Scratch that, Impulse Reactor isn't the new DRM method Stardock mentioned months ago, one they said would make both gamers and publishers happy, but it is part of it.
The new method is lovingly called "Goo", an acronym for "Game Object Obfuscation". Stardock describes it as a tool which allows the developer to put their game executable into a container which houses the original .exe as well as Impulse Reactor, their virtual platform, resulting in a single encrypted file. Running the game for the first time prompts the user to enter their e-mail address and serial number, associating the game to that person, as opposed to their hardware as most systems do. This in turn means gamers can run their titles on any computer without hassle. After initial validation, the game never needs to connect to the Internet again.
While this method still shafts users who don't have Internet access, or impermanent access, it's about the next best thing to a DRM-free methodology like GOG uses.
Here's Stardock's list of advantages to this new implementation:
1. There is no third-party client required. This means a developer can use this as a universal solution since it is not tied to any particular digital distributor.2. It paves the way to letting users validate their game on any digital distribution service that supports that game. One common concern of gamers is if the company they purchased a game from exits the market, their game library may disappear too. Games that use Goo would be able to be validated anywhere.
3. It opens the door to gamers being able to resell their games because users can voluntarily disable their game access and transfer their license ownership to another user.
Note that #3 effectively makes Impulse the first digital distribution service (to our knowledge) to allow reselling of games. Very cool!
“One of our primary goals for Impulse Reactor is to create a solution that will appeal to game developers while adhering to the Gamers Bill of Rights,” said Brad Wardell, president & CEO of Stardock. “Publishers want to be able to sell their games in as many channels as possible but don’t want to have to implement a half-dozen ‘copy protection’ schemes. Game Object Obfuscation lets the developer have a single game build that can be distributed everywhere while letting gamers potentially be able to re-download their game later from any digital service. Plus, it finally makes possible a way for gamers and publishers to transfer game licenses to players in a secure and reliable fashion.”
Goo will arrive April 7 as part of Impulse's "Phase 3" release. At this time Stardock expects to announce multiple major publishers signing to their platform, complete with delicious games.
This new implementation could very well replace the likes of SecuROM as a common industry DRM method -- how would you feel about a PC gaming industry protected by Goo?
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