase the game and is bound to vary from gamer to gamer. Presumably, one who changes their hardware more frequently may not feel that this improvement goes far enough. Still, however you look at it, it’s a step in the right direction.

We feel that if any DRM must be applied, that the account-based style used with Steam is the best way to go and punishes the honest customer the least. At the same time, it gives back quite a few benefits in that it allows use on an unlimited number of PCs (not all at once!) easy application management, social features and more.

[qubit]

Thanks to gorg_graggel for this news tip. :toast:

[imitation]

I don't know what's worse: having to deal with this DRM or having to deal with a semi-working crack. I kinda favor the crack though...

[Vancha]

I feel like a pet dog has just been trained to stop biting people in the balls. It still attacks peoples' arms, legs and asses, and it still pisses on people occasionally, but still it's progress...Sort of.

[newtekie1]

And I don't really find the 3 graphics card swaps a problem, in fact after all the details came out and the dust settled, I have no problem with the DRM at all. 99% of all users won't be affected the DRM, and for the few that do Ubisoft has an acceptable system in place to deal with it.

So presumably, they must have bought extra copies of the game, or had the activations reset a couple of times to continue, but this isn't explained.

It is explained in the original article Guru3D posted, they contacted Tech Support and their key was unlocked to allow unlimited activations for benchmarking purposes. Remember, I pointed this out to you in the other thread?;)

[RejZoR]

Still don't buy their garbage.

[Kaynar]

I fail to understand how all theese draconian DRM measures, including the GPU switching limit, will actually stop hackers from creating cracks for this game. These DRMs have one aim only: shoot down the customers and encourage piracy.

[qubit]

It is explained in the original article Guru3D posted, they contacted Tech Support and their key was unlocked to allow unlimited activations for benchmarking purposes. Remember, I pointed this out to you in the other thread?;)

Ok, thankyou smartypants. :laugh: I'd forgotten about it, lol. Dammit, I'm human and there's me thinking that I'm a perfect quantum cybernetic organism. :cry: Please, no more injections...

[newtekie1]

Ok, thankyou smartypants. :laugh: I'd forgotten about it, lol. Dammit, I'm human and there's me thinking that I'm a perfect quantum cybernetic organism. :cry: Please, no more injections...

You mean you aren't an all-knowing-omnipotent being of pure energy?!:D

[OneCool]

Sounds to me like someone may have been threaten by Ubisoft (Slander maybe? dont know) Guru3D sure changed their tune.If you boycott dont back peddle on it because they offer "YOU" a half ass fix for it.
Like the article said was the GFX fix for everyone or just Guru3D?

Lost a little respect for Guru3D :shadedshu

[RejZoR]

I never had any respect for Guru3D...

[FreedomEclipse]

I never had any respect for Guru3D...

being an ex-member of guru3d - Yeah I did have some respect at one point, If i still did i wouldnt be here on TPU. (I know there are a few ex-guru3d members lurking around here)

Hilbert should have stuck with the boycott imo it would have been an even a much louder voice then the peoples as Guru3d being a major review site holds quite a lot of influence within the community.

everyone dislikes ubisoft anyway so its not as if Hilbert is going to get any bad press for it just because he decides to stop using any of their games for benchmarking.

if he stood by his decision, everyone would have supported him.

[newtekie1]

The problem I have is that he jumped to critizing way to quickly. He started benching with the game some time on Thursday. Discovered the problem we assume some time on Thursday as well but we don't know how late and emailed tech support and that is it... When he hadn't receive a response by Friday he went off on a tirade instead of doing the more logical thing of actually calling the tech support number in the manual for the game. I'm guessing if he had called the tech support number the issue would have been sorted almost instantly. And even still, by the next Monday(the offices are closed on the weekends) his email had gone through and he had received a response and the problem had been resolved.

While that isn't the best possible response time, anyone that has dealt a great deal with email tech support services will tell you 2 business days for a response and solution from your original email is pretty decent. Just as an example, I have to RMA a pair of headphones to Corsair, and I put the request for the RMA in on Monday and didn't receive an RMA authorization until Wednesday, and Corsair is generally considered to have very good tech support. I'd personally thing the best solution to activation limits like this is a 24/7/365 automated phone service like Microsoft has, but I think the solution that Ubisoft has in place is good enough considering the small percentage of people that will ever have a problem.

