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Ubisoft emerges unscathed by DRM patent infringement lawsuit
A United States District Court judge has dismissed a lawsuit against Ubisoft which claims that the publisher violated patents held by Digital Reg of Texas in the design of its infamous uPlay DRM software. Initially filed in 2012, the lawsuit alleges that Ubisoft (alongside other companies such as EA, Valve and Flash creator Adobe) violated six patents held by Digital Reg relating to remotely tracking access to software after distribution and post-distribution security, among other typical functions of digital rights management software. Judge Claudia Wilken dismissed the case against Ubisoft for "numerous reasons," among them an agreement between Digital Reg and Valve covering third-party use of the DRM patents in question. According to Wilken, Ubisoft's alleged infringement was nullified under the terms of that accord. Despite this victory, uPlay remains a controversial component of Ubisoft games. As recently as two months ago, the uPlay system was preventing legitimate owners of the PC version of Watch Dogs from playing the open-world hacking adventure. [Image: Ubisoft]
UPlay hiccups render Watch Dogs unplayable for some on PC
Ubisoft warns that some players "may experience long delays when trying to login" to its servers in order to play the PC version of Watch Dogs, rendering the game unplayable on launch day. An influx of new players apparently overwhelmed Ubisoft's authentication services, leaving some unable to join or log in to Ubisoft's uPlay network. Kotaku reports that players are experiencing a number of issues as a result, including stalled downloads, in-game crashes, and unrecoverable errors. Ubisoft has not issued a timeframe for a fix, but notes that affected customers should "stay tuned" for updates. [Image: Ubisoft]
Ubisoft lowers drawbridge on The Mighty Quest for Epic Loot beta
Ubisoft's free-to-play dungeon crawler The Mighty Quest for Epic Loot has gone into open beta. Anybody can sign up and start playing through Steam, the game's official website or Uplay. In The Mighty Quest for Epic Loot, players choose a hero from four different classes and raid other players' castles in search of treasure and glory. To build a castle, you select trap placement and enemy spawn locations, then publish your personalized gauntlet online through the game's built-in social network. Each castle run culminates in some sort of boss encounter and, if the baddy is bested, a treasure room full of riches. After being criticized for The Mighty Quest for Epic Loot's microtransaction elements in last year's closed beta, developer Ubisoft Montreal stripped all pay-to-win elements from the game. The Mighty Quest for Epic Loot is currently only available on Windows PC. [Image: Ubisoft]
South Park: The Stick of Truth doesn't have Uplay integration, guy
Despite being an Ubisoft game now, South Park: The Stick of Truth doesn't require or even use Uplay in any way. The news comes from developer Obsidian, who took to its Twitter account to confirm the PC version is a Steam game, and a Steam game only. As AusGamers notes, The Stick of Truth was a THQ game in a past life, so perhaps that's why it's not integrated with Ubisoft's distribution and DRM service. Obisidian didn't offer an explanation in its answers to fans' questions. Whether or not the news leaves you happier than a poop at Christmas, the game is less than a month out. The Stick of Truth thwacks North America on March 4, Europe March 6. [Image: Ubisoft]
Assassin's Creed 4, more heavily discounted in Ubisoft's holiday sale
Ubisoft is currently hosting a massive sale, including half-priced versions of Assassin's Creed 4, and Far Cry 3 at 75 percent off. The caveats attached to these deals are all time-based and surprisingly complicated. For instance, that Assassin's Creed 4 discount is only available to UK PlayStation 3 owners on the PlayStation Network and draws to a close on December 21. The Far Cry 3 deal however, which can be found on Ubisoft's online store, runs until January 5 and includes a swath of other games such as Splinter Cell: Blacklist, and even a few discounts on non-Ubisoft games like Fallout 3. A cursory glance at the Ubisoft store shows The Walking Dead's PC incarnation at $6.25 and the Fallout: New Vegas Ultimate Edition at a mere $5. If sorting through the reams of discounts seems like too much work, here's a trick that might help: While you can find all of Ubisoft's discounts by navigating its site, those who visit the Winter Sale page are able to pull up lists of games based on the size of their discounts. Edit: The text of this article has been altered to clarify the terms of the Assassin's Creed 4 discount.
