Driver PC: always-on internet required

By Wesley Yin-Poole Published 27 July, 2011

Uplay unlocks "bonus features".

The PC version of Driver: San Francisco requires a permanent internet connection, Ubisoft has confirmed.

In a Tweet from the official Driver Twitter account in response to a follower question on the matter, community developer for Ubisoft on the Driver and Rabbids brand Mathieu Willem said: "PC version requires permanent internet connection."

Responding to a follower disappointed by the news, Willem Tweeted: "Bear in mind though that the PC version of DRVSF is released simultaneously to consoles."

Driver: San Francisco's game page on digital shop Steam sparked the discussion.

"3rd-party DRM: Ubisoft's Online Services Platform. Ubisoft requires a permanent internet connection to play this video game at all times," Steam says.

Meanwhile, in another Tweet, Ubisoft said with regards to the home console versions: "Online Uplay Passport activation required (once) for multiplayer and bonus features."

Uplay Passport is Ubisoft's version of the controversial online pass. It costs £7.99 on PS3 and PC while Xbox 360 owners pay 800 Points (£6.80).

"Uplay Passport-enhanced" games require gamers to input a code to unlock online modes and other "exclusive features". New retail versions include the code, while second-hand buyers must stump up for access.

Driver: San Francisco will be the first game to incorporate the system when it launches on 2nd September.

Ubisoft has endured a difficult time with PC gamers over its always-on internet DRM.

Last year the company told Eurogamer that its "online services platform" for PC games will "evolve and improve" but was here to stay.

"Most forthcoming Ubisoft PC titles will use our online services platform," a spokesperson explained, adding, "As with any online technology, we are constantly working to evolve and improve it."

Ubisoft's online platform requires PC gamers to be connected to the internet while they play. But problems arise when authentication servers are unavailable or unresponsive. This was felt first with Assassin's Creed II and Silent Hunter V and then with Settlers 7.

The result has been fans unable to play games they've purchased, sometimes for days at a time.

Picture of Wesley.

About Wesley Yin-Poole

Wesley is Eurogamer's news editor. He likes news, interviews, and more news. He also likes Street Fighter more than anyone can get him to shut up about it.

Read more articles from Wesley by visiting the Wesley Yin-Poole archive page.

You may also like...

Comments (71) Latest comment 10 months ago

Comments for this article are now closed, but please feel free to continue chatting on the forum!

  • wizlon #1 10 months ago

    Not a problem, I'll just download a cracked version that doesn't require the internet, I won't have to give any money to Ubisoft either.

    I'm not really going to illegally download it, I have very little interest in this game even if I could get it for free.

  • Tiel #2 10 months ago

    Ubi are idiots.

    I have a simple approach to UBI DRM. Wait until the games are in the bargain bin for 8 quid or less. At such a junk price I can live with the DRM, but I don't see this benefitting the company that much.

    Also, most are there games are 'resistable' enough, and I cant believe driver is going to all that good.

    Also-I always buy UBI console games second hand to ensure that the company doesn't profit until they change their direction. I can live without multiplayer.

    All companies react to the bottom line. If gamers don't like it then they must hit ubi where it hurts.

    Around the time of beyond good and evil ubi seemed awesome--releasing lots of creative stuff. Now there games tend to feel souless.
    Edited by Tiel at 27/07/11 @ 11:14

  • abigsmurf #3 10 months ago

    Meanwhile those who pirate the game will be able to play without having to worry about connection dropouts causing them to lose their game or be stuck staring at a pause screen.

    Such a great way of treating your paying customers Ubisoft!

  • sheldipez #4 10 months ago

    Hear that Ubisoft? That's the sound of Pre-orders being cancelled.

    I'll wait until this is cheap as POP:Forgotton Sands which I bought the other week for PC, new and sealed for £2.85. Another game that needs always on internet connection.

  • uknortherner2000 #5 10 months ago

    I think I speak for all like-minded PC gamers when I say, "fuck off, Ubisoft."

  • Nephirion #6 10 months ago

    Is this like having your GF in a permenant state of grumpiness?

  • JoeGBallad #7 10 months ago

    They should just release the game with a novella in the box, and when you boot up the game you've got to type in a specific word from the Novella. It worked for Exile, Elite, and other games back on the Beeb.

