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    EA backs down on forum ban = game ban policy

    Discussion in 'Gaming (Software and Graphics Cards)' started by Destrel, Oct 31, 2008.

  1. Destrel

    Destrel Notebook Consultant

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    EA backs down on FORUM BAN = GAME BAN policy:

    Link: http://forums.ea.com/mboards/thread.jspa?messageID=4410153�

    So, they claim it was a mistake. I am not so sure about that, but ultimately it does not matter, what matters is that the the policy is gone. I guess they do deserve a bit of kudos for turning it around so quickly after the deluge of negative feedback they received.

    Nevertheless, EA still remains on my no-buy list due to its draconian DRM (DDRM) that requires online activation and has limited installs. DDRM of this nature does not fight piracy, it outright encourages it. I have even created an icon to represent it, that I may use in some fora as my avatar or signature. Feel free to use it too: http://img137.imageshack.us/img137/176/rlonlineactivationpiracga0.png

    I would like to say that I do not support piracy in any way - the icon merely describes what online activation and limited installs do, so that hopefully higher-ups realize it - the icon does not seek to encourage it.
     
    Destrel, Oct 31, 2008
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  2. Destrel

    Destrel Notebook Consultant

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    Here is the original policy directly from the EA's community manager:

    Link: http://forums.ea.com/mboards/thread.jspa?threadID=449687&tstart=0&start=0
     
    Destrel, Oct 31, 2008
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  3. namaiki

    namaiki "basically rocks" Super Moderator

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    That community manager is just nasty..
    I mean, "However, its a lot harder to get a new serial key =)" what the hell is with that smiley!!!@
     
    namaiki, Oct 31, 2008
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  4. Destrel

    Destrel Notebook Consultant

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    Well, the initial policy was definitely unacceptable. That said, I am happy they backed down.
     
    Destrel, Oct 31, 2008
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  5. Harleyquin07

    Harleyquin07 エミヤ

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    Community manager probably had a friendly "chat" with the company's legal arm and realised he'd made a serious screw-up. At least it shows EA aren't completely useless at human resource management.
     
    Harleyquin07, Oct 31, 2008
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  6. Destrel

    Destrel Notebook Consultant

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    I suspect the story was a bit different. The forum ban = game ban policy was probably real EA policy, but got pulled after the internet outcry. In order to save face, EA decided to let the Community Manager take the flak. At least that seems to be the most plausible possibility, given that a similar policy was also advanced on the Spore forums by a moderator a few weeks ago. It would be a strange coincidence if both of these people made the same 'mistake'.
     
    Destrel, Oct 31, 2008
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  7. Harleyquin07

    Harleyquin07 エミヤ

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    It's EA so the conspiracy theory holds water for me, this publisher is one of the few deserving of its scum reputation.
     
    Harleyquin07, Oct 31, 2008
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  8. Destrel

    Destrel Notebook Consultant

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    Yep, I can't actually think of a worse publisher than the EA at the moment. It's not just the forum policy, but also the DRM and the future exclusively-online dollars/consumer business model.
     
    Destrel, Nov 1, 2008
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  9. talin

    talin Notebook Prophet

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    Too little, too late EA.
     
    talin, Nov 1, 2008
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  10. Harleyquin07

    Harleyquin07 エミヤ

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    Just read the gamespot news article on EA, it seems the stock analysts are getting fed up with propping up its share price with positive reviews. This forum fiasco will surely be a further boost to their credibility as game publishers.
     
    Harleyquin07, Nov 1, 2008
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  11. millermagic

    millermagic Rockin the pinktop

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    I never was a fan of EA anyway ... they tend to destroy any games they get ahold of.

    And this is just funny.

    EA is no good.
     
    millermagic, Nov 1, 2008
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  12. Destrel

    Destrel Notebook Consultant

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    It's a pity that EA has such a good upcoming game lineup (Red Alert 3, Dragon Age...) - it would be much easier to boycott it if it had worse games. Ultimately, though, I am not going to buy games with draconian DRM (DDRM), regardless of how good they are. I did not buy Mass Effect, despite the games attractions, so no doubt I will hold out on the other DDRM-infested games too.
     
    Destrel, Nov 1, 2008
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