Today Electronic Arts announced that its EA sports label released Tiger Woods PGA Toru 2012 for PC and Mac. What the release did not reveal is that it requires users to install the Origin client in order to play. Taking a page from Valve, EA's new game requires users to install and use its digital distribution platform Origin in order to play online.
We asked an EA representative for more details on the DRM, but they declined to give us any particular details on what (if any - they wouldn't say and we do not have access to either versions of the game) restrictions the Mac and PC versions of the game might have when it comes to DRM.
The EA representative also confirmed the Mac and PC versions of the game will not be available via Steam.
When we pressed for further information on DRM, we were told: "We don't have any further comments beyond what we've provided."
We do not think there is anything particularly nefarious about requiring the installation of Origin to play an EA. We just wish they could have told us more about any limitations that might be in place as the result of its DRM scheme. The only way to really find is to buy the game.
You can buy the game directly from Origin at this location.
Comments
Re: Tiger Woods PGA Tour 2012 for PC Requires Origin to Play
It'd be nice if basic consumer rights were given as much attention as the rights of IP-holders. This kind of deceptive, intrusive practice is ridiculous.
Particularly as EA were tooting their own horn not many blog posts back about simply "offering an alternative" digital distribution service. Protip: If it's mandatory, it's not an alternative.
Re: Tiger Woods PGA Tour 2012 for PC Requires Origin to Play
Dear EA,
I'd love to see a competing digital distribution platform to take on Steam. Competition is always good for consumers. But forget the DRM, it stinks of a "we think you're all theives" attitude. Making people jump through hoops for something they paid for just to ensure that you paid for it while those that didn't pay for it don't have to jump through the hoops, is the mother of all stupid ways to run a business. They can beat your quality and price, so why are you pissing on the cake to discourage theives, while expecting paying customers to eat the piss-soaked cake? You're your own worst enemy. Get a clue.
Sincerely,
Your customers
-Greevar
"Paste superficially profound, but utterly meaningless quotation here."
-Greevar
"Paste superficially profound, but utterly meaningless quotation here."