  • Toothball #8 10 months ago

    I require my PC to always be on the internet so this wouldn't be a problem for me as such. That said I can't say I'm a fan of this sort of DRM in general. Generally my reasoning for not buying Ubisoft games isn't the DRM but the games themselves. While they might be fun I rarely find myself wanting to play them. Admittedly I got Child of Eden recently, but before that I can't remember buying another Ubisoft games since Prince of Persia (Sands of Time) on Gamecube.

  • Dizzy #9 10 months ago

    Wow! I think I am ready to leave gaming behind me soon.

  • jetsetwillie #10 10 months ago

    no big deal really

  • kristo #11 10 months ago

    I just saved myself 40-50 euros. Excellent news.

  • MaxiSleep #12 10 months ago

    Ridiculous move fromubisoft which will greatly increase lost game play for users.

  • bad09 #13 10 months ago

    PC will never be free of it if people buy it.. Do your part take back consumer power IGNORE Ubi titles or any company who attempts it. It's bad enough we have to rely on internet to install disc based games this DRM cannot be encouraged.

    To Ubi, again, their is a reason no one uses it, there is a reason EA stopped after one title, there is a reason Capcom changed their mind VERY quickly on something similar for SSF4AE. Did you not notice the lack of annoyed people at AC:B DRM (well apart from those of us who couldn't buy because we are still waiting for the malware to be removed from AC2!)?

    WHEN will you learn? Because I'm getting to the point where I think I should just pirate your games (and ONLY your games I might add) seeing as you are not letting me buy them anyway. If you want to continue this route maybe you should just leave the platform, you clearly want to discourage paying customers from buying your games on the platform.

    Saying that, the shift stuff looks absolutely rubbish so maybe it's for the best.
    Edited by bad09 at 27/07/11 @ 11:29

  • IronCladChicken #14 10 months ago

    So... what happens when ubisoft decide to remove legacy games from the authentication servers?

  • Tiel #15 10 months ago

    Anyone noticed how quickly ubi pc games with this drm get cheap. Splinter cell conviction 4.99 at play

  • Tiel #16 10 months ago

    Anyone noticed how quickly ubi pc games with this drm get cheap. Splinter cell conviction 4.99 at play

  • X3Entente #17 10 months ago

    if ubisoft actually made decent games i might give a fuck

  • Machetazo #18 10 months ago

    "Responding to a follower disappointed by the news, Willem Tweeted: "Bear in mind though that the PC version of DRVSF is released simultaneously to consoles."

    You (U) expect praise and recognition now, for releasing games at all? D:
    What is this stupid man trying to pull, here? Give, and some publishers are going to keep taking. When will WE learn, more like! It could hardly be clearer, than this complete patronisation of their fans. Capcom Europe taught them nothing.

    While they're going to continue these silly practices - in reality encouraging and entering a temptation for people not to buy new (AND while this is going on, can you blame the reaction), and releasing coal like gold, they're not worth it.

  • login_name #19 10 months ago

    *puts money back in wallet*
    I've said it before, I'll say it again - bellends.

  • ZizouFC #20 10 months ago

    Really feel sorry for the people with no internet...

  • HL706 #21 10 months ago

    So, PC players are going to have to enter an activation code for full access to the game and then be connected to the internet at all times to play the game?

    Why not just supply the game with a free set of handcuffs and a warrant for your arrest?

  • apoc_reg #22 10 months ago

    haha talk about never learn!

  • apoc_reg #23 10 months ago

    @Bad09

    WHile i agree with the sentiment ultimately I still want PC games so not buying stuff i want goes against that, because while annoying attempts like this piss me off... i want the games

    To be clear not THIS game though, what a peice of crap series Driver is!! :-)

  • nbnz #24 10 months ago

    I'm not buying any games that require full time internet connection. I still want to be able to play when I'm offline - including when my broadband is down, when Ubisoft servers are down, or when I'm travelling.

    Shame I was looking forward to the next Ghost Recon.

