Watch Dogs 2 Uses EasyAntiCheat - Monitors Systems, Potentially Prevents Modding

[TheDeeGee]

So no unlocking full graphics?

 

[Shihab]

So, anti-cheating systems are the new DRM?

 

[rtwjunkie]

So, anti-cheating systems are the new DRM?

It sure seems that way.

 

[bug]

Games don't even have single player cheats anymore. I remember how fun it was figuring out how to use cheats in Half-Life.

I remember how fun it was chasing down locations in save files and hex editing them to give myself 65,535 gold.
Companies are of course entitled to let us play the way they want (as we're entitled to pass on titles that don't play the way we want), but screwing with the OS because some EULA nobody reads says it's ok, is crossing so many lines...

 

[bug]

So, anti-cheating systems are the new DRM?

Actually, the new DRM is "you only get a part of the game, the rest is on the server, thus you only own the right to log in".

 

[Chaython]

Where's this TOS from? The anti-cheat's website says within their privacy policy:

"We only handle data relevant to the identification of cheats, as found in the Unit's runtime memory during online play or as collected by the game server. Other than that, we do not store any data on individual users and have no intent to ever do so. There are three steps in how session specific data is stored and processed."
https://www.easyanticheat.net/privacy/
Also it appears it would only be Ubisoft spying on you as
"we do offer the possibility for uploading in–game screenshots to the organiser's servers. Note that those screenshots will never touch our servers. In order to participate in such tournaments you need to agree with the organiser's EULA, EasyAntiCheat is not responsible for the data in any way. In these cases, the EULA is fundamentally different from the one typically used by EasyAntiCheat's integrated games"
As this only takes in-game screenshots, only during tournaments and only by request of the organizer
Anyways, punkbuster does the same, and punkbuster runs 24/7 not just when you're in game, I'm sure you've All used PunkBuster at one point, or still use it [Mainly battlefield]
"Licensee acknowledges that PunkBuster software is optional and is not a requirement in any respect for using or enjoying games that integrate PunkBuster software technology. Licensee also acknowledges and agrees that PunkBuster software is self-updating, which means that future updates will, from time to time and without any notice, automatically be downloaded and installed as a normal and expected function of PunkBuster software. Licensee further acknowledges and accepts that PunkBuster software may be considered invasive. Licensee understands that PunkBuster software inspects and reports information about the computer on which it is installed to other connected computers and Licensee agrees to allow PunkBuster software to inspect and report such information about the computer on which Licensee installs PunkBuster software. Licensee understands and agrees that the information that may be inspected and reported by PunkBuster software includes, but is not limited to, Licensee's Internet Protocol Address, devices and any files residing on the hard-drive and in the memory of the computer on which PunkBuster software is installed. Licensee acknowledges and agrees that if Licensee does not want Licensor to collect and process such information, Licensee should not use the PunkBuster software. Further, Licensee consents to allow PunkBuster software to transfer actual screenshots taken of Licensee�s computer during the operation of PunkBuster software for possible publication. Licensee understands that the purpose and goal of PunkBuster is to ensure a cheat-free environment for all participants in online games. Licensee agrees that the invasive nature of PunkBuster software is necessary to meet this purpose and goal. Licensee agrees that any harm or lack of privacy resulting from the installation and use of PunkBuster software is not as valuable to Licensee as the potential ability to play interactive online games with the benefits afforded by using PunkBuster software."

 

[DeathtoGnomes]

Dont believe a word of the EasyAntiCheat TOS/Privacy Policy, they DO a complete system scan (and I do mean everything) and they DO upload ALL that information. I encountered this system with 7 Days to Die, and I'll never purchase or play another game with this type of addon bullshit software. If you block its connection to the internet you cant play the game.

This system shows the total disrespect for loyal players and this kind of thing is only needed if there is weak game design.


All this means is that I will recommend that anyone NOT to buy this game. Just say no!

 

[lexluthermiester]

Don't ya just love invasive crap?

Right? Doing an anti-cheat scheme is one thing, but spying on people real-time? When the eff did it become ok for corporations to spy on people like this? Pathetic losers. Not getting my money..

 

[lexluthermiester]

Where's this TOS from? The anti-cheat's website says within their privacy policy:

