Vuvuzelas Blare on Pirated Copies of Michael Jackson: The Experience for DS
A novel anti-piracy measure baked into the Nintendo DS version of Michael Jackson: The Experience makes copied versions of the game unplayable and taunts gamers with the blaring sound of vuvuzelas.
Instead of “Beat It,” players get “Bleat It.”
The phenomenon was documented by YouTube user ctkxtreme, who posted the video above with the following explanation: “This is Ubisoft’s attempt at anti-piracy to the game. The game is an [Elite Beat Agents] clone, and there’s no notes playing, it freezes when it’s paused, and fucking vuvuzela noises over the music.”
With the annoying noise of the plastic South African horns, the illegally copied game sounds more like a raucous soccer match than a Michael Jackson record.
“The development team worked this feature in as a creative way to discourage any tampering with the retail version of the game,” a representative of Ubisoft, the company that developed the game, told Wired.com in an e-mail Friday.
Piracy has become a major problem for Nintendo because of the ease with which copied games can be played on the handheld device. Unlike videogame consoles, which need to undergo elaborate hardware modifications to play copied software, the handheld DS is comparatively wide open. All one needs to do is to buy a cheap rewritable storage card, download an illegal copy from a file sharing site, and load the card into the DS.
Games can be coded to have the the software check to see if it is running on a legitimate DS cartridge or if the code has been copied to a similar card. Ubisoft would not elaborate, as of press time, about the specific anti-piracy mechanism in Michael Jackson: The Experience.
Battling pirates “has been like a game of cat-and-mouse,” Nintendo President Satoru Iwata told investors in October. He said that while Nintendo does not entirely attribute low software sales to piracy, the company is “beefing up” the copy protection for the Nintendo 3DS, which it will release next year.
The unique anti-piracy measure coded into the Nintendo DS version of Michael Jackson: The Experience, which was released Nov. 23, is just the latest — and perhaps most hilarious — method used to fight illegal copying.
Many games have installed switches that detect pirated copies and act accordingly, like ending the user’s game after 20 minutes. Ubisoft has come under fire multiple times for what players have seen as highly restrictive anti-piracy measures that annoy legitimate users as much or more so than pirates.
But some more-mischievous developers have used tricks similar to the vuvuzela fanfare to mess with pirates.
Batman: Arkham Asylum lets unauthorized users play through the game as if it were a normal copy, with a single exception: Batman’s cape-glide ability doesn’t work, rendering the game impossible to finish — although you might bash your head against it trying to make what are now impossible jumps.
If you pirate Command & Conquer: Red Alert 2, brace yourself for an explosion, as your entire base will detonate within 30 seconds of loading the game.
Similar methods of messing with pirates’ heads go back at least to the 1995 Super Nintendo role-playing game Earthbound. It had a slew of anti-piracy gimmicks: In addition to filling copied games with an aggravatingly large amount of enemy encounters, it would freeze up just as the player was about to fight the final boss after 30 hours of adventuring, deleting every saved game on the disk.
Despite such measures, Alex Neuse, whose company Gaijin Games creates the Bit.Trip series for WiiWare, estimates that a whopping 70 percent of copies of his games are pirated.
“Piracy especially hurts small, independent developers who don’t command the sales figures/profits that the bigger companies do,” he said in a statement earlier this year.
See Also:
Ubisoft Ditches Draconian DRM for Steamworks
Live Blog: Ubisoft’s E3 Press Conference Gets Kinect’ed
Michael Jackson Moonwalks Through Gamer History
Diablo 3
Tell us how you really feel: which games should have cross-console meta-competitions?
The developers of Battlefield Bad Company 2: Vietnam are planning on adding another level to the game's multiplayer, but awarding first access to a bonus map to the console that hits a certain total score first. We asked our Twitter followers for other games that should take that approach.
After employing the tactic in Battlefield 1943, EA DICE announced today that it will once again apply the process of awarding first access to a bonus map to the console that reaches a specific in-game milestone first. With that in mind, we asked our 22,000-plus Twitter followers to suggest other titles that would benefit from this form of meta-competition.
