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Do We Want Ubisoft To Support Linux?

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Followers of the penguin, witness with me the insolence that is Ubisoft's most recent tomfoolery. Speaking to GameSpot, Ubisoft VP of digital publishing Chris Early enlightens us with what many of us knew years ago, namely that any game will be cracked and made available online given enough time and effort. Here's the kicker! Developing games that people actually want to pay for fixes this! No way!

Ubisoft VP of digital publishing Chris EarlyWhat becomes key for us is making sure we're delivering an experience to paying players that is quality. I don't want us in a position where we're punishing a paying player for what a pirate can get around. Anything is going to be able to be pirated given enough time and enough effort to get in there. So the question becomes, what do we create as services, or as benefits, and the quality of the game, that will just have people want to pay for it?


Sounds reasonable, right? Well, as is logical, take one step forward, two steps back. As this visionary goes on, it is eventually revealed that the focus shouldn't merely be on developing better, more compelling games, rather, that Ubisoft's games should have more online services (which pirates do not have access to) built into them.

Ubisoft VP of digital publishing Chris EarlyI think it's much more important for us to focus on making a great game and delivering good services. The reality is, the more service there is in a game, pirates don't get that," Early said. "So when it's a good game and there's good services around it, you're incentivized to not pirate the game to get the full experience.


Ahhh, what Ubisoft really means is that current DRM is failing, so new DRM needs to be brought in to fix this. Got it. To my knowledge, Ubisoft does not yet have a presence on Linux, but with Windows gamers constantly getting shafted, do Linux gamers want such a company to join the fray? Article taken from GamingOnLinux.com.
Tags: DRM, Editorial
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BillNyeTheBlackGuy Jun 20, 2014
QuoteAhhh, what Ubisoft really means is that current DRM is failing, so new DRM needs to be brought in to fix this. Got it. To my knowledge, Ubisoft does not yet have a presence on Linux, but with Windows gamers constantly getting shafted, do Linux gamers want such a company to join the fray?

I must be reading somebody radically different, because I'm pretty sure what they said doesn't equal DRM. Services could be anything, from achievements to free roaming multiplayer.
PKMpl Jun 20, 2014
Quoting: FutureSuture
Quoting: PKMplOf course we want the support of one the biggest publishers and developers, why would anyone even hesitate?
Windows gamers don't seem to like getting shafted, hence the huge controversy surrounding Ubisoft at the moment (the company loves to shoot itself in the foot) so why should Linux gamers?

People on the internet always complain, yet their games keep selling millions. There obviously is a demand.
FutureSuture Jun 20, 2014
Quoting: BillNyeTheBlackGuy
QuoteAhhh, what Ubisoft really means is that current DRM is failing, so new DRM needs to be brought in to fix this. Got it. To my knowledge, Ubisoft does not yet have a presence on Linux, but with Windows gamers constantly getting shafted, do Linux gamers want such a company to join the fray?
I must be reading somebody radically different, because I'm pretty sure what they said doesn't equal DRM. Services could be anything, from achievements to free roaming multiplayer.
Check the source on which this editorial is based.
MayeulC Jun 20, 2014
I don't really like new Ubisoft games, and I really dislike Uplay.
The only recent Ubisoft game that was really good in my opinion was R.U.S.E.
Anno 2070 and it's perpetual connection required to play... I had to wait 6 month to activate it, since I was behind a restrictive firewall, and unable (I was trying to play on windows) to redirect everything trough a VPN. The support said they couldn't do anything.
Splinter Cell : conviction was a ok-ish game, not really a stealth and infiltration game.
I never tried assassin's creed, but I really dislike this entirely scripted combat system (and the whole mechanics of this game), where you are not really in control of the game. Sure, this makes really smooth movements, but if you want beautifully executed actions from someone you don't control, just watch a movie.
Settlers online. I won't comment on this.
There may be some other games I can't remember right now, but since I can't remember those, I certainly disliked them.

