🚀 go-pugleaf

http://www.3000ad.com/ubb/ultimatebb.php?ubb=get_topic;f=22;t=000026

My head hurt after reading that. (paste below)

>posted 01-01-2006 06:50 AM      
>
>I am starting this topic to outline the various copy
>protection schemes used and in what versions of our games.
>
>BCM, BCM Gold & UC (original) -: These use the CD-ROM based Macrovision
>SafeDisc protection. You get a cd-key for use in multiplayer (where
>applicable). Patches are created in house and released as they become
>available.
>
>UCAWA & UC Gold -: These games are distributed through online retailers.
>As such, there are three different online activation schemes being used
>for each proprietary system.
>
>   1. The version bought directly from 3000AD through BMT Micro (CD-ROM)
>and Digital River (download), use Starforce Proactive. This provides a
>cd-key with two activations. The cd-key is also required for
>multiplayer.
>
>      After you have used up both activations, you have to provide proof
>of purchase and a reason for requesting a new cd-key directly to
>support@3000ad.com. You will need to provide the following information :
>
>
>      (1) First & Last name
>      (2) Where you purchased the game
>      (3) Existing CD-KEY
>      (4) Reason for wanting a new CD-KEY
>      (5) The subject of the email must contain the FULL name of the
>game for which you are writing about, otherwise our spam guard will
>reject it and we'll never get to see it.
>
>
>
>      We reserve the right to not issue new CD-KEYs to people who are
>suspect. For example, each time a CD-KEY is activated, we know. We also
>know which IP is was activated from. And once you are given a new
>CD-KEY, the older one is invalidated and rendered useless.
>
>      Your cd-key will be invalidated only if you make drastic changes
>to your computer hardware. This is the same way that WinXP and other DRM
>protected software work.
>
>
>      If your CD-KEY won't activate at the game screen, go to the
>Starforce activation website and activate it there using the CD-KEY and
>the hardware code that is displayed.
>
>   2. The version bought from IGN's Direct2Drive (download) uses a
>licensed (from TryMedia) version of ActiveMark protection system. This
>has an automatic activation system. You can also re-install the game a
>number of times, but it is my understanding that this system is a bit
>more lenient in the number of times you can do that. More information is
>available on their site. If you use up your activations, you have to
>contact IGN directly. You also get a cd-key for multiplayer.
>
>   3. The version bought from TryMedia's Trygames portal also uses their
>proprietary ActiveMark protection system, but with different
>configurations (i.e. it is different from the IGN version). If you use
>up your activations, you have to contact TryMedia directly. You also get
>a cd-key for multiplayer.
>
>
>As to patching. You cannot use one patch on another system. For example,
>both ActiveMark versions protect not only the executables, but also a
>bunch of INI files. So if you downloaded the Starforce version patch, it
>won't work on any other version. And vice versa.
>
>The reason patches for the Starforce version will always be out first,
>followed by other versions, sometimes weeks later, is because we only
>protect this version in house and immediately make it available for
>download.
>
>For the ActiveMark protected versions, the pure unprotected files have
>to be sent off to their support people who then protect them and send
>back to us. Once we get them back, the patch is created and uploaded.
>
>So when making your decision as to which version to purchase, think
>carefully about what is convenient and more important to you.
>
>[ 01-07-2006, 08:22 PM: Message edited by: Supreme Cmdr ]
>
>--------------------
>President, 3000AD Inc.
>Designer/Lead Developer
>The Battlecruiser Series
>Warmonger Specs
>
>"Squirrels with very cold paws have less trouble getting into peanut
>butter than the average uninitiated Homo Sapien has in getting into a
>Battlecruiser game. - Tim Stone, PC Gamer UK #133 Review"