T w e n t y S i d e d
Continue reading ⟩⟩ “DM of the Rings CXLIII:
Elfophobic”
DM of the Rings CXLIII:
Chainmail Bikini: Characters
This was supposed to be up days ago, but has been delayed for various technical reasons. Here are a couple of the characters from the upcoming comic I’m doing with Shawn Gaston.
Also, for everyone that complained about the lack of an edit button, the lack of formatting tags, and the inability to post images in the comments here, the new comic has one of those newfangled forum thingies. Alas, someone has already done the “first” thing.
SecuROM, BioShock and Elsewhere
The question has been posed to me, if you’re so upset about SecuROM in BioShock, why were you silent about it in all these other games you played? Okay, you got me: The only reason I did that was so that I could revel in flaming hypocrisy.
Actually, the simple answer is that I didn’t know it was there. Which is kind of the point, since the most unforgivable part of SecuROM is that it is installed without the user’s knowledge or permission. I’ve been the sort of reckless chump that goes around installing software from large publishers without scanning the EULA for sophistry and decompiling the software to hunt for hidden threats. If this makes me a fool, then so be it. If you can’t trust the person giving you the software, then you’re screwed. If playing videogames requires me to defend myself from the machinations of the publishers at every turn, then I’d rather abandon the hobby for something safer. Like scorpion juggling.
(On a positive note: If you run as admin like I do, SecuROM doesn’t create the process that runs 24/7. Really, it looks like most of the problems with SecuROM arise when people do sensible things like creating proper user accounts. If you’re already irresponsible about security, SecuROM doesn’t make things worse.)
The other reason BioShock raised such ire is that it didn’t just contain the invasive, deceptive, and ineffectual SecuROM. It contained that, plus a ridiculous online activation scheme which was asinine, broken, and also ineffectual.
The old-school copy restriction scheme was thus:
You must have the original CD in the drive.
The latest one is:
You must install SecuROM, activate the game online, jump through the Steam-based hoops, and the original DVD must be in the drive.
That is a lot of the user’s rights that were eroded, not to mention the annoying hassle. And yet, the steps at circumventing the system are exactly the same:
Search BitTorrent. Click download. Play game.
So, the next time a publisher adds a new layer of hassle for legit users, I’ll probably throw another tantrum. This cycle can continue until they have totally wrecked the damn hobby for everyone. They’re off to a great start so far.
First Redneck on the Internet
Let us now enjoy humor based on the reinforcing of negative stereotypes. WARNING: Country Music. Viewer discretion is advised.
Thanks to asterismW for the link.
DM of the Rings CXLII:
Rank Bribery
Continue reading ⟩⟩ “DM of the Rings CXLII:
Rank Bribery”
BioShock & DRM: My Apology
Two or three people have left blunt comments letting me know that they are sick of my writing about BioShock, or that I should shut up about it and buy an XBox 360. I realize that I have not been taking everyone’s needs into account when writing about this subject. Now I feel bad. Let me make it up to you.
The button you’re looking for is this one:
 |
I apologize for not explaining this sooner. I hope this helps.
Off you go now.
Bioshock: Forum Follies
BioShock publisher 2kGames has embraced the role of clueless, careless leviathan and the people running the show over there are making sure they play that role to the absolute hilt.
Several days ago 2kGames employee 2kElizabeth claimed that SecuROM wasn’t in the demo and then had proof to the contrary thrown right back in her face. She went quiet on the subject for a few days, and finally responded…
Continue reading ⟩⟩ “Bioshock: Forum Follies”
From The Archives:
My Music
Do you like electronic music? Do you like free stuff? Are you okay with amateur music from someone who's learning? Yes? Because that's what this is.
Control
A wild game filled with wild ideas that features fun puzzles and mind-blowing environments. It has a great atmosphere, and one REALLY annoying flaw with its gameplay.
Project Frontier
A programming project where I set out to make a gigantic and complex world from simple data.
Free Radical
The product of fandom run unchecked, this novel began as a short story and grew into something of a cult hit.
Autoblography
The story of me. If you're looking for a picture of what it was like growing up in the seventies, then this is for you.
The Loot Lottery
What makes the gameplay of Borderlands so addictive for some, and what does that have to do with slot machines?
Dear Hollywood: Do a Mash Reboot
Since we're rebooting everything, MASH will probably come up eventually. Here are some casting suggestions.
Pixel City Dev Blog
An attempt to make a good looking cityscape with nothing but simple tricks and a few rectangles of light.
Shamus Plays LOTRO
As someone who loves Tolkein lore and despises silly MMO quests, this game left me deeply conflicted.
Do It Again, Stupid
One of the highest-rated games of all time has some of the least interesting gameplay.