authentication-server
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Ubisoft 'always on' DRM hated, hacked - circle of life continues
Ah, the circle of life. Here's how it works: Game developers claim they've created some sort of unbreakable DRM that will lock pirates out, and then the pirates break their way in, leading to even more repressive forms of DRM. The snake has eaten its own tail once again, as Ubisoft's "Online Services Network" – also known as the obnoxious "always on" DRM that's already caused problems for paying customers – has reportedly been hacked. The hack, by a group named Skid Row allows users to circumvent the DRM entirely and play the affected games without connecting to Ubisoft's authentication servers. In a statement attached to the crack's release, Skid Row proclaims that their crack "can't be compared" to other ways of hacking the games (which include having the software check in with an unofficial server), and that Ubisoft should "next time focus on the game and not on the DRM. It was probably horrible for all legit users. We just make their lifes [sic] easier." This crack is specifically for Assassin's Creed II but if the method works, it could theoretically be tweaked to include all of the games protected in this manner, including the upcoming Splinter Cell: Conviction. And thus, the circle, the circle of life continues on.
Authentication maintenance
Looks like the authentication servers will be undergoing some maintenance this evening, March 16th from 11pm PST/2am EST to 1am PST/4am EST. Here's the full announcement: Ralvorinn We'll be performing maintenance on our authentication services this evening which may impact the ability to log in for some players. The maintenance will begin at 11:00 PM PDT, March 16 and last until approximately 1:00 AM PDT, March 17. source So if you were planning on logging in tonight, you may want to do it before the maintenance starts. If there are any extensions to this maintenance, we'll be sure to let you know!
Authentication problems for non-Battle.net users tonight
We've started getting a few emails regarding the authentication servers. Apparently there are issues again tonight! None of us on staff were actually running into any trouble, so we assumed it was just an anomaly until we saw this thread. From reading through it, it appears that the reason none of us on staff had problems was because we had all converted to Battle.net accounts, and this time around only those that haven't converted are running into problems. Fancy that!Blizzard is aware of the problem, and seem to be actively investigating it. Keep an eye on the linked thread for updates, and if you want a quick fix to get on and play the game tonight... just convert to Battle.net and you'll be on in no time.And for the record, when you write in about server outages? If we haven't posted about something yet, it doesn't help you to accuse us of being paid off by Blizzard. We can dream of a bright future where Blizzard showers us with money, but no, that hasn't happened yet. It's much more likely that we just don't know.
Authentication issues tonight [Updated]
Several people across the U.S. are having authentication or connection issues tonight. I haven't been able to log into my main realm for at least half an hour myself. The above screen may say I'm connected, but it's just stuck there. Sometimes it gets stuck at the character loading screen and sometimes at the authentication screen. Many readers have written in with the same problem.According to Reythur, Blizzard technicians are investigating. From the looks of the forum posters, several internet providers across many different states are affected.We'll let you know when we learn anything more.Update #1: And just like that I'm in. And Blizzard states that the issues have been resolved.Update #2: Many people are reporting that the connectivity issues have returned.
Friday night authentication server trouble [UPDATED x2]
The login server has announced that Blizzard is aware of some authentication server problems going around tonight. It didn't seem very widespread when the notice first went up, but we've been gradually getting more reports of it as the night has gone on.Oddly, I was able to log into WoW when the notice was first posted, but I can't anymore. I wasn't doing anything important, so I decided to check it out and sure thing, it was time for a ride on the failboat. I'm also stuck on a loading screen while trying to test out the Iron Council on the PTR, so I'm currently riding on a Cruise Failboat. How decadent!If we get any other updates before the authentication server starts working again, we'll be sure to keep you all posted.Edit: Welp, it works again. Go forth and play!Edit: Welp, it (mostly) works again. Go forth and play (some of you)!
Authentication server and official forums down [UPDATED x10]
As of 4 PM EST (WoW Insider's timezone), it seems that the authentication servers are down for the count. It's very likely this is related to the midday rolling restarts they were planning for many realms, but we don't know for sure at this point. Along with the login servers, the official forums are down as well. That's pretty expected, as the two generally go hand in hand.How long will these two stay down? We don't really know, but hopefully it won't be terrible long. We're coming dangerously close to primetime, so I suspect that things might get worse before they get better if the authentication server doesn't come up within the next hour or so. Hopefully it will be solved much more quickly, though.Keep an eye on this spot, and we'll let you know if we learn anymore. All updates will be behind the cut below.
WoW fall down go boom [Updated x2]
Logging in is out. So is the main WoW website. At first it was just the Argent Dawn server which our own BRK accidentally took down in the name of charity. But now it seems bigger problems are afoot. If you're in-game don't log out or try to change characters, you won't be able to get back in until these problems are resolved. If you need to change your account through the main WoW website, you also will have to wait it out.We'll update as the situation changes.UPDATE1: Authentication servers up. Main website still down. Resume your achievement grinding.UPDATE2: Main website up. All clear. Come out of your bunkers. Or, uh, go back in depending on where you gaming rig lives.
