Ubisoft drops Starforce

[Smooth*{MEOW}*]

Old news, but I just came across it.  Ubisoft, the largest user of the Starforce copy protection, will cease using it on future titles.  I haven't had any problems with it, but it's caused quite a ruckus in forums all over.

     April 14, 2006
Ubisoft Drops StarForce DRM
By Luke Smith, 1UP.com
discuss    Discuss this now (2 posts)
Earlier this week, we mentioned that Ubisoft was dropping malware/software copy protection company Starforce. What began with their decision to drop Starforce from Heroes of Might and Magic V, ended when game software maker Ubisoft confirmed to 1UP today that it has reached a decision to find another copy protection software solution.

When questioned Ubisoft representatives told 1UP, "Right now, Ubisoft has decided to use an alternative copy protection system to Starforce for upcoming releases and we are investigating other possible steps at this time." But why the change now?
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We'd venture it has something to do with the lawsuit raised against Ubisoft for using Starforce as copy protection software. When we asked why they were dropping the company Ubisoft representatives said, "Ubisoft takes its customer concerns very seriously and is investigating the complaints about alleged problems with Starforce's software. Ubisoft's goal is to find solutions for its customers if there are problems with Ubisoft products."

Why Ubisoft dropped Starforce is ultimately secondary, but it is a lead that other companies should take. Find a better way to keep your software copy-protected. We're sympathetic to your desire to not have your software pirated and distributed, be sympathetic to gamers not wanting their systems screwed up by some malicious program.

[THEKATZ*{MEOW}*]

If I remember right, I and several others had issues with this as it seemed to take control of certain programs that were not a part of the piracy ware.  It could not be removed manualy and always re-installed itself if it were removed.

I like the EA and NOva approach, register that cd and game and that is it.  That cd is specific to the game.  The game itself has a hash that is specific to the computer it is logged with.  Not that you can't play it on onother computer which you can, just not more than one copy of that game can be played at any one time.  Logging into your account makes sense.  But having a program that attaches itself to other programs/libraries is not a good way to stop piracy.

[THE PEARL]

DO YOU GUYS REMEMBER WHO HATED STARFORCE THE VERY MOST? THATS RIGHT. KAT. IM LOOKING AT THIS WHOLE "UBI DROPPING STARFORCE" THING AS KATS VICTORY. IM SURE HE IS TOO.

  THE PEARL{MEOW}

[THEKATZ*{MEOW}*]

Thats right huh, he couldn't stand it.