  • Machetazo #25 10 months ago

    "Uplay-Enhanced" - so, this code that they've added; in fact now, makes my game that I would have already paid a premium to buy NEW: somehow, better(!) They've seperated content...Why couldn't they just have given me the FULL value of game for what I thought I was buying, from the disc. It's not enough, that the value of the content cannot reliably be believed (case by case) equal to the price asked for it, now some people are trying to claim they're adding value.
    Edited by Machetazo at 27/07/11 @ 11:53

  • Seafort #26 10 months ago

    It's ok the pc version will be delayed anyway to sometime in the near future because they forgot to add mouse and keyboard support or another crappy excuse like Call of Juarez the cartel and From Dust.

    I'm not sure why ubisoft release pc versions if they don't really give a crap about them.

  • eviroboy #27 10 months ago

    In this day and age who doesn't have an always on connection anyway? Just another excuse for some of you to moan.

  • bad09 #28 10 months ago

    @apoc_reg

    Sadly hostile publishers rely on people like you to justify the bad treatment. So as long as you are so needy for a game you are prepared to put up with DRM systems you dislike and financially support these companies by buying their products they will continue to attempts at "pissing you off" and turn many others off completely in the proccess. I've heard it before "I'd rather have a game with silly DRM than no game".

    I love games to but you have be a bit smart to, spend with companies who treat you and your platform well and eventually arsehats like Ubisoft WILL come around if they want some of that money. If that means going without a few games you want so what? There are PLENTY of others to spend with, you may find you don't miss those games.
    Edited by bad09 at 27/07/11 @ 12:06

  • jumpdeveraux #29 10 months ago

    Settlers 7 DRM still there 16 months and counting after launch ... Settlers 7 could be £1 and I still wouldn't buy it right now out of principle. Remove the DRM and I'll probably pay around £10.

    If UBI really believe it (sufficiently) prevents piracy then keep the stupid DRM for the first 6 months where they must make the vast majority of their revenue then patch it out.

    This could be a wider strategy in that Ubi believe most PC gamers also have a PS3 or 360 - therefore they simply want to "encourage" you to buy the console version.

  • Lord_BeeJee #30 10 months ago

    Since there are too many games for me to play I like it when ubi makes choosing easily by feeding my boycott!

  • IronCladChicken #31 10 months ago

    @eviroboy
    I don't.

  • MadDave123 #32 10 months ago

    Such a pile of shit. Why would Ubisoft cripple their limited sales potential with this bullshit DRM, especially after the previous game was such a turd. Did they not learn after Assassin's Creed II, Silent Hunter V and Settlers 7? Absolute fucking idiocy.

    It's enough to make you think they want to force people to buy console versions instead. Which then begs the question, why bother making a PC version at all?
    Edited by MadDave123 at 27/07/11 @ 12:13

  • Bloobat #33 10 months ago

    do they just want people to torrent it, as that is the only way to sensibly be able to play it..... I cwas going to buy it for PC, but now ubisoft can GTFO....

  • Freek #34 10 months ago

    You know Ubi, if you don't want people to buy the PC version, you could do that more easely by just not making it.

  • SuperFanBoy #35 10 months ago

    Oh my. This will end well.

  • sega #36 10 months ago

    This is a huge problem for me as I do most of my gaming on a laptop. If I travel anywhere from home I won't be able to play it - they say the internet is everywhere but if I'm staying in a hotel I have to pay them for it so it costs me more to play a game I already own. Sigh another PC game to add to the list of those I can't buy.

  • StooMonster #37 10 months ago

    Who was saying they wanted a Uplay platform as opposed to Steam and other multiple independent mutli-publisher platforms for the distribution outlet of Ubisoft games?

    Perhaps this an indicator of the kind of features one should expect?

  • Porcupine_I #38 10 months ago

    i don't have internet!

    i guess that forces me to download a cracked version of the game!

    ..oh, wait

  • WinterSnowblind #39 10 months ago

    @eviroboy
    Not everyone has a permanent connection, especially if you travel a lot and play on a laptop

    Regardless, you shouldn't have to worry about not being able to play your games if your router dies or your connection drops. It's an unbelievable pain and only serves to punish paying customers, rather than those who obtain it illegally. It is a big deal.
    Edited by WinterSnowblind at 27/07/11 @ 12:52

  • HyperTails #40 10 months ago

    I'd like to know why these companies somehow have it into their heads that DRM actually works when its been proven to, well, not.

