DRM Shuts Down PC Version of Gears of War

carlmenezes writes "It seems that the DRM on the PC version of Gears of War came with a built-in shut-off date; the digital certificate for the game was only good until January 28, 2009. Now, the game fails to work unless you adjust your system's clock. What is Epic's response? 'We're working on it.'"

Frist Post! ...expires

[bar-agent]

This Frist Post is only available through Jan 29, at which point the certificate expires and the Frist Prost will no longer appear first in the comments.

Re:Frist Post! ...expires

[Anonymous Coward]

Yeah, this is an epic fail...

Re:Idiotic Design

[Thanshin]

A proper DRM system would obtain date and time information from a known valid source.

And fail when the known valid source is unreachable?

Or maybe by "known valid source" you meant "the Sun and the stars"; in which case I'd buy the game just to see the implementation.

Cunning Plan

[DoChEx]

This is all part of their cunning plan to get us to play the game on the Xbox!

Re:Idiotic Design

[jonaskoelker]

Or maybe by "known valid source" you meant "the Sun and the stars";

Try Masters of Orion II :)

Re:What needs to happen...

[GrpA]

When it comes with the game/software install files on it :)

GrpA

Re:Idiotic Design

[Anonymous Coward]

But then how will I play this game in Centaurus?

Or is this Region Coding in action?

Re:What needs to happen...

[Anonymous Coward]

My organisation is working on a USB-based DRM system that propels a glass dart containing a lethal dose of sodium cyanide into the user's spine if the number of attempted activations exceeds the limit specified by the copyright holder.

We believe this form of software-activated euthanasia (or 'Digital User Management') qualifies as customer friendly as it eliminates years of frustration which would have otherwise been inflicted on the user, as well as preserving the content-holder's copyright.

We believe our solution is win-win for all parties concerned.

Re:Frist Post! ...expires

[Mooga]

More proof that DRM is EXCELLENT and NEVER HURTS THE CONSUMER! I'm waiting for EA to release a game which is only playable for 3 days after release. After all, after 3 days we can buy ANOTHER crippled DRM game!

Re:Idiotic Design

[Pysslingen]

Now featuring our new, and secure, observatory dongle! For unlimited an unobtrusive access to your games, simply connect the dongle to your USB port and put it outside your window. (Clouds and volcanic ash may interfere with your experience, for which we are not responsible.)

Obligatory

[Anonymous Coward]

Epic fail?

Re:What needs to happen...

[banffbug]

You want to run a game from a slow, cheap ass-flash drive? I don't think so.

fixed.

Re:Frist Post! ...expires

[MrHanky]

How the hell is a first post proof of that?

Re:HAHAHAHAHA

[Anonymous Coward]

Well, at least you get laid ;)

Re:Frist Post! ...expires

[Anonymous Coward]

a german joke is no laughing matter!

Re:HAHAHAHAHA

[Crumplecorn]

Probably wants to have legal, working copies of the games. Steam fulfils one. Downloading fulfils the other. Just buying them again fulfils both at once.

Re:HAHAHAHAHA

[it0]

Because he didn't have a internet connection!

A good way to identify pirates on your server

[Lord Byron II]

Just kill all of the legitimate copies and anyone else who's left is a pirate. Why didn't the RIAA figure this out first? =)

Re:Frist Post! ...expires

[PopeRatzo]

More proof that DRM is EXCELLENT

Who wants to take bets on who fixes the Gears of War problem first, Electronic Arts or REL0ADED?

Re:If you dont like it DONT PLAY IT !

[Anonymous Coward]

It seems if you pay for it and deal with the DRM you CAN'T play it...

Stupid anon cowards...wait...oh, snap!

Re:HAHAHAHAHA

[Guysmiley777]

In the United States you pick a cell phone plan based on which sized iron girder you want rammed up your ass repeatedly. There's no good option, only "less rusty" vs. "less jagged".