Prism staff review ByteShield

[saraswati]

Hi Guys

In the last week or so, four staff members of this site have gotten to test out Byteshield on their pcs, so we could assess whether the system lived up to Jan's promises. All four staff-Dark Raven, Arctic Blast, Midfingr and Sblade are going to report on their findings in this thread. This is an interim report, we are likely to have further data for you sometime in the near future.

Here are the questions they're going to answer for you

Were there any problems with the registration process?

Did the FAQs cover any questions you might have?

Did Byteshield 'clash' with any software on your computer? (eg virus scan and firewall)

Were there any technical problems with Byteshield that affected or prevented gameplay?

Was Byteshield easy to use and transparent on your system?

Rate Byteshield as a DRM and give a reason for your rating

Over to you, guys..

Kathleen

[Sblade]

Sblade Test: Broadband 6MB

Were there any problems with the registration process?

Never in normal conditions.

Did the FAQs cover any questions you might have?

Yes, but I didn´t need it   

Did Byteshield 'clash' with any software on your computer? (eg virus scan and firewall)?

Linerider which got an earlier version of Byteshield, clashed with Process Explorer. But the CPT Binary and the CPU demanding All Aspect Warfare didn´t give ANY problems

All those 3 games were tested with a Daemon Tools mounted image, and while it was making an image of a Securom game. Bitcomet, a P2P bandwitch consumer program, was launched in the process. All games worked perfectly. AAW didn´t launch, but it was a lack of updated Directx9, so this was NOT a Byteshield issue

Were there any technical problems with Byteshield that affected or prevented gameplay?

Nope in my book. I deleted the activation to try some other things (firewall, etc) It just give me sometimes the quarantine message. But nevertheless, after you put the DAC once, the activation is attached to your account. This is very comfortable. After the quarantine passes, you can move the activation to the computer you want.

Was Byteshield easy to use and transparent on your system? Yes, as long as you don´t try to debug the program, Byteshield won´t give any conflict

Rate Byteshield as a DRM and give a reason for your rating

A for broadband users, ( it seems a bit fire proof)

The facts are there. it doesn´t give conflicts with the more CPU demanding programs and PE, which makes the best DRM available for the point of view of the consumer. You put the DAC once and you forget.

Because nothing is perfect I want to point one small flaw I´ve seen. It doesn´t let you paste the DAC, you have to input it manually.

Note: this will be fixed in next update of Byteshield

Blade

[Arctic Blast]

Were there any problems with the registration process?

None at all. It's very simple and very fast. You create an account name and password, then enter your DAC (basically the same deal as entering a game serial key). It checks it againdt the server and downloads the Security Module. I think the check and download took a grand total of...10 seconds maybe? Certainly nothing I would call an inconvenience, much less a problem.

Did the FAQs cover any questions you might have?

I didn't need them but did take a look at them. If you still have problems understanding the setup after looking at the available help documentation you have bigger problems than DRM. 

Did Byteshield 'clash' with any software on your computer? (eg virus scan and firewall)?

I didn't run in to any problems. The only thing I had to do was give it a permission to pass the firewall to check the server. If the biggest thing I have to do is click a singly box marked 'Allow', I am not going to complain about it.

Were there any technical problems with Byteshield that affected or prevented gameplay?

No. I had a crash issue the first time that Capt. Binary was transitioning from level one to level two, but it never happened any subsequent time that I ran the game. So I chalk that up to one of those fluke things that happens every now and again.

Was Byteshield easy to use and transparent on your system?

Well, considering that once the initial activation process is over with you don't really DO anything, yes I would describe that as easy to use. After I had run the gamea a couple of times, I did a quick check over my system. The Byteshield software was visible in the game folders and I could not find any sort of 'hidden' Byteshield folders anywhere else on the system.

Rate Byteshield as a DRM and give a reason for your rating

I was actually pretty impressed with the system. It was simple, it was transparent...and it completely uninstalled when I removed the software from my system, so it didn't leave any 'special surprises' behind. For me personally, I wouldn't have any issues with buying a game that uses Byteshield as it's DRM system.

Overall, I'll score it an 8 out of 9...and the only reason it doesn't get the 9 is that it didn't make me bacon and eggs (it should be noted that I also give my cat and myself an 8 out of 9 for the same reason).

