[Naga]

But how do you reconcile the fact that DRM only affects paying customers, such as AC2's need for a constant internet connection or Spore's original maximum installations, where pirates can easily just install the crack and not worry about the DRM?

[rick888]

"But how do you reconcile the fact that DRM only affects paying customers, such as AC2's need for a constant internet connection or Spore's original maximum installations, where pirates can easily just install the crack and not worry about the DRM?"

Criminals can get guns illegally. Would you say that because it's so difficult for the average, law-abiding citizen to get a gun, that we should remove all the restrictions?

Yes, it affects paying customers, but it's a result of the actions of the pirates. It's a vicious cycle that's not going to stop until:

1) The pirates stop sharing and cracking illegal software 2) The company finds a way to completely protect their software

AC2 is on the right track. They are releasing it as a service/app hybrid. Eventually, all games will be this way.