We oppose DRM.
We are a participatory and grassroots campaign exposing DRM-encumbered devices and media for what they really are: Defective by Design. We are working together to eliminate DRM as a threat to innovation in media, the privacy of readers, and freedom for computer users. Our actions involve identifying and targeting defective products, pressuring media retailers and hardware manufacturers to stop supporting DRM, exposing the immense concentration of power over media created by DRM, and raising awareness of DRM to libraries, schools, and individuals around the world. More about Defective by Design.
What is DRM?
Digital Restrictions Management is technology that controls what you can do with the digital media and devices you own. When a program doesn't let you share a song, read an ebook on another device, or play a game without an internet connection, you are being restricted by DRM. In other words, DRM creates a damaged good. It prevents you from doing what would normally be possible if it wasn't there, and this is creating a dangerous situation for freedom, privacy and censorship. Click here to learn more.
Get Involved & Take Action
Defective by Design has been protesting against DRM since 2006, and we've have had major success in the area of music. All major record labels have given up trying to enforce DRM schemes on music, but DRM is becoming a stronger force in ebooks, videos, and gaming. If we want to end this exploitative and anticompetitive practice, we must do something. Click here to take action.
DRM Action Blog
The latest news on DRM and DRM-free products and services. Subscribe to our RSS feed or follow us on Identi.ca
Diablo 3 DRM: "It's really an online game without a monthly fee"
Submitted by mattl on Tue, 2012-05-22 09:27
Blizzard has released the long-awaited game Diablo 3 to much fanfare, and yet to many gamers, much disappointment and frustration because of the game's DRM system. It requires a permanent internet connection to play -- moving much of the in-game interaction and logic to the network. Blizzard is using Diablo 3 to operate an online auction house, using real-world currency or in-game gold, which in turn can be exchanged between players to purchase weapons, materials and upgrades for your in-game character.
- Tell others about Diablo 3 and the problems of DRM.
Blizzard is taking a 15% cut of any in-game transactions, and yet fans of Diablo 3 are asking Blizzard to let them play the game in private, without internet access. These fans are willing to forgo the auction house, and just want to play the game they purchased without interruption or surveillance. Blizzard is refusing, because they use the always-on requirement as a way to tightly control the game software and its users.
Stay Angry, that's the message from Rock, Paper, Shotgun.
The game also embraces a secondary form of DRM -- unique product keys that are required to install the game and of course, uniquely identifying players to the Blizzard online service. Controlling how you can play it your own house — each product key is limited to a single online account — as is typical of DRM systems, a restriction that has nothing to do with enforcing copyright law.
Previously Blizzard attempted to implement an invasive 'real name' policy that would force gamers to identify themselves with real-world credentials on support forums. But facing considerable backlash from privacy advocates, the company backed down and made it an optional feature.
Take that as proof that your action could make a difference in getting them to back down from DRM!
Take action
- Tell others about Diablo 3 and the problems of DRM.
- Leave your own review on Amazon
- Be sure to tag copies of 'Diablo 3' as 'defectivebydesign'
- Forum for the 'defectivebydesign' tag
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