Ubisoft kills online pass system after Assassin's Creed 4 shipwreck
Ubisoft has sent its online pass program to Davy Jones' locker following players' complaints over gated content in Assassin's Creed 4: Black Flag. Before, if players wanted to access the game's online multiplayer features, companion app and related bonuses they would have to input a single-use code that came with new copies of Black Flag. Not any more, though. The French publisher has completely scrapped the Uplay Passport system from all upcoming games and is providing free codes via Xbox Live and PlayStation Network for players who don't have one (e.g., because they bought a used game or borrowed it from a friend). With Electronic Arts dropping its online pass system earlier this year, Sony doing the same for its first-party software and Ubisoft finally following suit, one of the game industry's more awkward experiments could finally be behind us.
Uplay PC 4.0 gains Twitch streaming capabilities
When the next iteration of Ubisoft's Uplay social gaming service arrives in October, it will include a host of new features, most notably streaming video integration courtesy Twitch. "Uplay PC 4.0 offers an array of new features in high demand among the PC community," stated Ubisoft. "The integration of Twitch, the world's leading video platform and community for gamers with more than 45 million unique visitors a month, enables members to broadcast their in-game videos and share some of their most memorable gaming achievements with friends." Uplay PC 4.0 will also include a modified download manager designed to make automatically patching Ubisoft games as simple as possible. A newly designed social wall rounds out the update, though it's unclear how this version of the wall differs from its predecessors. Finally, Ubisoft points out that Uplay will be available for both the Xbox One and PlayStation 4 when those consoles make their retail debuts. "Using one unique profile, new and existing Uplay members will be able to seamlessly access the full scope of Uplay services and features on next-generation consoles," said Ubisoft.
AC4, Watch Dogs bringing Uplay to PS4, Xbox One
Ubisoft has confirmed its Uplay service will be used to support its games on PS4 and Xbox One this November. Assassin's Creed 4: Black Flag and Watch Dogs will be the first next-generation games to use the store and social service, and both games will, according to publisher, "benefit from the full scope of our services and features using just one unique profile." The announcement post also promises the PC version of Uplay will be updated next month. The Uplay app made its debut on the Nintendo Wii U in November. Uplay, which unifies most of Ubisoft's games with social features, achievements, rewards and DRM, was first introduced in 2009. Since then, it has grown through many iterations and even started selling third-party games.
Ubisoft's Uplay social gaming platform coming to PS4 and Xbox One
Ubisoft's Uplay has a mixed reputation; while it brings rewards and social elements to games, it's also known for its internet-based copy protection and occasional security risks. However much you like the service, it's sticking around -- Ubisoft has confirmed that Uplay is coming to both the PlayStation 4 and Xbox One. The "full scope" of the service's features will be available in the company's games for both platforms, including launch titles like Assassin's Creed 4 and Watch Dogs. Whether or not that includes copy protection isn't clear, however; there's no word of any DRM beyond what's built into the consoles. We've reached out to Ubisoft for clarification, and we'll let you know if it sheds more light on the subject.
Assassin's Creed Liberation HD scampers to PS3, Xbox 360, PC
PlayStation Vita game Assassin's Creed 3: Liberation is coming to Xbox 360, PS3 and PC as Assassin's Creed Liberation HD. The download-only release will not only benefit from updated graphics, but new missions and other enhancements as well. An extensive Q&A from Ubisoft, available past the break, sums the improvements made to Liberation HD, touching on the new tutorial system, new combat (protagonist Aveline can dual-wield weapons now), polished free-running and improved facial animations and cutscenes. In addition to this, each mission has been "reworked" to provide better "pacing and challenge" for players. "And one more thing; we have worked heavily to improve the frame rate. The game will be smooth," says producer Momchil Valentinov Gindyanov. AI and crowd behavior will also behave like Assassin's Creed Liberation HD's console brethren. "Using the AnvilNext engine and existing Assassin's Creed technology has really allowed us to push the crowd and AI behaviour," Gindyanov writes. "Liberation features all the crowd behaviour you've come to expect from an Assassin's Creed game, tailored to our own specific locations, so you can expect to see all sorts of activities unique to New Orleans, including Mardi Gras!" Assassin's Creed Liberation HD is due on Xbox 360, PS3 and PC from developer Ubisoft Sofia. Neither timetable nor price has been announced.
