Diablo III

[ampersand]

And I'd like to point out that Blizzard's anti-piracy mechanism haven't worked. You can find pirated versions of Diablo III. What does work? Pricing the games at a point where pirated versions aren't a big strain on the financial budgets of these gaming companies. That's why the $9.99 - $19.99 Big Fish search and find games multiply like bunnies on Game Stop, Target, and Wal-Mart shelves. It's what is working these days, not the big budgeted blockbusters like Diablo III.

So, I guess, what I'm saying is what works against pirates isn't technological, but financial defense. Now if you'll excuse me, I've got a lot of Zero Punctuation to catch up.

[bagheadinc]

And I'd like to point out that Blizzard's anti-piracy mechanism haven't worked. You can find pirated versions of Diablo III.

Actually it seems to be working so far. Sure you can find a pirated version, but it's not been cracked yet. And even when the client is cracked, you'll still need to wait for a cracked server, unless you want to play with no monsters.

Also, Blizzard has never publicly stated that the always online aspect was anti-piracy. They said it's to combat the rampant cheating seen in Diablo 1 and 2 as well as to provide access to the Auction House. I'm not saying either are good excuses for the always online, I'm just saying it's not just about anti-piracy.

[Jezebel]

My battlenet ID is jezbutts1953. I'm only at lvl 19 as I haven't logged much playtime. I'm a barbarian!

[bagheadinc]

Added. I have a level 30 something Witch Doctor, a level 11 Demon Hunter and a level 1 Monk.

[Deacon]

My battlenet ID is jezbutts1953.

But you look so young!

[Arres]

GAWD I WANT THIS GAME. I'm at an interesting time in my life that I am beginning to suspect will last for approximately forever. I have the money, but no TIME. Between work, school, and wife my gaming time is minimal. This weekend we're taking a 4day to backpack into the Grand Canyon. It turns out that PCs are HEAVY, and there's no wifi down there any damn way. Then next month, we're going on our Honeymoon, walking a half marathon, and probably finding time to finally mow the damn lawn.

WHEN AM I SUPPOSED TO SAVE THE WORLD FROM ENDLESS DEMONIC HORDES?!

[Deacon]

It turns out that PCs are HEAVY, and there's no wifi down there any damn way.

So you can't play online, so what? Just play the single-player campaign on your laptop since you're without an internet conne--oh wait.

[Jezebel]

My battlenet ID is jezbutts1953.

But you look so young!

For some reason they add numbers to the end of names, and there's no way around that I don't think?

[ampersand]

Yeah, it allows you to name it whatever you want, and gives you a random four digit suffix.

[collegestudent22]

Yes. For instance, mine is AnarchY#1748.

[ampersand]

You, anarchy, CS22? That explains a lot.

[Deacon]

Pound sign?

[bagheadinc]

Pound sign?

That's part of the Battletag. It's your chosen name, then a pound sign, then 4 digits.

[collegestudent22]

You, anarchy, CS22? That explains a lot.

It does? I mean, capitalism and private property is not really supported by your average "anarchist" throwing Molotovs outside G8 meetings. (It's not really supported by the government that stops Tombstone, AZ from using anything more technical than hand tools to repair their destroyed water systems, either.)

[Sir Spankspeople]

I wound up with a Lvl 21 Engineer in beta, with a Lvl 21 Ferret named Waffles who can summon zombies for me.


Psychosamus, LvL 21 Blitz Engineer
(Also I've got my graphics settings turned down 'cause I don't care much for bloom or need antialiasing on a 13" monitor)

I don't normally play tanks or melee DPS, but had a lot of fun just running around with a giant hammer smacking things good. And the variation in armour, plus initial character customization looks like it'll make for some exciting replay. Can't wait to play the final game with friends.

Wait, we were talking Torchlight 2, right?