[Black Panther]

I fail to understand how all theese draconian DRM measures, including the GPU switching limit, will actually stop hackers from creating cracks for this game. These DRMs have one aim only: shoot down the customers and encourage piracy.

That's what I can't fathom.
No matter the type of DRM used, unfortunately the pirates always manage to crack the games.
The DRM doesn't inconvenience the hackers or the ones downloading illegaly, it inconveniences the legit buyers. And most "main-stream" legit buyers don't even have knowledge on how to download and install a cracked game. And many legit buyers know only how to switch their pc and game. If they get an entirely new pc and the game doesn't work many wouldn't know what happened let alone how to solve it. So at the end of the day the DRM will make the game unplayable for the legit buyers, and not affect the ones who pirate it because the game would be cracked just the same.

[James1o1o]

That's what I can't fathom.
No matter the type of DRM used, unfortunately the pirates always manage to crack the games.

Tom Clancy HAWX 2 still hasn't been cracked. :toast:

[qubit]

Tom Clancy HAWX 2 still hasn't been cracked. :toast:

And they've moved away from that DRM because of its overly invasive nature (always-on internet connection).

[gorg_graggel]

The problem I have is that he jumped to critizing way to quickly. He started benching with the game some time on Thursday. Discovered the problem we assume some time on Thursday as well but we don't know how late and emailed tech support and that is it... When he hadn't receive a response by Friday he went off on a tirade instead of doing the more logical thing of actually calling the tech support number in the manual for the game. I'm guessing if he had called the tech support number the issue would have been sorted almost instantly. And even still, by the next Monday(the offices are closed on the weekends) his email had gone through and he had received a response and the problem had been resolved.

While that isn't the best possible response time, anyone that has dealt a great deal with email tech support services will tell you 2 business days for a response and solution from your original email is pretty decent. Just as an example, I have to RMA a pair of headphones to Corsair, and I put the request for the RMA in on Monday and didn't receive an RMA authorization until Wednesday, and Corsair is generally considered to have very good tech support. I'd personally thing the best solution to activation limits like this is a 24/7/365 automated phone service like Microsoft has, but I think the solution that Ubisoft has in place is good enough considering the small percentage of people that will ever have a problem.

at least somebody has a clear view of things here...


reading comments about people being threatened or that changing your mind is wrong just made me smash my had on the table...what the heck is wrong with you guys?
what's next? drm has been established by the cia to gain control over peoples brains?
it's video games we're talking here not freakin' national security or nuclear warheads...

[Mussels]

And I don't really find the 3 graphics card swaps a problem, in fact after all the details came out and the dust settled, I have no problem with the DRM at all. 99% of all users won't be affected the DRM, and for the few that do Ubisoft has an acceptable system in place to deal with it.



It is explained in the original article Guru3D posted, they contacted Tech Support and their key was unlocked to allow unlimited activations for benchmarking purposes. Remember, I pointed this out to you in the other thread?;)

my laptop has two video cards in crossfire, but it shows up as three in some apps. imagine how this DRM would have gone for me when the primary card swaps back and forth all the time.

[newtekie1]

my laptop has two video cards in crossfire, but it shows up as three in some apps. imagine how this DRM would have gone for me when the primary card swaps back and forth all the time.

Your hardware hash wouldn't change, so it wouldn't have affected you at all.

[Mussels]

Your hardware hash wouldn't change, so it wouldn't have affected you at all.

so having GPU's where the primary changes wont affect it?

[gorg_graggel]

so having GPU's where the primary changes wont affect it?