"We only handle data relevant to the identification of cheats, as found in the Unit's runtime memory during online play or as collected by the game server. Other than that, we do not store any data on individual users and have no intent to ever do so. There are three steps in how session specific data is stored and processed."
https://www.easyanticheat.net/privacy/
Also it appears it would only be Ubisoft spying on you as
"we do offer the possibility for uploading in–game screenshots to the organiser's servers. Note that those screenshots will never touch our servers. In order to participate in such tournaments you need to agree with the organiser's EULA, EasyAntiCheat is not responsible for the data in any way. In these cases, the EULA is fundamentally different from the one typically used by EasyAntiCheat's integrated games"
As this only takes in-game screenshots, only during tournaments and only by request of the organizer
Anyways, punkbuster does the same, and punkbuster runs 24/7 not just when you're in game, I'm sure you've All used PunkBuster at one point, or still use it [Mainly battlefield]
"Licensee acknowledges that PunkBuster software is optional and is not a requirement in any respect for using or enjoying games that integrate PunkBuster software technology. Licensee also acknowledges and agrees that PunkBuster software is self-updating, which means that future updates will, from time to time and without any notice, automatically be downloaded and installed as a normal and expected function of PunkBuster software. Licensee further acknowledges and accepts that PunkBuster software may be considered invasive. Licensee understands that PunkBuster software inspects and reports information about the computer on which it is installed to other connected computers and Licensee agrees to allow PunkBuster software to inspect and report such information about the computer on which Licensee installs PunkBuster software. Licensee understands and agrees that the information that may be inspected and reported by PunkBuster software includes, but is not limited to, Licensee's Internet Protocol Address, devices and any files residing on the hard-drive and in the memory of the computer on which PunkBuster software is installed. Licensee acknowledges and agrees that if Licensee does not want Licensor to collect and process such information, Licensee should not use the PunkBuster software. Further, Licensee consents to allow PunkBuster software to transfer actual screenshots taken of Licensee�s computer during the operation of PunkBuster software for possible publication. Licensee understands that the purpose and goal of PunkBuster is to ensure a cheat-free environment for all participants in online games. Licensee agrees that the invasive nature of PunkBuster software is necessary to meet this purpose and goal. Licensee agrees that any harm or lack of privacy resulting from the installation and use of PunkBuster software is not as valuable to Licensee as the potential ability to play interactive online games with the benefits afforded by using PunkBuster software."

I never use/used punkbuster. Ever. My friends did and a lot of the time it didn't work or stop people from cheating. But any company that says "only we will have your info" is lying through their teeth.

 

[Prima.Vera]

Quick question: Even with user consent, is this shit legal?? I mean installing a malware or spyware with user consent, because of stupidity, still don't make those legal. Same thing here...

 

[OneMoar]

its garbage anyway its already been bypassed into the ground for literally YEARS
some cs:go leagues use it and its as effective as a bugzapper with no lightbulb

 

[DeathtoGnomes]

Quick question: Even with user consent, is this shit legal?? I mean installing a malware or spyware with user consent, because of stupidity, still don't make those legal. Same thing here...

im some countries its not, but by agreeing to the EULA you waive any rights to bitch about it.

 

[robb213]

To regain the capability of RTSS, Steam, and more in-game, use the "-eac_launcher" argument on a shortcut. This will disable MP functions of the game entirely though.

As a result, RTSS, Steam, and anything else will be able to run.

Also, a bunch of us from Guru3D emailed EAC and got a response back saying they are working on updating their internal whitelist. THey gave a time-frame of "by the next game update". For anyone wanting to read more, see the comments: http://www.guru3d.com/news-story/up...heat-system-blocks-rtss-overlay-software.html

 

[rtwjunkie]

To regain the capability of RTSS, Steam, and more in-game, use the "-eac_launcher" argument on a shortcut. This will disable MP functions of the game entirely though.

As a result, RTSS, Steam, and anything else will be able to run.

Also, a bunch of us from Guru3D emailed EAC and got a response back saying they are working on updating their internal whitelist. THey gave a time-frame of "by the next game update". For anyone wanting to read more, see the comments: http://www.guru3d.com/news-story/up...heat-system-blocks-rtss-overlay-software.html

I completely missed this earlier about it also blocking RTSS.

Thanks for the update!

 

[tacosRcool]

Damn and I got this game for free...

 

[TheOne]

I got this with my memory back in May, http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16800992081 , still sitting beside me unused.

 

[lexluthermiester]

RTSS

Forgive my ignorance, but what does "RTSS" stand for?

 

[rtwjunkie]

Forgive my ignorance, but what does "RTSS" stand for?

No problem at all! It stands for Real Time Statistics Server. It is the add-on that installs with Afterburner and Precision, essentially the old Rivatuner.

What it does is display as little or as much info as you want about your GPU and system onto the screen as you want.

It allows you to monitor GPU temperature, GPU usage, GPU fan speed, CPU usage, VRAM usage, RAM usage.

These are all nice things to have on the screen, especially as games push our equipment even harder, we don't want to overheat. At least if we see a problem with RTSS up, we can stop the game to figure out what is wrong. Not having it available in a new game can be a problem.

 

[lexluthermiester]

Ah, Gotcha. We in this circle of geeks call that kind of thing a "System Monitor". But it's all good. To each their own.

 

[rtwjunkie]

Lol, ok. This is a huge nest of geeks, but we don't get all caught up on names. Since it's official name is RTSS you'll find quite a few here that use the term...heck I can't think of a much more geeky-sounding name than that!

It's all good.