  • Aradiel #41 10 months ago

    Well, not getting this one then. In any form.

    Say goodbye to my money, Ubisoft. You obviously didn't want it enough.

  • Ryboy #42 10 months ago

    I'm going to torrent the fuck out of this. Fire it up once. And then never play it.

    When will these cunts learn?!

  • BloodSaint #43 10 months ago

    OMFG DAMN U THE HUT!!! THEY MADE ME UNABLE TO RESIST PRE ORDERING NOW UBI TELLS US ABOUT THEIR STUPID DRM!!! I assumed that they wouldnt include that stupid DRM because RUSE and Assassin's Creed Brotherhood didnt have it >.>

  • super_monty #44 10 months ago

    Moved from maybe to no sale

  • VibratingDonkey #45 10 months ago

    I'm looking forward to this game and really wanted to save £10 and get the prettier version. Now if I want to protest this dick move I'm gonna at least have to wait for a hefty price drop. Great job Ubisoft.

    "Most forthcoming Ubisoft PC titles will use our online services platform," a spokesperson explained
    Great. Calling it a service is pretty rich too. Frustrating legitimate customers is the only purpose it is serving. Almost hope they get DDOS'd again. Unbelievable that they didn't learn their lesson last time. Might as well stop releasing PC games if this is how they're gonna treat the userbase.
    Edited by VibratingDonkey at 27/07/11 @ 22:44

  • Korben #46 10 months ago

    Saved by the press release. I was thinking about buying this game but like some have already said, Ubi saved me some money!

  • jellyhead #47 10 months ago

    Oh well, this joins the list with Silent Hunter V and the other Ubisoft games i would have bought if they didn't have the 'Always Online' requirement. Well done, Ubi, well done. Are they allergic to money and sense?

    More money for me to spend with the Indie boys though so it's not all bad! :)

  • geeza2020 #48 10 months ago

    "Uplay Passport-enhanced" lol

  • talhamid #49 10 months ago

    In otherwords: "F**K YOU, PC GAMERS"

  • Stratix #50 10 months ago

    Why do they continue with this crap? Unless they remove it once the game has been pirated (but no game company would want to admit that) the only person it is going to end up hindering is the person who has spent their money on it. Or not, as the case may be...



  • FooAtari #51 10 months ago

    Well to be fair I was highly unlikely to buy this.

    But if I was considering it, as I have other Ubi games, this would soon put an end to that.

    DRM like this = no purchase.

    And it's not even so much that you are required to be online to play, although that in its self is bad enough

    It's what happens when/if Ubi decides to turn the authentication servers off. Where's my guarantee I'll be able to play my game that I purchased (did not rent) forever?

    And of course why are you treating me like a copyright infringer for BUYING the damn game?

  • Seoh #52 10 months ago

    Why are these companies still actively pursuing draconian DRM on the PC when it always gets hacked.

    Its known that the second hand games market costs publishers more than piracy on the PC, why not have the same solution. Legit code for DLC/mp if not you have to fork out for it.

  • Spekingur #53 10 months ago

    Ah, so that's why the PC version of From Dust was delayed...

  • Segnit #54 10 months ago

    Not a surprise but a terrible decision by the Ubisoft management all the same. I'm paranoid about Ubisoft games nowadays and thus avoid all their games.

    Oh and it needs to be said that the +/- comments system is botched. Please find a better solution Eurogamer! It works wonderfully in this thread but it's got it's down sides.

  • Matthew_Hornet #55 10 months ago

    Ubisoft don't care for your canceled preorders. It's just one more excuse to pay less attention to the PC platform. You'll probably all pirate it, dirty pirates that you are.

    Ah, self-fulfilling prophecy: the best kind of prophecy!

    edit: Wow, did someone's sarcasm detector malfunction? I don't *actually* think PC gamers are 'dirty pirates', I'm one of 'em ferchrissakes!
    Edited by Matthew_Hornet at 30/07/11 @ 05:59

  • septimus #56 10 months ago

    Sorry but fuck off with this UPlay shit Ubisoft. I sadly have used it as I bought your games in the Steam sale. I would be utterly pissed if I paid full price for your draconian bullshit.

    PC gaming is going down the toilet for customer freedom. It's sad to play a game I have paid for while away from home and no Internet I have to use a cracked .exe. Toss pieces.