1. any gfx changes won't affect it

2. the activations do reset completely after 30 days

http://translate.google.com/translate?hl=en&sl=de&u=http://ubisoft-de.custhelp.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/15875/~/%2522fehler-%282002%29%253A-das-aktivierungslimit-f%25E3%25BCr-diese-seriennummer-wurde&ei=ZGobT8DQKcSr-Qad7pn1CQ&sa=X&oi=translate&ct=result&resnum=1&ved=0CCQQ7gEwAA&prev=/search%3Fq%3D%2522Fehler%2B%282002%29:%2BDas%2BAkt ivierungslimit%2Bf%25C3%25BCr%2Bdiese%2BSeriennumm er%2Bwurde%2B%25C3%25BCberschritten!%2522%26hl%3De n%26client%3Dfirefox-a%26hs%3Duan%26rls%3Dorg.mozilla:de:official%26prm d%3Dimvns

i can't find the proper english version so i let google do the translating...
maybe it will even show the original english version, when you navigate there through ubisoft's support portal...i'm just to lazy now to figure out how to circumvent the location detection...

3. http://anno.uk.ubi.com/pc/faq-tages.php (it's the anno 1404 faq, but it's also valid for 2070)

"Question: What changes to my PC require a new activation?
Answer: With regards to the activation system, a PC configuration consists of the most important hard- and software components of your computer, including the operating system, the CPU, the motherboard and the system hard drive. Small changes such as exchanging the graphics card or adding RAM are not considered changes to the PC configuration and therefore do not require a new activation. "

the whole story boils down to the gfx card even being included in the hash has been a bug from the beginning (you have to trust me on that, as i won't disclose my source)

[entropy13]

Tom Clancy HAWX 2 still hasn't been cracked. :toast:

"Hasn't" assumes there have been attempts. There have been none. :laugh:

Even the harder to crack Assassin's Creed 2 got cracked, even had their own mirror servers for the "always-on" DRM. :laugh:

[RejZoR]

And they've moved away from that DRM because of its overly invasive nature (always-on internet connection).

Well, on the other hand i also don't know anyone who bought HAWX2. Including myself. I've bought HAWX 1 because it doesn't have this always-connected nonsense. And i could buy HAWX2 for fairly cheap price on Steam but i decided to completely ignore it because of the retarded protection. And i don't regret the decision at all. I've bought few Ubi games in the few last Steam deals, but all games were without this stupid DRM (mostly older games). If they have decided not to release any game without their stupid always-connected DRM, then tough luck, i won't buy any game from them anymore. It's as simple as that.

EDIT:
Why doesn't quoting capture all the quotes!? It just skips the others and then the message looks out of context... grrr

[truehighroller1]

1. any gfx changes won't affect it

2. the activations do reset completely after 30 days

http://translate.google.com/translate?hl=en&sl=de&u=http://ubisoft-de.custhelp.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/15875/~/%2522fehler-%282002%29%253A-das-aktivierungslimit-f%25E3%25BCr-diese-seriennummer-wurde&ei=ZGobT8DQKcSr-Qad7pn1CQ&sa=X&oi=translate&ct=result&resnum=1&ved=0CCQQ7gEwAA&prev=/search%3Fq%3D%2522Fehler%2B%282002%29:%2BDas%2BAkt ivierungslimit%2Bf%25C3%25BCr%2Bdiese%2BSeriennumm er%2Bwurde%2B%25C3%25BCberschritten!%2522%26hl%3De n%26client%3Dfirefox-a%26hs%3Duan%26rls%3Dorg.mozilla:de:official%26prm d%3Dimvns

i can't find the proper english version so i let google do the translating...
maybe it will even show the original english version, when you navigate there through ubisoft's support portal...i'm just to lazy now to figure out how to circumvent the location detection...

3. http://anno.uk.ubi.com/pc/faq-tages.php (it's the anno 1404 faq, but it's also valid for 2070)

"Question: What changes to my PC require a new activation?
Answer: With regards to the activation system, a PC configuration consists of the most important hard- and software components of your computer, including the operating system, the CPU, the motherboard and the system hard drive. Small changes such as exchanging the graphics card or adding RAM are not considered changes to the PC configuration and therefore do not require a new activation. "

the whole story boils down to the gfx card even being included in the hash has been a bug from the beginning (you have to trust me on that, as i won't disclose my source)




I will help them get through to you, or try to I can assume..

We don't like it period.

Was that clear enough or?

I want to be able to change my shit in my,,, pc when ever I feel like it and not run out of activations period.

I want to be able to play my game for ever and ever for eternity if I feel a need to.

