The game manufacturer Ubisoft has introduced the "Online Services Platform", a new DRM system that requires a permanent online connection. This copy protection is used in the PC version of "Assassin's Creed 2" and started there with a worst-case scenario.

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Because on the first weekend after the PC game was released, there were massive malfunctions in the authentication server and corresponding complaints from gamers who saw their gaming experience spoiled.

According to Ubisoft, the malfunction was due to an attack on the DRM server and the title "Silent Hunter 5" was also affected. The incident is being investigated in more detail, which is why the company cannot comment on it in more detail, said Eugen Knippel, Marketing Director at Ubisoft Austria, when asked by pressetext.
 

"Thanks" for an impossible entry into the game
In any case, the customers' emotions ran high. "I want to thank you for the excellent DRM on Assassin's Creed 2," said a cynical user on Ubisoft's forum. In general, there were massive complaints from gamers on Sunday who could hardly or not at all get into Assassin's Creed 2. Some users also said they were kicked out of the game due to lost conditions.
The background to the problems is that the copy protection requires an online connection to Ubisoft's DRM servers. These were apparently overloaded on Sunday, but Ubisoft blames an external attack for this. The company announced via Twitter that only five percent of users had problems and experienced denial-of-service errors. In any case, disgruntled users have called for a boycott of games with the DRM system in response to the problems.

Effective in the anti-piracy fight
For Ubisofts, the DRM system is an important measure in the fight against software piracy. "Five days after the release of Assassin's Creed 2 there is still no 'cracked' version available, which underlines the effectiveness of this system," emphasizes Knippel. In itself, the necessary online connection should be portable even for users with ISDN connections, since Assassin's Creed 20 would only have to transfer two megabytes of data for around 2 hours of playtime.
Customers have the disadvantage that a stable online connection to the Ubisoft servers is required, while the advantages are only moderately convincing. The fact that the original DVD does not have to be in the drive to play was also the case with the controversial copy protection that Electronic Arts used at Spore. In contrast, Ubisoft allows unlimited installations. The most interesting aspect of the new DRM system, however, is that games are automatically saved online.
In any case, it remains to be seen how the current outcry about the new DRM system will affect Ubisoft. "The Settlers 7", the current sequel to a Ubisoft parade title, will be released this month, which also uses online copy protection. Should calls for boycotts bear fruit, Die Siedler 7 could experience a poor sales start. (mh)

Source: paste