#Copy Protection
10-Jan-86 17:14:04
Sb: #4741-#Copy Protection
Fm: Electronic Arts 76004,237
To: George Gregori 72256,3204
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We always have and probably always will protect our games. I have yet to
hear a valid argument against that. Our utility programs, especially the
Deluxe Series, are being released protected for now. However, we are doing
lots of research into alternative methods, and are packaging our next release
of DPaint with two copies already, plus the ability to purchase more backups.
Some of our alternative methods include: starting the program by displaying
a black & white digitized picture of the package cover, and having the user
tell the program what color a particular object on the package is. (2) having
a special phone-order for non-protected disks and having that user's copy
programmed to display his Visa/MC card # upon bootup. (3) Having two
separate versions, mass market (cheap and protected) and specialty (expensive
and non-protected). Any other suggestions for alternative protection are
greatly appreciated. Please don't ask us to trust all of you completely.
We've been burnt too often by pirates in the past. But we're trying. JJ – EA