I would like you to get the f, out of my life, after I buy, the title.

I think that sums it up in a couple more ways for you sir.



Also, stop charging us for garbage add-ons if that's what you want to call them and let the community mod again like it used to be. Just make the game run correctly which is why I pay you at the beginning.

[pr0n Inspector]

I will help them get through to you, or try to I can assume..

We don't like it period.

Was that clear enough or?

I want to be able to change my shit in my,,, pc when ever I feel like it and not run out of activations period.

I want to be able to play my game for ever and ever for eternity if I feel a need to.

I would like you to get the f, out of my life, after I buy, the title.

I think that sums it up in a couple more ways for you sir.



Also, stop charging us for garbage add-ons if that's what you want to call them and let the community mod again like it used to be. Just make the game run correctly which is why I pay you at the beginning.


Then make your own stuff and don't rely on anyone.
A customer is nothing more than a wallet with legs. and I'm quite confident that you are not one.

but whatever, everyone is the center of the universe and they can complain about anything and everything.

[MikeMurphy]

Most of you are missing the point.

People shouldn't have to contact Ubisoft to be permitted to use the software they purchased. The DRM is needlessly restrictive which tells me that Ubisoft is completely out of touch with consumers.

[pr0n Inspector]

Most of you are missing the point.

People shouldn't have to contact Ubisoft to be permitted to use the software they purchased. The DRM is needlessly restrictive which tells me that Ubisoft is completely out of touch with consumers.

The user didn't not purchase the software. He purchased a license which allows him to use the software in a manner agreed by both parties, e.g. EULA and/or TOS.

[MikeMurphy]

The user didn't not purchase the software. He purchased a license which allows him to use the software in a manner agreed by both parties, e.g. EULA and/or TOS.

Thanks, give yourself a gold sticker for the needless correction.

My point is not a question of law but rather a question of business practices.

[Mr McC]

Moreover, EULA's are not etched in stone and a court of law may deem them to be abusive and therefore null and void.

[gorg_graggel]

I will help them get through to you, or try to I can assume..

We don't like it period.

Was that clear enough or?

I want to be able to change my shit in my,,, pc when ever I feel like it and not run out of activations period.

I want to be able to play my game for ever and ever for eternity if I feel a need to.

I would like you to get the f, out of my life, after I buy, the title.

I think that sums it up in a couple more ways for you sir.



Also, stop charging us for garbage add-ons if that's what you want to call them and let the community mod again like it used to be. Just make the game run correctly which is why I pay you at the beginning.

just for the record...

i'm not part of the gaming industry and i don't get why you attack me in that way...
i just answered one guys question and added some inside info, because i happen to know a few people on the inside and felt it was important to say that mistakes tend to be taken out of context to suit people's need to bitch...

[ypsylon]

Who the hell cares about Ubi$oft. If you are against DRM then you don't acknowledge existence of those thieves. If you want to play then there is simply no point bitching about it. Deal with it or stand against DRM mafia. It is simple choice.

Be a man/woman, don't support Ubi, Steam or any other DRM Stalinism.

[newtekie1]

Most of you are missing the point.

People shouldn't have to contact Ubisoft to be permitted to use the software they purchased. The DRM is needlessly restrictive which tells me that Ubisoft is completely out of touch with consumers.

Not needlessly, it serves a purpose and does it very well.

Windows users should have to either by your logic, but that is how software works. Activation limits prevent one person from giving it to all of their friends. It doesn't stop experienced pirates, and it isn't meant to, it is designed to stop casual pirates.

[truehighroller1]

Then make your own stuff and don't rely on anyone.
A customer is nothing more than a wallet with legs. and I'm quite confident that you are not one.

but whatever, everyone is the center of the universe and they can complain about anything and everything.


I said I pay you initially, so why the heck are you complaining?

Why did you just automatically resort to snide remarks about my character?

Shows lack of education IMO.

I'm a college Graduate and a Father of three, and a Husband. I work in the I.T. industry. I own a house a car. I pay my bills on time every month.

Don't assume anything about people you don't know. It makes you look very UN-educated.

[truehighroller1]

Not needlessly, it serves a purpose and does it very well.