[jfederated]

Just a question:  how long have the testers (thanks so much for that, by the by) had the Byteshield apps on their computers?  A week?  10 days?

Will there be effects due to time installed or time between plays, etc?   How long is the quarantine period?  What is DAC?  (only asking to collect this info in one place).

Thanks again, y'all.  Glad to hear it uninstalls w/the app!

[Arctic Blast]

Just a question:  how long have the testers (thanks so much for that, by the by) had the Byteshield apps on their computers?  A week?  10 days?

Will there be effects due to time installed or time between plays, etc?   How long is the quarantine period?  What is DAC?  (only asking to collect this info in one place).

Thanks again, y'all.  Glad to hear it uninstalls w/the app!

Uhhh...I don't exactly remember when I first started with it, to be honest. Call it somewhere in the 2-3 week range.

I didn't play the games associated with Byteshield every single day, and when I went back to them after a few days of not using them I noticed no difference at all in performance.

The quarantine period (I believe) is set by the game publisher, so it's up to them.

DAC stands for Digital Activation Code...basically, think of it the same way as you think of a serial key.

Actually, for anyone wondering, HERE is a link to Byteshield's page with their FAQ on it. Just click on Support along the top to get to the right area.

[jfederated]

Thanks, AB.   

[DarkRaven]

I'm not a hard core gamer.  Most days I consider it a miracle when the computer boots up like it should.   On the PC I mostly play strategy, simulation and a couple of RPG's.  Most of my game time is spent on the Sims 2.

Were there any problems with the registration process?
 No, at least not from Byte-Shield.  The end user(me) was overlooking a very obvious step.

Did the FAQs cover any questions you might have?
Yes, the FAQ was very good.

Did Byteshield 'clash' with any software on your computer? (eg virus scan and firewall)I saw no problems.
 Was running a Vista update at the time and no slow down noted in the loading or performance of the game or with the update.

Were there any technical problems with Byteshield that affected or prevented gameplay?
No, the game I tested loaded quickly.  The create a new user account was painless.  The graphics were crisp.  I didn't experience Artic Blast's error, but then I never managed to get past the first level.  That wasn't BtyeShield's fault though.  I'm just lousy at side scrollers.

Was Byteshield easy to use and transparent on your system?
Yes.  If I hadn't known what I was testing, I wouldn't have spared a thought for what was protecting the game. 

Rate Byteshield as a DRM and give a reason for your rating
I'll use AB's rating....8 of 9 and for the same reason.  I get 9 cause I make myself bacon and eggs , but the dogs and cat get 8 of 9 because they don't(the one dog only gets a 5 because he'll eat it if I turn my back).  ByteShield was invisible, caused no problems with performance either in game or out of game.

[midfingr]

I apologize for the late reply. However I was able to test Byteshield on Windows 7 RC (I thought it may be something different to do). I'll fill in the following with simple answers.

Were there any problems with the registration process?

None whatsoever.

Did the FAQs cover any questions you might have?

Yes, thank you.

Did Byteshield 'clash' with any software on your computer?

Nothing at all.

Were there any technical problems with Byteshield that affected or prevented gameplay?

Absolutely none.

Was Byteshield easy to use and transparent on your system?

A little confused with the registration. That is, user name and password. I realize it doesn't matter, but thinking of other users.

Anyway, I think that pretty much covers it...did I miss anything?

Seeing how I tested this using Windows 7, there were some things left behind after I uninstalled the game. Nothing to be concerned with however. But for the record, here is what I found. The registry had CLSID references to ByteShield.Document and another entry, which escapes my memory (sorry). In the User\Virtual folder as well, the game left behind some files including a byteshield.ini file.

However those had no impact on performance or the stability of the OS. No more than what other programs leave behind, actually less than most. So, overall, an easy experience. I would specify a little more about registration, unless that's only for testing.

Finally. Thank you, Jan for giving me the opportunity to test out the game and the ByteShield system. And good luck, hope to see this on some big name titles in the near future.

[IHateDRM]

You guys are missing the point.  DRM is NOT about piracy.  It is about creating new revenue streams or locking in existing streams.  Your review questions are weak at best.  Let me answer your own questions.

