With the release of possibly the most anticipated game ever (at least until SC3 And D3 comes out) came the release of the largest firestorm of 1 star consumer ratings I have ever seen. On Amazon.com the Customer Reviews totals for Spore as of today are:

• 5 star: 71
• 4 star: 49
• 3 star: 21
• 2 star: 56
• 1 star: 2005(and climbing fast)

As far as I can tell from my research, EA has yet to provide a legitimate response to the reviews. They probably wont any time soon seeing how they know the game will sell lots of copies regardless of what the majority of online consumers think.

The overwhelming amount of 1 star ratings stem from the problems with the overzealous DRM software that ships with Spore. You’re allowed 3 authenticated installs of the game before your forced to call EA directly and explain how your not stealing their software, but are actually trying to use the $50 dollar game you bought a few months back.

Basically if you get a virus, reinstall Windows, and format your hard drive in the next few years you will have to call EA to prove you bought the game, or else you’re back at the store renting the game again. Seems a bit fanatical to me. This is of course, if you only plan on playing the game on one PC and only have those problems on that PC. For gamers that want to play Spore on multiple PCs, they are in even more danger of being screwed over by this extremist DRM.

3 Reasons EA flipped the boat on spore

1. Installed Fanatical DRM that requires paying customers to jump through hoops that pirates don’t.
2. Went from “You won’t need the cd in the drive to play Spore” to “Lost your disk? Order a new one. It won’t cost you much”
3. Originally said install on multiple PC’s to 3 strikes and you’re out

The really sad part in all of this is the fact that you can download the game from a torrent right now, you won’t need the cd in the drive, and there is no activation necessary. No you wouldn’t be able to play online, but when you weigh the difference of $50’s with drm, cd required, and activation required vs. free with no online play, it’s easy to see why people are upset.

How do you feel about these latest controversies on spore’s DRM and where do you see the future of gaming tomorrow in regards to DRM?

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