.bbpBox10851343203827712 {background:url(http://a1.twimg.com/profile_background_images/71922138/gp_twitter_bg.png) #f2f2f2;padding:20px;} p.bbpTweet{background:#fff;padding:10px 12px 10px 12px;margin:0;min-height:48px;color:#000;font-size:18px !important;line-height:22px;-moz-border-radius:5px;-webkit-border-radius:5px} p.bbpTweet span.metadata{display:block;width:100%;clear:both;margin-top:8px;padding-top:12px;height:40px;border-top:1px solid #fff;border-top:1px solid #e6e6e6} p.bbpTweet span.metadata span.author{line-height:19px} p.bbpTweet span.metadata span.author img{float:left;margin:0 7px 0 0px;width:38px;height:38px} p.bbpTweet a:hover{text-decoration:underline}p.bbpTweet span.timestamp{font-size:12px;display:block}
BC2 Vietnam will award a map to the console that posts better stats. What other games would work with this? Best answers posted, 1 wins swagless than a minute ago via TweetDeck
A handful of users pointed out the various problems associated with this kind of feature. With the validity of some of these replies, it's obvious that the nascent formula still needs tweaking:
.bbpBox10852700874866688 {background:url(http://a3.twimg.com/profile_background_images/139377089/1280.jpg) #C6E2EE;padding:20px;} p.bbpTweet{background:#fff;padding:10px 12px 10px 12px;margin:0;min-height:48px;color:#000;font-size:18px !important;line-height:22px;-moz-border-radius:5px;-webkit-border-radius:5px} p.bbpTweet span.metadata{display:block;width:100%;clear:both;margin-top:8px;padding-top:12px;height:40px;border-top:1px solid #fff;border-top:1px solid #e6e6e6} p.bbpTweet span.metadata span.author{line-height:19px} p.bbpTweet span.metadata span.author img{float:left;margin:0 7px 0 0px;width:38px;height:38px} p.bbpTweet a:hover{text-decoration:underline}p.bbpTweet span.timestamp{font-size:12px;display:block}
@GamePro this would work if both systems had equal amount of players but since that won't happen the one with more players will get itless than a minute ago via web
.bbpBox10852807926087680 {background:url(http://a1.twimg.com/profile_background_images/37225506/ichigo_20hollow.jpg) #C0DEED;padding:20px;} p.bbpTweet{background:#fff;padding:10px 12px 10px 12px;margin:0;min-height:48px;color:#000;font-size:18px !important;line-height:22px;-moz-border-radius:5px;-webkit-border-radius:5px} p.bbpTweet span.metadata{display:block;width:100%;clear:both;margin-top:8px;padding-top:12px;height:40px;border-top:1px solid #fff;border-top:1px solid #e6e6e6} p.bbpTweet span.metadata span.author{line-height:19px} p.bbpTweet span.metadata span.author img{float:left;margin:0 7px 0 0px;width:38px;height:38px} p.bbpTweet a:hover{text-decoration:underline}p.bbpTweet span.timestamp{font-size:12px;display:block}
@GamePro sounds like a terrible idea altogether they're basically sending a screw you out to the people on the console that doesn't win thatless than a minute ago via web
.bbpBox10851853084397568 {background:url(http://a1.twimg.com/profile_background_images/174403084/sd-dante-twitterbg2.jpg) #2e3b41;padding:20px;} p.bbpTweet{background:#fff;padding:10px 12px 10px 12px;margin:0;min-height:48px;color:#000;font-size:18px !important;line-height:22px;-moz-border-radius:5px;-webkit-border-radius:5px} p.bbpTweet span.metadata{display:block;width:100%;clear:both;margin-top:8px;padding-top:12px;height:40px;border-top:1px solid #fff;border-top:1px solid #e6e6e6} p.bbpTweet span.metadata span.author{line-height:19px} p.bbpTweet span.metadata span.author img{float:left;margin:0 7px 0 0px;width:38px;height:38px} p.bbpTweet a:hover{text-decoration:underline}p.bbpTweet span.timestamp{font-size:12px;display:block}
@GamePro Truthfully this whole "console exclusive" content bit is getting annoying. Except tech differences the game should be the same.less than a minute ago via TweetDeck
A few suggestions (including one from frequent GamePro contributor Mitch Dyer) pitched games that could utilize different forms of stat-tracking across consoles. Here's the best of those replies:
.bbpBox10852589990060032 {background:url(http://s.twimg.com/a/1290538325/images/themes/theme1/bg.png) #B4B4B4;padding:20px;} p.bbpTweet{background:#fff;padding:10px 12px 10px 12px;margin:0;min-height:48px;color:#000;font-size:18px !important;line-height:22px;-moz-border-radius:5px;-webkit-border-radius:5px} p.bbpTweet span.metadata{display:block;width:100%;clear:both;margin-top:8px;padding-top:12px;height:40px;border-top:1px solid #fff;border-top:1px solid #e6e6e6} p.bbpTweet span.metadata span.author{line-height:19px} p.bbpTweet span.metadata span.author img{float:left;margin:0 7px 0 0px;width:38px;height:38px} p.bbpTweet a:hover{text-decoration:underline}p.bbpTweet span.timestamp{font-size:12px;display:block}
@GamePro Hot Pursuit -- high takedown count = new tracks?less than a minute ago via Echofon
.bbpBox10851653200646146 {background:url(http://s.twimg.com/a/1290538325/images/themes/theme9/bg.gif) #1A1B1F;padding:20px;} p.bbpTweet{background:#fff;padding:10px 12px 10px 12px;margin:0;min-height:48px;color:#000;font-size:18px !important;line-height:22px;-moz-border-radius:5px;-webkit-border-radius:5px} p.bbpTweet span.metadata{display:block;width:100%;clear:both;margin-top:8px;padding-top:12px;height:40px;border-top:1px solid #fff;border-top:1px solid #e6e6e6} p.bbpTweet span.metadata span.author{line-height:19px} p.bbpTweet span.metadata span.author img{float:left;margin:0 7px 0 0px;width:38px;height:38px} p.bbpTweet a:hover{text-decoration:underline}p.bbpTweet span.timestamp{font-size:12px;display:block}
@GamePro Super Meat Boy as it's only just come out on the PC so all us 360 owners are guaranteed more meat.less than a minute ago via TweetDeck
.bbpBox10852943905423360 {background:url(http://a3.twimg.com/profile_background_images/59671513/Wallpaper_FireLine_1600.jpg) #352726;padding:20px;} p.bbpTweet{background:#fff;padding:10px 12px 10px 12px;margin:0;min-height:48px;color:#000;font-size:18px !important;line-height:22px;-moz-border-radius:5px;-webkit-border-radius:5px} p.bbpTweet span.metadata{display:block;width:100%;clear:both;margin-top:8px;padding-top:12px;height:40px;border-top:1px solid #fff;border-top:1px solid #e6e6e6} p.bbpTweet span.metadata span.author{line-height:19px} p.bbpTweet span.metadata span.author img{float:left;margin:0 7px 0 0px;width:38px;height:38px} p.bbpTweet a:hover{text-decoration:underline}p.bbpTweet span.timestamp{font-size:12px;display:block}
@GamePro Medal Of Honor has this hands down a new map to the winner with better stats and I think MoH is prob the most balanced FPSless than a minute ago via web
Our choice for the day's top tweet goes to Dafishies, who noted that these meta-races needn't limit their scope to cross-console competition. Congrats for the insight, Dafishes--please send a direct message to GamePro on Twitter before the publication of Monday's "Tell us how you really feel" to claim your swag. Here's what DF had to say:
.bbpBox10854209066897408 {background:url(http://s.twimg.com/a/1290538325/images/themes/theme9/bg.gif) #1A1B1F;padding:20px;} p.bbpTweet{background:#fff;padding:10px 12px 10px 12px;margin:0;min-height:48px;color:#000;font-size:18px !important;line-height:22px;-moz-border-radius:5px;-webkit-border-radius:5px} p.bbpTweet span.metadata{display:block;width:100%;clear:both;margin-top:8px;padding-top:12px;height:40px;border-top:1px solid #fff;border-top:1px solid #e6e6e6} p.bbpTweet span.metadata span.author{line-height:19px} p.bbpTweet span.metadata span.author img{float:left;margin:0 7px 0 0px;width:38px;height:38px} p.bbpTweet a:hover{text-decoration:underline}p.bbpTweet span.timestamp{font-size:12px;display:block}
@GamePro not sure if this works but dead nation tracks each countries stats on kills. Maybe the best country gets a new map. Just a thought.less than a minute ago via Twitter for iPhone
Because console manufactures rarely like to play nice, many multi-platform developers are hamstrung in maximizing the level of online competition for their games. While the current form of "reach a certain number of kills" doesn't seem to be the most even playing field, further iteration of these cross-platform competitions could make for some interesting intra-platform dynamics. After all, who doesn't want free stuff first?