Were there any problems with the registration process?
Yes.  For some reason I could not register.  Kept getting error "no internet connection" or "server down" or "unknow communication error".  What about ANYONE that wants to install this on a machine that isn't connected to a network?  What happens when their verification servers are down?  What happens when Byteshield goes out of business or is bought by someone else or whatever.  Forcing users to go online, talk with some remote server somewhere is a bad idea.  What if you want to play the game a year from now and forget your registration info?  Sounds like there is a HUGE problem with the registration process.

Did the FAQs cover any questions you might have?

Did Byteshield 'clash' with any software on your computer? (eg virus scan and firewall)
Why should good paying customers even be concerned whether that new piece of software installs some other crippling piece of software.  It's insane and no one should put up with it.

Were there any technical problems with Byteshield that affected or prevented gameplay?
Did you try creating an account offline?  Did you try playing the game offline?  Did you try selling the game after you created an account?  My guess is that you would have a problem.

Was Byteshield easy to use and transparent on your system?
Im sure it was easy.  Try selling the game.  Try recovering your username and password 2 years from now.  Try playing the game or creating an account when their servers are down.

Rate Byteshield as a DRM and give a reason for your rating
Z for Zero.  DRM doesn't stop piracy.  I can promise you that I can find the game for download the day it is released without any of the annoying DRM registration.

You guys are doing a good job but you need to be tougher.

[Calipip4]

Hi IHateDRM,

First off  to the Prism 

We've done a lot of changes to our DRM testing since this thread was started and running our first round of tests with the original criteria in the OP.

A few things you might like to read, to understand things a bit better.

The interview we did with Jan from ByteShield - http://reclaimyourgame.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=291&Itemid=108

Our new Tougher Testing regimen - http://www.the-prism.com/index.php?topic=4216.0

Cheers,
Lisa

[DarkRaven]

Welcome to Prism IHateDRM.

Most of us on this site aren't particularly fond of DRM, but we are realists.  DRM is here and not going anywhere quickly.  We are working with DRM Vendors to make the product End-User friendly

 Your review questions are weak at best.  Let me answer your own question

Did you even look at the date of the last post.  This thread is 7 months old and was at the very beginning of the testing process for DRM's.  We have come a long way since then.  Read the links in Lisa's post.

Were there any problems with the registration process?
Yes.  For some reason I could not register.  Kept getting error "no internet connection" or "server down" or "unknow communication error".  What about ANYONE that wants to install this on a machine that isn't connected to a network?  What happens when their verification servers are down?  What happens when Byteshield goes out of business or is bought by someone else or whatever.  Forcing users to go online, talk with some remote server somewhere is a bad idea.  What if you want to play the game a year from now and forget your registration info?  Sounds like there is a HUGE problem with the registration process.

This contains a lot of "what Ifs".  If you read the interview that was posted 7-8 months you will see that a lot of your concerns are being addressed.

Did Byteshield 'clash' with any software on your computer? (eg virus scan and firewall)
Why should good paying customers even be concerned whether that new piece of software installs some other crippling piece of software.  It's insane and no one should put up with it.

Were there any technical problems with Byteshield that affected or prevented gameplay?
Did you try creating an account offline?  Did you try playing the game offline?  Did you try selling the game after you created an account?  My guess is that you would have a problem

You are making some very broad assumptions here.  If you do some reading, you will find that ByteShield does not install anything that "cripples" another piece of software.  As one of the very first testers, I can say with 100% certainty that ByteShield protected games can be played off-line for a set amount of time before additional smods are needed.  

Was Byteshield easy to use and transparent on your system?
Im sure it was easy.  Try selling the game.  Try recovering your username and password 2 years from now.  Try playing the game or creating an account when their servers are down.

Rate Byteshield as a DRM and give a reason for your rating
Z for Zero.  DRM doesn't stop piracy.  I can promise you that I can find the game for download the day it is released without any of the annoying DRM registration.

Again you make assumptions.   What does recovering your username and password 2 years later have to do with transparency?  Or selling the game?   If you truly want to rate a DRM following our new guidelines, now is your chance.  We are always in need of testers.  

[Ulysses Mockett]

:: Your review questions are weak at best.