But, what I dislike most about Ubisoft games, is their character animations : those must be right into the uncanny valley for me, but I can't stand the way people move around in ubisoft games. Either in Anno 2070, settlers online, or what I have observed in assassin's creed (some of my friends are really hardcore fans of it), this is always, more or less, the same body animations for the peasants, that I find simply revulsing. And I am not really exigent in terms of animations : I have no problems with those of Deus Ex, or Half-life 1. This is specific to Ubisoft games.
I was wondering... Is there anyone else annoyed by this, or am I the only one?


To temperate a bit : I liked Trackmania, HAWX, Just dance (Wii), and some others.
Yes, I would like to see Ubisoft games on Linux, even if I disliked some. NO, I DON'T WANT to see those Ubisoft "services" on Linux. Just make GOOD games, please. That will be enough for you to be paid, and you have great room for improvements, just see Watchdogs.
FutureSuture Jun 20, 2014
Quoting: PKMpl
Quoting: FutureSuture
Quoting: PKMplOf course we want the support of one the biggest publishers and developers, why would anyone even hesitate?
Windows gamers don't seem to like getting shafted, hence the huge controversy surrounding Ubisoft at the moment (the company loves to shoot itself in the foot) so why should Linux gamers?
People on the internet always complain, yet their games keep selling millions. There obviously is a demand.
That's the sad part, yes. People love to throw a tantrum after getting burned, not learn a thing, and then get burned again which will conjure another tantrum. Windows gamers are throwing tantrums left and right about Ubisoft and yet Linux gamers are pleading to be afforded the same opportunities as Windows gamers with regard to Ubisoft.
Half-Shot Jun 20, 2014
I've got by fine for 2 years without Ubisoft and I can go at least 2 more.
PKMpl Jun 20, 2014
Quoting: FutureSuture
Quoting: PKMpl
Quoting: FutureSuture
Quoting: PKMplOf course we want the support of one the biggest publishers and developers, why would anyone even hesitate?
Windows gamers don't seem to like getting shafted, hence the huge controversy surrounding Ubisoft at the moment (the company loves to shoot itself in the foot) so why should Linux gamers?
People on the internet always complain, yet their games keep selling millions. There obviously is a demand.
That's the sad part, yes. People love to throw a tantrum after getting burned, not learn a thing, and then get burned again which will conjure another tantrum. Windows gamers are throwing tantrums left and right about Ubisoft and yet Linux gamers are pleading to be afforded the same opportunities as Windows gamers with regard to Ubisoft.

Being honest with you I don't really have a problem with their titles, however I do always play their games once they land on sales (so they are patched up by then). Uplay doesn't bother me too much as well, it just extends the loading. The only time I really had a problem with it was after Watch Dogs launched and I was trying to play Far Cry 3, it just won't launch it, took me a few tries. I'm not saying I like it, but it's only a minor drawback to me.
BillNyeTheBlackGuy Jun 20, 2014
Quoting: FutureSuture
Quoting: BillNyeTheBlackGuy
QuoteAhhh, what Ubisoft really means is that current DRM is failing, so new DRM needs to be brought in to fix this. Got it. To my knowledge, Ubisoft does not yet have a presence on Linux, but with Windows gamers constantly getting shafted, do Linux gamers want such a company to join the fray?
I must be reading somebody radically different, because I'm pretty sure what they said doesn't equal DRM. Services could be anything, from achievements to free roaming multiplayer.
Check the source on which this editorial is based.

