CMx2 -- Version 4 -- Bundle for $25

Cyrano · December 26, 2016, 07:32:12 PM

The tragedy of the lost RyanEii (pretty sure I declined that correctly), I do want to hit square in the face with a shovel the tech wizard that decided my CM:RT would activate only with my CM:RT code but my CM:BN would only be activated by my 4.0 upgrade code.

mirth · December 26, 2016, 07:35:42 PM

Sounds like BF needs to switch to Dongles.

RyanE · December 26, 2016, 07:54:36 PM

Yeah, the inconsistencies in how to activate are what killed my time. It almost feels like the actual process is as important to DRM as the licensing software. If you make the licensing process as difficult as possible, only the most dedicated customer will go through it.

Moreb · December 26, 2016, 08:21:45 PM

Quote from: mirth on December 26, 2016, 05:36:47 PM
Quote from: RyanE on December 26, 2016, 05:08:35 PM
How bad does it have to get before BFC realizes they need a new approach.

When dongles fly?

May I?

Sir Slash · December 26, 2016, 11:56:11 PM

Wait. Dongles can't fly? That's why mine never comes back when I throw it off the top of a building. :o

ArizonaTank · December 27, 2016, 12:05:07 AM

I love CM, but really hate the self-inflicted complexity of updates and copy protection. Sitting on the sidelines here, on the theory that buying "patches" only encourages them.

Grim.Reaper · December 27, 2016, 07:24:57 AM

Finally got around to purchasing the version 4 upgrade for all the games, luckily things went pretty straightforward for me, no issues encountered during the process. I do have to agree their naming convention has a lot to be desired....they have both a "version" number and "game engine" number, which aren't the same. All the games versions are "2.0", except for CMBN which is "4.0", but all the game engines are the same using "4.0" (except for CMFI since not released yet). Just adds further confusion as your trying to make sure the install process went ok.

1) Downloaded all the latest full installers (wanted to start fresh and had previosuly removed the games from my system) - This did take quite a bit of time, the download servers are not the fastest in the world. No issues encountered though.

2) Installed all the latest full installers - This also took a lot of time based on the size of files and their extract process. No issues encountered though.

3) Activated all the games - No issues at all encountered, although had to use the opriginal code for CMRT versus the version 4.0 code that worked for all the other games.

At this point, everything was setup and ready for play. To complete all these steps it took 4+ hours (most of the time downloading/installing the full versions), maybe others with faster internet connections and systems could complete quicker....

Now I need to take a break before actually trying the game:)

Cyrano · December 27, 2016, 02:21:26 PM

*nod*

Got it done, but it was certainly opaque at first...

Jarhead0331 · December 27, 2016, 02:30:58 PM

Quote from: Grim.Reaper on December 27, 2016, 07:24:57 AM
Finally got around to purchasing the version 4 upgrade for all the games, luckily things went pretty straightforward for me, no issues encountered during the process. I do have to agree their naming convention has a lot to be desired....they have both a "version" number and "game engine" number, which aren't the same. All the games versions are "2.0", except for CMBN which is "4.0", but all the game engines are the same using "4.0" (except for CMFI since not released yet). Just adds further confusion as your trying to make sure the install process went ok.

1) Downloaded all the latest full installers (wanted to start fresh and had previosuly removed the games from my system) - This did take quite a bit of time, the download servers are not the fastest in the world. No issues encountered though.

2) Installed all the latest full installers - This also took a lot of time based on the size of files and their extract process. No issues encountered though.

3) Activated all the games - No issues at all encountered, although had to use the opriginal code for CMRT versus the version 4.0 code that worked for all the other games.

At this point, everything was setup and ready for play. To complete all these steps it took 4+ hours (most of the time downloading/installing the full versions), maybe others with faster internet connections and systems could complete quicker....

Now I need to take a break before actually trying the game:)

My experience was similar except I chose to do the upgrade instead of a full install. The only issue I had was with CMRT. At first, it refused to authenticate with the license key that came with the upgrade. Upon reading the forums though, I saw with RT you have to use the key that came with your initial purchase of the game, not the 4.0 upgrade.

Still, although the system could be much easier and much more user friendly, it was pretty seamless for me and so I can't really get down with all the hate.

Skoop · December 27, 2016, 02:47:04 PM

I really hope they change to a new system soon. I think what the command ops series or dcs did is the best way to go for a system with all these different modules. You have a free core that acts as a demo, then all the modules plug into that under one umbrella system instead of all these stand alones. Then bfc would just update the core instead of updates for all these different modules.

Jarhead0331 · December 27, 2016, 03:05:32 PM

The problem is, they have the community by the balls. There are not a whole lot of options when it comes to hardcore/authentic wargames of this type. Regardless of the obtrusiveness, frustration or inconvenience caused by their DRM of choice, its not going to cause a loss of many sales. As wargamers, our tolerance for bull$hit is apparently extremely high.

RyanE · December 27, 2016, 03:11:19 PM

Back in the early CMSF days when BFC stated the current multiple engine system was their product strategy, a bunch of us long-time CM players begged Steve to take the single engine approach. He has defended it over and over again when its been brought up. I think, realistically though, the single engine core looks like the way it should have gone. Every patch, module, and game seems to need more and more customer support from BFC. And they typically are very good at it.

I have traded emails with a few behind the scenes people and they will admit that the current system is a resources drain for them. But Steve is, if anything, stubborn in his willingness to admit mistakes. You can see the politicking he does even when he writes about the work-arounds for the licensing issues. He is very careful to not admit their decisions for product strategy have led them down this path.

RyanE · December 27, 2016, 03:16:13 PM

Quote from: Jarhead0331 on December 27, 2016, 03:05:32 PM
The problem is, they have the community by the balls. There are not a whole lot of options when it comes to hardcore/authentic wargames of this type. Regardless of the obtrusiveness, frustration or inconvenience caused by their DRM of choice, its not going to cause a loss of many sales. As wargamers, our tolerance for bull$hit is apparently extremely high.

The main problem is that there is no way to tell how many people would have bought CM if you didn't have the noise about management of the game patches and updates. There is hardcore crowd at BFC and a few other places that will do whatever it takes to play CM. The game mechanics are obtuse enough, that the DRM seems simple to that hardcore crowd. But someone who has ten other games to play won't be bothered. Sometimes I think Steve likes it like that.

Grim.Reaper · December 27, 2016, 03:17:50 PM

Would I prefer it to be easier, yes. But the current process although tedious is something I'll live with to play this type of game...not a chance I'll stop purchasing this game series just because of the drm, right or wrong. I have a feeling most of their customers feel the same.

RyanE · December 27, 2016, 04:03:35 PM

My point is I am in the same boat as you. Not sure if eliminating the DRM would increase sales dramatically. But on the other side, I don't think eliminating DRM like theirs would lead to a significant loss in sales. So to me, its just an unnecessary bother for good customers. Again, I don't mind DRM, but at some point, bad DRM is costing them money and resources they could be using to make more product.