  • dingo75 #57 10 months ago

    Anyone noticed how quickly ubi pc games with this drm get cheap. Splinter cell conviction 4.99 at play

    Yeah the last Ubi titles were down to 21 EUR like one week after release at zavvi etcc. Really nice for people that will not pay full price for most games.

  • bu5hhead #58 10 months ago

    Cant say I will purchase this in all the time that ive had Splinter Cell Conviction I've managed to play MP once and that was with a random person and it lasted for at most 5 minutes that persons game crapped out. Never managed to play with any friends whatsoever. I did buy it for the single player mainly but the coop gameplay was a big selling point for me. Next time im stupid enough to buy from UBISoft I'll be sure to lube up before I get butt fucked!

  • obscured021 #59 10 months ago

    Razor, Reloaded and FLT to the rescue

  • jetsetwillie #60 10 months ago

    i hope to see this kind of protection on all games. if it helps stop piracy im all for it.

  • TheRealBadabing #61 10 months ago

    I'm with Dizzy on this one, getting very close to the point that I give up gaming as a hobby.

    Sick of being treated like the enemy with shitty DRM and insulted by transparent DLC plans.

  • jetsetwillie #62 10 months ago

    @therealbadabling


    overreaction much?

    you can't really blame publisher to want to at least try and protect their software from pirates. ok im sure the pirates and hackers will crack the protection. but should they just say fuck it, have not protection at all and just hope the pirates don't steal that many copies.

    its really not that much of a big deal

  • bad09 #63 10 months ago

    @jetsetwillie

    Why do people like you believe DRM is there to stop piracy?

    You do realise only consumers have to put up with DRM? It doesn't actually stop piracy and they end up getting a product that works when your internet doesn't. For free.

    DRM serves no other purpose than to control YOU the paying customer. To tie you like a dog. Pirates don't care about DRM as it is not in their games.

  • HyperTails #64 10 months ago

    @jetsetwillie

    Are you seriously defending an 'always on' DRM system?

    I feel sorry for PC gamers having to put up with this crap. Us console owners at least have Microsoft and Sony to not allow this to happen on their consoles (for the moment, and at least with retail, unlike PSN and certain Capcom games). I'm fairly certain though that it will eventually come to consoles the first chance they can.

  • bad09 #65 10 months ago

    @HyperTails

    I dunno about the consoles, they certainly want to tie them down some more. I really don't know if a platform holder would allow it on disc games there are still people who don't connect to the net with their console, maybe if they went download only I suppose.

    Mind you a great deal of the industry is desperate to take away ownership now they are wielding the power of the internet so anything is possible, as you say Capcom has already dipped it's toes in this disgusting water on PSN (I wonder why they backed down on SSF4AE but not on PSN?).

  • MaxiSleep #66 10 months ago

    @
    jetsetwillie

    Yes it is a big deal - because it increases the chance a game will terminate unexpectedly with the user loosing all progress, i.e. it makes the game worse. It also prevents the game been used if you are traveling and do not have internet access (e.g. on a plane, roaming abroad whatever)

  • orangpelupa #67 10 months ago

    reading comments now my head got curious, what if a PC gamer buy/download the pirated version, then they like the game.

    so they go buy the Ubisoft Pass/online passport.
    what will happend with them O_o

    ubisoft get direct money right? no money go to retailer.
    maybe this "online pass" if done correctly, can act as a way to "convert" pirated gamers in "third world countries".
    Edited by orangpelupa at 27/07/11 @ 18:35

  • immateriaux #68 10 months ago

    You can see how this story will pan out:

    1) "Always on" internet DRM stops people buying game
    2) People find pirated version that does not require "Always on"
    3) Ubisoft parade some stat about people playing pirated version to justify yet more DRM

    Safest option, just don't get this game ever.

  • dacicus #69 10 months ago

    Not buying. Since Ubi launched Uplay I've stopped buying any Ubi games.

    And the console versions are getting the Uplay Passport and online activation. So no buy there either.

  • silversun #70 10 months ago

    Well for me all ubisoft game on pc are do not buy and console games is buy if it worth it atm.

  • hollowroom #71 10 months ago

    Oh No. Looks like From Dust is affected by this shite too.