DRM stands for digital rights management, a common word in the digital entertainment industry. It refers to using technology to prevent unauthorized distribution and modification of copyright-protected files. It sounds good, right? Most of the time, it is. But it can also pose a problem, too.
DRM in the gaming industry
DRM is essential for both developers and gamers alike. It helps game developers protect their intellectual property and stop piracy of their games. Piracy or illegal copying and distribution of video games can seriously harm the developers’ revenue. DRM software encrypts the game codes so that someone can’t crack and distribute them. It also checks if the game is licensed correctly.
This process might require an online account verification or a product key shipped with the game. This way, it also ensures that gamers do not face any cheaters and have an enjoyable game experience. Some of the most popular DRM software are the likes of Denuvo, Steam, and Ubisoft Connect.
Criticisms around DRM
However, in the case of video games, “everything is good” isn’t always the case. Some problems with using DRM protection in video games make it controversial. First of all, the performance. Video games are supposed to run at maximum performance for a smooth and entertaining gaming experience. However, DRM protection allegedly makes video games slower as they use a lot of CPU resources. For example, after the release of Assassin’s Creed: Origins, many players reported that they were suffering from severe performance drops due to multiple layers of DRM. However, Ubisoft denied these claims.
Also, many players worldwide feel that dealing with the licensing process is a hassle. Some say that they don’t feel they own the game. This can hurt game sales. There have been instances of developers lying about DRM protection but using it anyway. For example, there were allegations against EA of lying about using DRM in games like SimCity.
The technical limitations that come with software like DRM are also a significant concern for developers. Different stores and platforms manage DRM differently. For example, Denuvo DRM does not support Mac or Linus. So, games that use Denuvo can not be published on these platforms.
Possibility of legal problems
DRM can sometimes pose legal risks as well. Players, regulators, or competitors can file lawsuits against developers over their DRM policies. In 2008, EA faced a lawsuit over the SecuROM DRM. The plaintiffs claimed that SecuROM violated their privacy and damaged their hardware. DRM-protected games are not completely uncrackable. The target is not to defend against cracking forever but long enough to generate enough revenue. Usually, video games generate their highest sales during the first month of their release. There are some stores like GOG that promote and publish DRM-free games.
DRM can be called the “necessary evil” of the video game industry. It helps the developers protect their copyrighted properties and generate revenue but might negatively impact the gaming experience.
Photo Credit: The images shown are owned by Valve and GOG and were made available as part of a press kit for media usage.
Source: Luke Plunkett (Kotaku) / Frederic Lardinois (TechCrunch) / Tor Thorsen (GameSpot)