Windows users should have to either by your logic, but that is how software works. Activation limits prevent one person from giving it to all of their friends. It doesn't stop experienced pirates, and it isn't meant to, it is designed to stop casual pirates.

Actually this is so not true. They've " Microsoft " has heard from me numerous times in the past because I do upgrade parts allot and I haven't had an activation fail me on my copy of Windows 7 64bit Ultimate once and I have activated it massive amounts at this point, massive.

I don't know if this is how it is for everyone, or just me because they see my history with upgrading all the time.. None the less I haven't had to talk to them in a long time. I can't even remember the last time.

just for the record...

i'm not part of the gaming industry and i don't get why you attack me in that way...
i just answered one guys question and added some inside info, because i happen to know a few people on the inside and felt it was important to say that mistakes tend to be taken out of context to suit people's need to bitch...


No one wants to talk to your insider " friends " at all, after paying, for the game, once!

Sorry but you acted like an industry muse so I started talking to you like one.

Also sorry about the double post, normally i would have multi-quoted.

[gorg_graggel]

well, if you work in the it industry it should be pretty common to to you to need to contact support...why should it be any different in the games industry?

[qubit]

well, if you work in the it industry it should be pretty common to to you to need to contact support...why should it be any different in the games industry?

There's quite a big difference. If your PC goes wrong, then obviously you must contact support. However, this is DRM that's being imposed on you, so it's totally different. If Ubisoft implemented their activation in the same way as Microsoft does, then I'd have much less of a problem with it. I'll second Newtekie's post that he's activated many times without having to speak to anyone. At the most, you have to do an automated activation over the phone. While it's not the most convenient and you have to enter some long numbers into the phone and the PC, a little patience pays off in you getting your activation code.

However, the most ridiculous thing about Ubisoft's DRM, is that it's implemented within the Steam framework, which is itself account-based DRM and works very well. So, what's their problem with it? They're basically saying that Steam isn't good enough for them and making the customer put up with two DRM schemes in parallel. That's not on in my book and is why I won't buy this game, regardless of how good it is.

[truehighroller1]

well, if you work in the it industry it should be pretty common to to you to need to contact support...why should it be any different in the games industry?


Actually this is so not true. They've " Microsoft " has heard from me numerous times in the past because I do upgrade parts allot and I haven't had an activation fail me on my copy of Windows 7 64bit Ultimate once and I have activated it massive amounts at this point, massive.

I don't know if this is how it is for everyone, or just me because they see my history with upgrading all the time.. None the less I haven't had to talk to them in a long time. I can't even remember the last time.


Read the quote from my self that was right above your post.

[gorg_graggel]

well, i have to constantly call other companies about licensing stuff.
especially microsoft is very "special" in terms of business licensing models.
it's ridiculous how much fuss it causes to get information out of them...or even between how much people you have to be transfered on the phone until you get the answers you need...
granted, their normal home customers have much less difficulty. but ms makes most of their money in the business category. and i think it's the primary "target audience" that should be compared here. you have a limited amount of free calls and then you have to pay money to actually get an answer from them.
also ms has much more resources and can take care of automated systems much more easily.
they actually have training courses to train people in understanding their licensing model...

so long story short...ms is not the right company to make a comparison here...


edit: and to get out of this discussion...my free time is precious and because my internet connection was unstable over the weekend i couldn't spend my time in swtor. i'm gonna stop worrying about other peoples opinions, which i will now do for the rest of the evening. feel free to join me on the server "tott doneeta"...
i don't like drm, but i understand the need for it...there have been overstepped boundaries and mistakes are constantly being made. and this applies to both sides.
as long as there are people out there who don't give a shit about behaving as idealistic, as users of a tech enthusiast site unsurprinsingly do, there will be the need for drm, period...

[truehighroller1]

well, i have to constantly call other companies about licensing stuff.
especially microsoft is very "special" in terms of business licensing models.
it's ridiculous how much fuss it causes to get information out of them...or even between how much people you have to be transfered on the phone until you get the answers you need...
granted, their normal home customers have much less difficulty. but ms makes most of their money in the business category. and i think it's the primary "target audience" that should be compared here. you have a limited amount of free calls and then you have to pay money to actually get an answer from them.
also ms has much more resources and can take care of automated systems much more easily.

so long story short...ms is not the right company to make a comparison here...

