Capcom laid out the feature set and changes that would be integrated into the long-time-coming PC port of Super Street Fighter IV (complete with the Arcade Edition patch) last week. Along with those features--including more comprehensive video options for users with low-end hardware to hit 60 frames per second online-- Capcom also revealed the game's security and anti-piracy features.
Like the release of Street Fighter IV on the PC in 2009, SSFIV: AE features Games For Windows Live support for the online functionality and requires players to be logged into a GFWL account to access the game's full functionality. Those who played SSFIV without being connected to the Internet would find the game's offline functionality to be severely limited. Capcom senior VP Christian Svensson wrote in his blog post announcement:
If you aren’t signed in to an online GFWL profile, the offline mode has limited functionality. Obviously there’s no online play, access to replay channels or other online-centric features (and this is the part that keeps the online play secure from hackers or pirates). Additionally, you won’t be able to save any progress in challenges or settings, won’t have access to any DLC you’ve purchased and all local play will be restricted to 15 of the 39 characters.
As you would imagine, the realization that an offline outage would turn SSFIV into a game with less playable characters than the original release of SSIV (15 fighters compared to the original game's 25) sent prospective players into a frenzy. Fans argued that the anti-piracy measures would directly detract from the experiences of paying customers rather than deterring piracy or (as I imagine Capcom wanted out of this system) encouraging pirates to purchase the full game to unlock the game's full content.
The response to this function-locked PC release of SSFIV was so overwhelming that Capcom has decided to scrap parts of that system. Svensson wrote on his blog that, shortly after the game launches, Capcom would release a patch that removed the character limit from offline play. Players will still be prevented from saving their progress offline, but if you're looking to just practice combos or play local games on the PC, you won't have to connect online to do it.
It's good to see a big publisher like Capcom relent on some piracy countermeasures at the request of their fans. As far as I'm concerned, the easier it for those fans to take character models and bolt them onto other fighter's animations, the better.
cool
What a pointless comment.
I'm glad Capcom did this, good move.
I personally don't like playing fighting games, especially Street Fighter, online. I only play local matches with friends, mostly because the netcode for fighting games just isn't there yet and because the communities aren't exactly fun to play with.
Good on Capcom for not being complete morons.
I've purchased this game 3 times now, and I'll purchase it another 2 it seems (PS3 and PC), but we all know pirates will make a patch to reinstate the functionality within days.
Don't screw over paying customers with your pointless "anti-piracy" measures.
Fifteen characters? Wow, I mean, I know they were trying fight piracy, but damn.
Plenty of games, SSFIV included, have code that allows for lag-free matches where you can input things like one-frame links. The whole "online code just isn't there yet" is a silly, baseless argument now. Sure there are matches where you'll find lag, but you'll find that in any online game -- shooters, racing games, etc. and unless your connection is at fault, it's not the norm.
Anyways, looking forward to seeing what crazy costumes people can come up with for all of the edition Super characters. There were some fantastic costumes created back in the original SFIV PC edition like a Harley Quinn costume for Chun Li or Strider Hiryu Vega
I'm so glad you brought this video to my attention.
Its good that they relaxed on the drm, but from the publisher side, they still don't have an adequate way to curb piracy. Makes me wonder if their future drm policies will be any different.
Then again what right do I have to complain? I am happy to get another fighting game from capcom.
@sofacitysweetheart said:
10 people playing PC FIGHTING GAMES. That's the niche, not PC games.
THAT VIDEO AINT SF4 KORYU.
@President_Barackbar said:
SHOUTOUTS TO GGPO.
@sofacitysweetheart: I know right, go ahead and keep this online only DRM on the PS3.
Oh, you naughty naughty boy.