Gameloft IAP Discussion

[*Sincere*]

Originally Posted by COHagan23

How many times has someone posted how "smart [a] move by [G]ameloft to battle piracy," without realizing that this particular flavor of software distribution via IAP is in reality much less secure than a "traditional" iTMS app purchase? You don't even need a jailbroken device to pirate this game or Sacred Oddyssey. If this is Gameloft's attempt at battling piracy it is an epic failure. But it's funny how people with barely an anecdotal understanding of piracy or software publishing think it is revolutionary in its cleverness.

I whole-heartedly agree that piracy is wrong - as a software product manager and designer I know first hand who is hurt by it. But in my opinion appending more and more intrusive, annoying or inconvenient forms of DRM that interfere with fair use is not the way to succeed in combating piracy. If anything it encourages the very activity it was intended to prevent by giving crackers incentive in the form of a new challenge and alienating a significant portion of your legitimate potential customer base. An alienated consumer that loses trust in a software publisher is far more likely to pirate that publisher.

I for one am used to just clicking the buy button in iTunes, and not giving it a second thought. I'm not a fan of IAP, I prefer to pay the upfront price for an app and thats it. Since IAP's were introduced to the Appstore I viewed them to be mostly a negative thing for consumers. Gamelofts new model is a minor hindrance that I prefer not to put up with. I feel much better knowing that I have a purchased app that I can freely install at will without having to talk to Apple's (Gameloft's) servers everytime I wish to do so. Why does everyone here think Gameloft's new model is because of piracy? There are probably other reasons for them going the IAP route...I agree with COHagan23 I believe this new model will fail and ultimately end up alienating former loyal customers.

[Ayjona]

Originally Posted by COHagan23

You don't even need a jailbroken device to pirate this game or Sacred Oddyssey.

The only commonly available method most certainly requires a jailbroken device. Are you certain of this?

[Pepper2427]

You can now download the full game without the need for the IAP. It has been released as a normal app. Judging by the comments on the app store it makes me think that they had too many problems with the IAP so have gone the normal purchase route

[Booch138]

I am fine with it, all up untill they release a seperate app for the same price as a standalone app. That makes NO f*cking sense what so ever, and frankly kinda makes me irate. It's just personal preference. I have no problem with the Free + IAP, but if I can choose to not have to use it, I will. So why make us do it, al la Starfront: Collision, and then release a seperate app same price... garrr....

[pauldavidmerritt]

Originally Posted by K?!

Your not renting the game. How often do you reinstall and app, anyways? Twice a year, maybe? And going online to register it simply means that you tap a "restore purchases" button. This isn't restrictive DRM, it's just a new selling scheme. I doubt Gameloft is going to default and I'd imagine they'd give the IAP to everyone rather than no one if the did.

I agree with the 'rent or buy' status. It seems most gamers don't understand this concept. We buy Diablo 3, and...we don't have the ability to play when we want. You have to be connected to the internet. If you don't understand the stupidity in things like this, than you might be someone who would be fine with buying a car for 15,000, and have to drop it to the dealership once a month foe them to 'inspect' it. No. I dont believe in this kind of IAP's. It makes more sense to buy the full game, be able to play/download/reinstall it any friggin' time you want--without stupid restrictions, or loopholes you have to jump through to use what you own.