Asked me this a month-or-so ago and beyond I would’ve agreed w/ you. Hell I’m laughing right now because it was such a huge concern that we were trying to rectify and we’ve only caught up quite recently to produce what is pretty much a tough, but even-handed approach to our DRM testing. It would be great if you could take up Roxy’s invitation to become an RYG DRM Tester, go through our testing process and then put forward some questions you would have that may improve upon what we currently have. Based on your post I’m pretty much going to guess they’re mostly going to pertain on the testing/methodology as opposed to results/analysis.


:: For some reason I could not register.  Kept getting error "no internet connection" or "server down" or "unknow communication error".  What about ANYONE that wants to install this on a machine that isn't connected to a network?  What happens when their verification servers are down?  What happens when Byteshield goes out of business or is bought by someone else or whatever.  Forcing users to go online, talk with some remote server somewhere is a bad idea.  What if you want to play the game a year from now and forget your registration info?  Sounds like there is a HUGE problem with the registration process.

There’s several areas you’re touching and, yes, it would best serve if you read our current Testing Regimen. And this is where it would be great to have testers on board to test the Customer Service & Technical Support side of things for the very reason you’ve experienced in the past. From registering whilst servers are down to forgetting registration info: all of these would fall under how well the Customer Service Department handles such problems experienced by consumers.

As to whether Byteshield would go out of business when they (may) have some DRM products in force? I would say that this is more of a contingency issue and something that can be dealt with when the time is near whenever they reach insolvency stage (God forbid they do). At this stage we’re testing more in the here and now and how it will affect consumers 3, 6 9, or 12 months down the track.


:: Did the FAQs cover any questions you might have?

w/ respect to our current methodology this is something that both the DRM Vendors have brought up, not just yourself so I’m glad that people are picking up on the need to have things explained in full to answer any sorts of questions. Rest assured that this was brought up before the rollout and will be developed in full detail until we get things near-perfect. For now the best thing for us to rectify this is to keep asking questions and keep prodding at any potential holes you, or anyone else may see to ensure standards are met of the highest regard.


:: I’m sure it was easy.  Try selling the game.  Try recovering your username and password 2 years from now.  Try playing the game or creating an account when their servers are down.

You’ve now given me an idea to work with, which may become a completely new section in our DRM Testing Regimen. Again, the concept will be based around the contingency measures the vendor/publisher have in place in the event of possible catastrophes, such as server issues, registration processes and the like.


:: You guys are doing a good job but you need to be tougher.

It’s easy to say that we are being tougher. However, if you become a tester for us I propose a challenge for you. Go out, buy a game which you believe uses an invasive DRM system, install it and use our report we’ve recently rolled out. You can decide for yourself whether your expectations are met. Remember, this report aims to remove any preconceptions, fears and doubts and replaces it with an empirical approach and analysis that aims to quantify the quality of a DRM based on its End-User Friendliness. One of our Admins is working hard on compiling a Testers Manual, which will also be published for everyone to read as to how we go about testing a DRM System.

[Jan Samzelius]

Response to IhateDRM post

You know, IHateDRM, I do too. I think we have lost sight of that copy protection is possible, without inconveniencing honest gamers. I agree that the requirements should be tough and I know RYG is working on that (see the other responses).

But, let’s look at what others are doing. Can you today install a Microsoft product without online activation, install limits and phone home? No, you cannot. Can you install anything from Adobe, without these constraints? ALL existing, hardware-based DRM for games come with install limits and major hassles to deal with those.

My aim is to create a DRM that gamers will like. To that end, let me address some of your specific points:

1.   If the verification servers go down, that should not be the fault of the DRM vendor. If the bad guys decide to do a DOS attack – we have ways to protect against that, but they are not foolproof.
2.   Of course, gamers should not have to contend with new game installs conflicting with other installations. But, if the DRM is separate from the game, it is next to impossible to check all the possibilities. ByteShield is built into the game, so no such issues would ever arise.
3.   Of course you cannot create an account offline. Playing a game offline is no problem with ByteShield. Selling a game is also no problem.

I think you forgot the most important one: can you install on however many machines or times that you want? This appears to be the #1 complaint by gamers. Yes, with ByteShield you can, which is why we got high marks in that category.

Regards,

Jan

[Choklad]

You make several arguements which I have seen many times in anti-DRM circles. We know, and we agree with you.

It is sad that online requirement for the computer you install on is almost natural these days, but that's the way it is. If I must have some kind of DRM, I prefer safe ones rather than those which can turn your computer to scrap.