Serial number request when installing

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All Forums >> [New Releases from Matrix Games] >> Empires in Arms the Napoleonic Wars of 1805 - 1815 >> Serial number request when installing

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Serial number request when installing - 3/20/2009 9:01:54 PM

Ted1066

Posts: 214
Joined: 12/10/2007
From: Vancouver, BC, Canada
Status: offline

This isn't a big deal, but is there any useful reason why an updater needs to have the serial number of EIANW? Its an updater. If I were installing a new version of the game, I could understand requiring the serial number, but to have to enter the serial number just for an update is an annoyance. I'd hardly call it copy protection, as the serial number is contained in a text file, unencrypted, in the root directory of the game, as well as the in the game registry.

Any chance this section of the installer could be removed (just for updates)?

Cheers,

Ted

Post #: 1

RE: Serial number request when installing - 3/21/2009 4:40:26 PM

NeverMan

Posts: 1722
Joined: 2/24/2004
Status: offline

I agree that it's annoying... every time I want to update I have to go dig out my CD.

(in reply to Ted1066)

Post #: 2

RE: Serial number request when installing - 3/21/2009 5:41:06 PM

Erik Rutins

Posts: 37503
Joined: 3/28/2000
From: Vermont, USA
Status: offline

Sorry for the inconvenience, but this is one of the few layers of "copy protection" we have. It's really not much of a hassle for owners, but for those with pirated copies it creates a problem.

Pirates often crack main releases, but rarely crack updates so those playing with illegal copies and no working serial numbers won't be able to apply the post-release updates. This is part of what lets us make our overall system as non-intrusive as it is.

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Erik Rutins
CEO, Matrix Games LLC

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(in reply to NeverMan)

Post #: 3

RE: Serial number request when installing - 3/21/2009 9:59:49 PM

Ted1066

Posts: 214
Joined: 12/10/2007
From: Vancouver, BC, Canada
Status: offline

quote:

ORIGINAL: Erik Rutins

Sorry for the inconvenience, but this is one of the few layers of "copy protection" we have. It's really not much of a hassle for owners, but for those with pirated copies it creates a problem.

Pirates often crack main releases, but rarely crack updates so those playing with illegal copies and no working serial numbers won't be able to apply the post-release updates. This is part of what lets us make our overall system as non-intrusive as it is.

That's what I thought, but again I don't see how its effective. The serial number is kept in a text file in the game install directory, unencrypted, with a name that is obvious about what it data is contained therein. I understand the desire for copy protection, but the current system is no hindrance to anyone and only serves as an annoyance for legitimate purchasers and pirates alike each time an update has to be installed (and for this game that is fairly frequently). I'm not saying to go the Sony rootkit avenue or anything, but I have to guess there are better options than asking for the serial number during an update.

Cheers,

Ted

(in reply to Erik Rutins)

Post #: 4

RE: Serial number request when installing - 3/22/2009 4:36:42 PM

NeverMan

Posts: 1722
Joined: 2/24/2004
Status: offline

quote:

ORIGINAL: Erik Rutins

Sorry for the inconvenience, but this is one of the few layers of "copy protection" we have. It's really not much of a hassle for owners, but for those with pirated copies it creates a problem.

Pirates often crack main releases, but rarely crack updates so those playing with illegal copies and no working serial numbers won't be able to apply the post-release updates. This is part of what lets us make our overall system as non-intrusive as it is.

I understand you have to do this as a wide-sweeping procedure for all your games... but who would want to crack this thing?

I don't think there are many crackers in the market for wargames, JMO.

(in reply to Erik Rutins)

Post #: 5