Use a keygen software activation for a payware campaign?

Suppose one develops a very large, extensive campaign with a huge number of missions, stages, etc. This really just consists of a set of missions (.miz files) and a campaign file. There could be some PDF files to go along just for reference I suppose. Initially the package could be downloaded as a simple intaller that unpacks all the missions and files and places them in the correct folder within DCS. I understand what they might look like, but here is my question.

Once installed, what would prevent a customer from simply copying and redistributing all the missions and the campaign file? After all there is no software exe file that would check for an activation key or something of that nature.... it's just a bunch of content files that is being sold, not any software itself. Once that first person orders the payware campaign, I don't see anything to stop him from sharing it with his buddy.... it would not be long before it is essentially 'out there' and available to all.

Is there a way around this?

Speak to these guys for an idea where to start - they seem to have it figured out.

http://www3.sympatico.ca/tlaschuk/mapleflagmissions/

http://forums.eagle.ru/member.php?u=62916

not sure if this is relevant or what you are looking for ?

 

http://forums.eagle.ru/showthread.php?t=43913&highlight=protect+miz

Relevant, I think -- not sure how this would prevent somebody from just redistributing missions, however. Might be worth contacting Panzertard directly however, just to be sure I'm not missing something. Thanks for this.

As for Maple Flag Missions, this does look like they have it figured out. Probably I will just purchase a couple of his missions just to see how it works from the customer perspective. Thanks Viper for posting. I think I had seen this site before it had forgotten about it completely...

Cheers

Ripcord

I'm not sure if Panzers method still works as much has changed.

Panzers method stops people from editing missions, which I'm not a huge fan of TBH. - new patches might break some missions and there is no guarantee that the mission developer will still be active at that time. Example beeing VERGEEV GROUP campaign for BS1.

Panzers metode worked only for FC2 missions. There is no way to protect missions in DCS World.

(HJ)

Panzers metode worked only for FC2 missions. There is no way to protect missions in DCS World.

 

(HJ)

It also worked in BS1xxx and cant think of a reason why it wouldn't work in DCS World.

(unless mission editor and ingame world now use same co-ordinates)

It also worked in BS1xxx and cant think of a reason why it wouldn't work in DCS World.

(unless mission editor and ingame world now use same co-ordinates)

In DCS World the mission file does not include the lat/long parameters that isolate the unit placement on simulator map from the placement in the editor map. The metode used to secure the mission is simply not possible without ruining the mission completly.

(HJ)

Even if it does work, the mission would still be flyable, and therefore the files could be disseminated freely. All it did was prevent other mission builders from copying/modifying your mission.

Even with Maple Flag's DRM method, once purchased and activated, there is nothing to stop a paying customer from copying the files and sending them to a third party. Just drop them in the right folder and they will work fine.

At risk of a thread lock, you've hit the problem of what DRM can't do -prevent legitimate customers attempting to rip off your product.

In the end, those who'd buy it will, and those who wouldn't aren't a lost sale to start with.

The movie industry continues to shift record numbers of DVDs and movie tickets despite all the "piracy". ;)

Best regards,

Tango.

Yeah, I suppose. Philosphical discussion I guess at this stage, but you might be right.

Certainly I see no reason why we would risk a thread-lock to discuss this objectively.

I wonder how the crew at Vergeev Group handles it.... Not a shark pilot so I'm not really in the market for that campaign, but maybe it is worth having a look.