The company that I work for is Cisco Gold certified and a Microsoft Gold partner and I don't remember ever having to reach out to them while imaging laptops for every one, or desktops or servers for that matter now I think of it. I have to talk to Cisco more.

I call shenanigans.

[gorg_graggel]

well surprise...different people, different experiences...

plz stop calling me a liar thank you...

edit: last comment, i promise... :p

[newtekie1]

Actually this is so not true. They've " Microsoft " has heard from me numerous times in the past because I do upgrade parts allot and I haven't had an activation fail me on my copy of Windows 7 64bit Ultimate once and I have activated it massive amounts at this point, massive.

I don't know if this is how it is for everyone, or just me because they see my history with upgrading all the time.. None the less I haven't had to talk to them in a long time. I can't even remember the last time.

Buy an OEM copy and have some fun then, because I've had a few of my Win7 OEM keys blacklisted already because I've upgraded too many times and moved it to too many computer. But that is the idea of an OEM key, it is for one computer only, retail keys don't have the restriction of limited activations and will auto reactivate after an upgrade. Though I have had to call the toll free number to do it.

The company that I work for is Cisco Gold certified and a Microsoft Gold partner and I don't remember ever having to reach out to them while imaging laptops for every one, or desktops or servers for that matter now I think of it. I have to talk to Cisco more.

I call shenanigans.

It is called Volume Licensing, look it up.

[truehighroller1]

Buy an OEM copy and have some fun then, because I've had a few of my Win7 OEM keys blacklisted already because I've upgraded too many times and moved it to too many computer. But that is the idea of an OEM key, it is for one computer only, retail keys don't have the restriction of limited activations and will auto reactivate after an upgrade. Though I have had to call the toll free number to do it.



It is called Volume Licensing, look it up.

Been down the oem ROAD every single time since Windows ME.

Yes it is, yes it is. I don't really need to look it up to be honest with you.

You can all take turns sticking up for the corporate masters like sheep or break with the ones that follow so to say.

[pr0n Inspector]

I said I pay you initially, so why the heck are you complaining?

Why did you just automatically resort to snide remarks about my character?

Shows lack of education IMO.

I'm a college Graduate and a Father of three, and a Husband. I work in the I.T. industry. I own a house a car. I pay my bills on time every month.

Don't assume anything about people you don't know. It makes you look very UN-educated.

Did you or did you not purchase an end-user license for Anno 2070?

Yes: Complain all you want, but you are still just a wallet with legs to Ubi.
No: then why are you complaining?

Why don't you open your eyes to the reality? Digital data is nothing like real world objects. The inevitable future is that everything needs to be online, are uniquely identifiable and tied to your name, which must be verified to be a real one.

oh and BTW I'm a dirty illegal immigrant from Mehico, now stealing your jobs and women in the Glorious Amerika. It's completely true. :roll:

[xenocide]

I've said it dozens of times and I'll keep saying it--The only people hurt by DRM are legitimate customers.

[ebolamonkey3]

I guess I'll just get this on Steam when they have it on sale for $5.

[TC-man]

Okay, what if you need to diagnose a PC problem yourself by removing ram modules, videocards, harddrives, switching soundcard/lan card to an other PCI/PCI-E slot because an irq conflict etc. vice versa? All these, I believe, will be detected as hardware changes. And now you can't use Anno 2070 to test processors (e.g. the threaded performance of different Intel or/and AMD processors in the game) or to test different brand ram and/or SSD to see how much impact they have on loading time in Anno 2070 and so on.

I wouldn't buy such game with so many restrictions for 50 Euros or USD. Now it's looks more like a rental because the DRM implemented service with intrusive restrictions and all, so the price needs to be lower, the actual rental price. After all, Ubisoft will stop the service for this game after several years, so no DLC, no support, no patches etc.; why buy a game that you probably can not play after a few years, unless Ubisoft is unlocking the games, or you will have to re-buy a DRM-free version, I guess.