That would be a decision that VUGames will make since they are
responsible for the retail version of the product.
The difference between the retail version of the game and the steam
version that makes it necessary for the cd / dvd authentication is that
the retail version is setup to work in offline mode indefinately.
-----Original Message-----
From: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
[mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of Peter
Holcroft
Sent: Thursday, November 18, 2004 2:55 PM
To: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
Subject: RE: [hlds_linux] OFF TOPIC: Half Life 2 DVD authentication
ERROR
Could you get away with releasing an update for hl2.exe that removes the
securom protection? That's what happened with Neverwinter Nights, they
decided it was just too buggy so they removed it. Its pointless anyway
seeing as you have to authenticate online.
You say Vivendi forced you to add it to the CD/DVD. If this was a case
of "were not publishing the game unless you add the protection", then
you've done what they said and they've published it, but does that mean
you can't remove it via a steam update? If its in a contract then you
could just perhaps speak to the Lawyers about having it removed on the
grounds that its causing too many problems.
It seems silly to me that the people who use a pirated version of HL2
can play it without swapping their HL2 DVD/CD into the drive everytime
they want to play it. But the people who actually bought the game are
forced into pointless hassle for no apparent reason.
Copying the CD/DVD achieves nothing. You could actually just give the
HL2 DVD away on a magazine and just make it so you have to purchase the
game via steam, it would just save people the massive download. That
would take the money away from Vivendi too. :)
Pete.
-----Original Message-----
From: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
[mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of Patrick
McClard
Sent: 18 November 2004 18:20
To: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
Subject: RE: [hlds_linux] OFF TOPIC: Half Life 2 DVD authentication
ERROR
Have you tried looking for any firmware updates for the drive? I have
talked to a few customers with this problem and most have had updates
available from the manufacturer.
Also one of the other solution (that has not worked in all cases) is if
you have multiple drives move the dvd drive you are playing on so it is
the first drive letter. So if your cd is E: and dvd is F: swap them.
We are aware of these issues and working on ways to correct them so
please don't resort to cd cracks etc. You still have to play through
Steam so we will know if a crack is used.
Also I hope you all that are having problems have submitted an incident
at the support site:
http://steampowered.custhelp.com/cgi-bin/steampowered.cfg/php/enduser/as
k.php
-----Original Message-----
From: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
[mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of Zak Haque
Sent: Thursday, November 18, 2004 9:39 AM
To: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
Subject: RE: [hlds_linux] OFF TOPIC: Half Life 2 DVD authentication
ERROR
Thanks for all your responses, seems the only way to play is to purchase
it again, via steam, or buy a dvd-rom drive to replace my dvd-rw drive,
I have an sff pc which means only one space!! But before I do this im
going to wait to see if some1 can make a working nocd patch.
Zak
-----Original Message-----
From: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
[mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of Eric
(Deacon)
Sent: 18 November 2004 17:04
To: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
Subject: Re: [hlds_linux] OFF TOPIC: Half Life 2 DVD authentication
ERROR
In a bold display of creativity, Frash wrote:
> I think I can speak on behalf of all of us if I request to ask Vivendi
> to reconsider this. It might even drive some people to do... well lets
> say not wanted things. For instance making ISOs and emulating the DVD,
> just because they dont like their CD player being occupied. The
> difference is just too big with Steam subscribers that can click and
play.
VU is, like most retailing corporations of their size, gambling on the
average consumer to be about as sharp as a sack of wet mush. It's an
intelligent gamble, as the odds are stacked greatly in their favor. VU
also cares nothing about customer loyalty, "the fans", etc. They're
gambling that the same dull-witted morons who loved HL will do whatever
it takes to get HL2, including screw around with their DVD-ROM, no
matter how unreasonable it may be.
--
Eric (the Deacon remix)
_______________________________________________
To unsubscribe, edit your list preferences, or view the list archives,
please visit:
http://list.valvesoftware.com/mailman/listinfo/hlds_linux
_______________________________________________
To unsubscribe, edit your list preferences, or view the list archives,
please visit:
http://list.valvesoftware.com/mailman/listinfo/hlds_linux
_______________________________________________
To unsubscribe, edit your list preferences, or view the list archives,
please visit:
http://list.valvesoftware.com/mailman/listinfo/hlds_linux
_______________________________________________
To unsubscribe, edit your list preferences, or view the list archives,
please visit:
http://list.valvesoftware.com/mailman/listinfo/hlds_linux
_______________________________________________
To unsubscribe, edit your list preferences, or view the list archives,
