This is part of my final research for Engl 402. I feel that the subject has a lot to do with DTC 356 on digital right management that I decided to post some write up.
Digital rights
Management (DRM) is a solution for many entertainment distribution companies
toward piracy and digital rights infringement. There are some potential
positive aspects when going with DRM, in term of keeping control of contents
and ease of distribution. However,
currently there are also many issues with digital right management such as
copyrights, content dictation, and monopolization of contents.
According to sources, there are many mainstream
publishers such as Electronic Arts, Ubisoft, and Atari that rely on DRM
technologies to limit access to their software. By requiring online
authentication, these companies can control and limit the users log in by
setting restriction such as online check in, and limited installations. From a
business perspective, large game corporation see DRM as a solution to a large
problem; game updates are made easier, sales suffrage would be minimized, and
game distribution is simple. However, there’s also many issue of DRM that makes
it unappealing for other gaming companies. Digital right managements have been
the villain to gamers ever since it was introduced. Complications such as
server failure, lack of a stable internet connection, and content control bring
gamers to a distrustful attitude toward DRM and the companies that uses it.
A solution that may be possible to remove digital rights
and keep gaming companies satisfied with their content distribution is to
create a new and improved way to deliver games to user that rewards them for
buying the games. Some independent company gives extra game contents for users
who preorder the games that would motivate consumer from buying it instead of
turning toward piracy. Companies like Valves, creator of successful games such
as Portal, Half Life, and Left 4 Dead projects along with CD Projekt, creator
of The Witcher 2 had established themselves against DRM. Instead, these
companies believe that it is more important to build loyalty from the consumers
by creating good contents and delivering memorable experience rather than
setting restriction against the users. I agree more with these companies’
stances because it builds them a fan base large enough to support their
creation without worries. For these companies, the reputation is more important
and coming up with way to gain the user’s trust is essential for a company’s
succession.
The solution to reward users and enhance their
experience, while removing DRM will benefit both gamers and gaming corporation
in the long run. User will have an easier time accessing the content and
companies would not have to bother or spend resource with stopping piracy.
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