What do you think of the replies above? Are there any other games you'd suggest? Please continue the conversation by responding in the comment section below or by replying to GamePro on Twitter.
Online Hry
PlayStation.Blog Recap
As I popped open the third door on my advent calendar yesterday morning, I realised two things: I won’t experience a World Cup in my own country before I’m 40 and Christmas is approaching at an alarming rate. What do you think I should do with the blog over the holiday while I’m at home, working on my figure? How much content do you expect or even want to see on here? Here’s your recap.
PlayStation.Blog.Europe Weekly Content Recap
FirstPlay Episode 35 - The latest reviews and features from the FirstPlay team.
This Week On The SingStore (1 December 2010) - Nina gets all excited about 80s soft rock.
Dead Nation Hits PlayStation Store This Week: Eradicate The Infection! - It’s out now, so what do you think?
Introducing Funky Lab Rat, A Puzzle-Platformer In Playstation Store - We talk about a PlayStation Move-enable PSN game that came out a couple of weeks ago.
ModNational Holiday Greetings! - The ModNation guys get all festive.
VIDZONE DOUBLE EXCLUSIVE: Eliza Doolittle And Modestep - The VidZone team secures a pair of exclusive videos for your eyes and ears.
Gran Turismo 5 Signature Edition Competition Update - A little update for those hoping to win a Mercedes SLS AMG.
Eat Them! Developer Diary: Week Three - FluffyLogic continue their series looking at the development of monster PSN title, Eat Them!
Brand New Patch And DLC For The Fight, Plus Bonus Tutorial Videos - The Fight gets an update and a new piece of DLC.
PlayStation Video Store Update - The latest movies on PlayStation Store.
Killzone3 ‘Helghast Edition’ Announced - Take a look at the impressive Helghan Edition of upcoming blockbuster, Killzone 3.
New PlayStation Plus Content For December And January - A host of new treats for PlayStation Plus members to download.
‘Heads-Up’ Game Store Update 1st December 2010 - Ross keeps his weekly appointment with you.
PAC-MAN Championship Edition Is Out Today On minis - One of the finest examples of a true classic comes to the minis section of PlayStation Store.
Digital Comics Store Update (1st December 2010) - A new batch of comics for your PSP.
minis Round-Up: 1 December 2010 - A brand new selection of bite-sized games hits the Store.
PlayStation Home: Private Members Club, Novus Prime And More! - PlayStation Plus members get their own area of PlayStation Home.
FIFA Interactive World Cup 2011 Has Kicked-off! - The ultimate virtual football tournament begins.
MUBI’s Movie Poster Of The Month - We take a look at some classic film posters, courtesy of MUBI.
Voice Chat Coming Soon To Dead Nation - Housemarque addresses the number one request for Dead Nation.
Gran Turismo 5 Photo Mode Competition - Take an in-game pick and you could win Internet fame!
Battlefield: Bad Company 2 Vietnam – Join The Battle For Hastings On December 21! - Battlefield: Bad Company 2 lands in ‘Nam.
The Friday Debate - Have you got any good game ideas?
Alien Breed 2: Assault Hits PSN On Wednesday With Short, Controlled Bursts - Check this out when it arrives on PlayStation Store next week.
Angelica Panganiban
No comments:
Post a Comment