Considering that I read that article before seeing the GOL article, I still stand by what I said.
FutureSuture Jun 20, 2014
Quoting: BillNyeTheBlackGuy
Quoting: FutureSuture
Quoting: BillNyeTheBlackGuy
QuoteAhhh, what Ubisoft really means is that current DRM is failing, so new DRM needs to be brought in to fix this. Got it. To my knowledge, Ubisoft does not yet have a presence on Linux, but with Windows gamers constantly getting shafted, do Linux gamers want such a company to join the fray?
I must be reading somebody radically different, because I'm pretty sure what they said doesn't equal DRM. Services could be anything, from achievements to free roaming multiplayer.
Check the source on which this editorial is based.
Considering that I read that article before seeing the GOL article, I still stand by what I said.
Knowing Ubisoft, these services will likely require one to be online for the most menial of tasks, but that's just going by probability. Ubisoft could be doing a complete turnaround i.e. the company may have actually learned a thing or two.
Danny Jun 20, 2014
EAs, Ubis and the rest of the bloated fat douchebags of the industry can go take a hike.
I dont want them anywhere near my precious kernels.
PKMpl Jun 20, 2014
Guys, your (our, to some extend) feelings about Ubisoft obviously don't reflect their sales, their titles would be an important addition for the Steam Machines. We need developers who make mainstream games like this, even if we (as in this community) aren't going to buy their titles.
Danny Jun 20, 2014
Quoting: PKMplGuys, your (our, to some extend) feelings about Ubisoft obviously don't reflect their sales, their titles would be an important addition for the Steam Machines. We need developers who make mainstream games like this, even if we (as in this community) aren't going to buy their titles.

It will be a more publicity, but who's to say it will be a good publicity?
It might be flocks of SimShitties, games that dont work for weeks after launch or have so many bugs on release, most people would not be even able to play it. And a couple of those might completely drown everything good about SteamMachines as we all know, publishers don't like taking the blame.

^not really anything that can hold water in an argument, but a valid concern nontheless.
commodore256 Jun 20, 2014
Quoting: Hyeron
Quoting: commodore256All Ubisoft games? Yes.
Uplay? No.
Except it's Ubisoft we're talking about. We're not getting the former without the latter. And THAT is the problem (well, that and their sh***y behavior toward customers).

From Software makes good games, (apart from Ninja Blade) But other than Dark Souls or Demon Souls, most modern Japanese games are terrible. I see turn based RPGs as games an accessibility to people that have no ability to think on their feet. (however I like how FFVII has a time limit for turns) To me the only time a game is hard is when I don't know what to do or I think I know what to do and screw it up.
inlinuxdude Jun 20, 2014
Yes! If Ubisoft made all their games for Linux, it'd be WAY WAY easier to convince the rest of the family to not get a PS4 (like I've been pushing), and instead build a Steam Machine..
Zouille Jun 21, 2014
I really dislike Uplay too...
edqe Jun 21, 2014
Of course. It doesn't matter if *I* like their games or dislike DRM. Ubisoft's games are pretty much mandatory to have to make SteamOS/Linux a viable gaming platform.
Hyeron Jun 21, 2014
Quoting: commodore256From Software makes good games, (apart from Ninja Blade) But other than Dark Souls or Demon Souls, most modern Japanese games are terrible. I see turn based RPGs as games an accessibility to people that have no ability to think on their feet. (however I like how FFVII has a time limit for turns) To me the only time a game is hard is when I don't know what to do or I think I know what to do and screw it up.
Not sure what you're getting at WRT Ubi on Linux, but whatever. :)
Most modern western games are terrible. I see FPS as games for people that have no ability to think at all.
Don't judge a whole bunch of people so easily. Please? ;)
Most any JRPG with ATB has the option to turn on time limit, as far as I'm aware; and Japanese games are MUCH more than JRPGs (and more than "traditional" JPRGs). I mean, Tokyo Jungle? Cave Story? Elona? Rewrite? Astebreed? TorqueL? Revolver360? KoF XIII? La-Mulana? Mighty N°9? Azure Striker? Block Legend? One Way Heroics? Gunhound? Keroblaster? Recettear? Catherine? Yume Nikki? Metal Gear Solid? Patapon? Monster Hunter? Dynasty Warriors? Gran Turismo? Mario Kart?
That you don't like their respective genres is a matter of taste. But dismissing all of THAT as a whole is plain ridiculous.
edqe Jun 21, 2014
Quoting: commodore256I see turn based RPGs as games an accessibility to people that have no ability to think on their feet.

Quoting: HyeronI see FPS as games for people that have no ability to think at all.

I like both genres and I would like to see as many turn-based RPGs and FPS games available for Linux as possible - with or without DRM. Unfortunately at the moment Linux is lacking both so there's no much choice. Personally I don't care about COD or JRPGs but I would like to have them for Linux just that gamers would have more choice.

