EA editor criticizes Command & Conquer 4 DRM

EA.com's editor-in-chief and blogger (or "official EA codpiece") Jeff Green, like many since launch, was burnt by Command & Conquer 4's DRM, which requires one to be online at all times to play. Unlike Ubisoft's latest experiment, this scheme offers many online features for single player and multiplayer, per the "global player progression system." Nevertheless, Green hasn't been having a good experience.

Green wrote on his Twitter account late last week: "Booted twice -- and progress lost -- on my single-player C&C4 game because my DSL connection blinked. DRM fail. We need new solutions," continuing later, "Well. I've tried to be open-minded. But my 'net connection is finicky -- and the constant disruption of my C&C4 SP game makes this unplayable. The story is fun, the gameplay is interesting and different at least -- but if you suffer from shaky/unreliable DSL -- you've been warned."

He also writes, "I think if we think of C&C4 as an "online-only" game -- which it basically is -- then maybe we'd adjust our expectations accordingly." Around this point Green goes to play some DRM-free Dragon Age and not-so DRM-free but not as demanding Dawn of War II.

The Twitter community and press at least is on his side, suggesting improvements like a "grace period" for reconnection, and saying "charging people for your experiments is not okay." Green's all about it, saying even periodic online checks or checks on loading and quitting would be an improvement, or going farther, caching progress for upload at a later time. EA as a whole has been a very reasonable company with its DRM, so here's hoping the higher-ups get on it and provide a smoother play experience.