I see a lot of complaints about DRM and such all the way back from the days of starforce and beyond.
Even if the DRM sucks and it discourages only about 3% of the people who would pirate it (the same people that can't read a readme or are too scared to crack a game) then the DRM was a success.
Sad fact is that the moment DRM is dropped the game is pirated by every Tom, Dick and Harry so even bad cut-your-eyes-out-with-a-spoon-DRM is better for the company than none since even the legit buyers can just get the crack (I am sure the companies know this) and have a fun, hassle free time.
Nowhere have I ever heard someone make a suggestion for a workable DRM-scheme.
One solution is to make use of digital distribution systems such as steam. If a pirate copy of a game can spread like wild fire 2 days before launch even here in SA then i am willing to say the we have a more than adequate local distribution system. Don't have the cap? Get it from your mate, that got it from, etc. you get the point.
Why the digital distribution though? Price.
Check Jeff Atwood's blog article on software pricing with stats released by steam here
The solution to piracy is by making it more effort than buying. DRM fails as pirating the game leads to LESS effort than buying it. The industry is in a need of a pricing and distribution overhaul. Unfortunately this leaves console gamers in the cold a bit, but with the PSN and Xbox live I am sure something can be sorted out.