(games I really like are Europa Universalis, Crusader Kings, Civilization, Supreme Commander, S.T.A.L.K.E.R, Wasteland, etc.)
commodore256 Jun 21, 2014
Quoting: HyeronMost modern western games are terrible.

Don't play Call of Duty, Batman Arkham City, I like the fight with Mr. Freeze because he doesn't fall for the same trick twice, you pull a trick on him and he makes it impossible for you to use the same exploit. Play The Blackwell series, best adventure games I ever played (though I mostly recommend Gemini Rue for an adventure game) and most Japanese adventure games are just Visual Novels or WAIFU Simulators with no control apart from dialogue, so it's basically mass effect without the action. I could list names of good western games for hours because "The West" only means "Not Japan", so it's the whole world minus Japan and it doesn't mean "'Murica", it includes Poland where The Witcher is made, it includes Canada of which a development studio from there made Mark of the Ninja and it's a Ninja game where you play a Ninja of which Japanese companies has failed to produce a Ninja game where you play as a Ninja that's marketed as a Ninja. Though Rikimaru from Tenchu was pretty close, but he failed at covering his whole face during missions. My other problem with most Japanese games is the main protagonists are whiny emo b!tches and don't have much confidence and that's very unrealistic, if a person like that tried being a hero, they would be killed because they don't think like a hero or at least an engineer like Gordon Freeman where his intellect makes him successful.

Quoting: HyeronI see FPS as games for people that have no ability to think at all.
Then if people that can't think at all can play, play them. I bet somebody as smart as you would be very good at them. After all, you don't want those "mindless" people to embarrass you now do we? I bet you can show them who's boss if you're so smart.

Oh and I find turn based combat to be very easy, the only time I find it harder than it should be is when I don't know something. Like using a Phoenix Down on the Second Evrea in FFX and once I know exploits, why wouldn't I use them to my advantage?
Hyeron Jun 21, 2014
Quoting: commodore256
Quoting: HyeronMost modern western games are terrible.
Don't play Call of Duty, Batman Arkham City, I like the fight with Mr. Freeze because he doesn't fall for the same trick twice, you pull a trick on him and he makes it impossible for you to use the same exploit. Play The Blackwell series, best adventure games I ever played (though I mostly recommend Gemini Rue for an adventure game) and most Japanese adventure games are just Visual Novels or WAIFU Simulators with no control apart from dialogue, so it's basically mass effect without the action. I could list names of good western games for hours because "The West" only means "Not Japan", so it's the whole world minus Japan and it doesn't mean "'Murica", it includes Poland where The Witcher is made, it includes Canada of which a development studio from there made Mark of the Ninja and it's a Ninja game where you play a Ninja of which Japanese companies has failed to produce a Ninja game where you play as a Ninja that's marketed as a Ninja. Though Rikimaru from Tenchu was pretty close, but he failed at covering his whole face during missions. My other problem with most Japanese games is the main protagonists are whiny emo b!tches and don't have much confidence and that's very unrealistic, if a person like that tried being a hero, they would be killed because they don't think like a hero or at least an engineer like Gordon Freeman where his intellect makes him successful.

Quoting: HyeronI see FPS as games for people that have no ability to think at all.
Then if people that can't think at all can play, play them. I bet somebody as smart as you would be very good at them. After all, you don't want those "mindless" people to embarrass you now do we? I bet you can show them who's boss if you're so smart.

Oh and I find turn based combat to be very easy, the only time I find it harder than it should be is when I don't know something. Like using a Phoenix Down on the Second Evrea in FFX and once I know exploits, why wouldn't I use them to my advantage?
Should I have used quotation marks? Did you really, seriously not see I was turning your argument upside down to show you how preposterous it was? ;)
All of what you're saying here is valid for japanese games too - and that was the point.
I enjoy a mindless session of Painkiller or Singularity as much as I enjoy a mind-numbing session of Catherine.
I do have the ability to think, and the ability to think on my feet, thank you very much.
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