Ubisoft security breach exposes user data, account holders urged to update passwords
If you've ever signed up for a Uplay account, your information could now be in the hands of criminals. Ubisoft's confirmed that a security breach at one of its sites, now closed, has granted hackers access to sensitive user data (i.e., usernames, emails and passwords). Critically, no actual financial information was leaked, owing to the fact that Ubisoft doesn't retain personal credit or debit card account numbers on its servers. Regardless, the Assassin's Creed developer is taking proactive measures, contacting account holders directly and strongly advising them to update any related passwords. You can find the full email just after the break.
Ubisoft hacked, account info accessed
An unnamed Ubisoft website has been hacked, and usernames, email addresses and password information has been compromised. Ubisoft claims that no finanical information was obtained but in an "abundance of caution" wants folks to change their passwords. Ubisoft's Uplay service, the system housing customer data, is never mentioned specifically. Last year, a browser exploit was identified with the Uplay plug-in that endangered users by allowing certain malicious websites access to player computers. Ubisoft introduced Uplay back in 2009 as a cross-game interface allowing for digital distribution and social services across Ubisoft games. In February, Ubisoft added third-party games from studios including EA, Warner Bros. and Focus Home Interactive. Update: A Ubisoft representative reached out to say, "The attack did not originate via any Uplay services, the intrusion targeted some of our internal online systems." We've altered the story to reflect this.
Might & Magic Heroes 6 activation issues resolved
Activation problems with Might & Magic Heroes 6 have been resolved, according to Ubisoft. Earlier this week, players encountered issues with the game, and many were unable to activate the game, which refused to accept the activation keys given to players upon purchase. "We have fixed the authorization issues for every specific version of the game," Ubisoft notes. "Your content is now unlocked, so please reboot the game in order to apply the modifications." Even with the fixes, those who bought Might & Magic Heroes 6 and the Shades of Darkness expansion on two different digital platforms will be unable to merge the two games. Both games, however, will still be playable via the platform on which they were purchased.
Might & Magic Heroes 6 currently unplayable for many [update: Ubisoft responds]
Update: Ubisoft has issued a new response on Facebook, apologizing for the problems users are facing. The post lists possible solutions to some issues, though it seems that those with problems redeeming keys or with inaccessible content will have to wait. Ubisoft is preforming maintenance today to reauthorize players and "gradually set everything back to normal." Many Steam and Ubisoft customers are complaining that Heroes of Might & Magic 6 has become unplayable since the release of its recent expansion, Shades of Darkness, and the 2.1 patch that accompanied it. The issue seems to center around Ubisoft's Uplay service, which refuses to accept the download codes issued to customers after they buy the game. Users are saying that the problem arises after downloading the game and activating their key within Uplay. Upon booting the game, the in-game store page asks for the same key. If the key is entered again, the game produces an error message that the key has already been redeemed. After this, players have access to the Heroes 6 expansions, but are unable to play the main campaign (it's grayed out in the menu). For its part, Ubisoft has acknowledged the issue on its own forums, assuring users that their keys are "not broken and will be fixed as soon as possible." The company is also recommending a workaround discovered by forum user ElektroDragon, which involves manually downloading and installing the patch instead of allowing the game to do it automatically. Meanwhile, Steam users have started a petition against Ubisoft, specifically its use of 3rd party DRM via Uplay. The publisher has a rocky history with its PC games, often releasing them long after their console counterparts and saddling them with restrictive DRM. Earlier this year, Ubisoft's Uplay director, Stephanie Perotti, said that the company is working to improve its relationship with the PC community. We've contacted Ubisoft regarding this latest issue and will update this story if we hear anything new. Update: The specifics of the problem have been clarified. Thanks to commenter LamiaMistral for providing the image above.
Ubisoft's Uplay adds third-party games, EA's Origin nabs Ubisoft ones
Ubisoft's Uplay service, a hub for purchasing Ubisoft PC games, has expanded to include third-party titles from major publishers such as EA, Warner Bros., Focus Home Interactive, Freebird Games, Paradox Interactive, Telltale Games and more. A few games listed at launch are Batman: Arkham City GOTYE, Crysis 3, Orcs Must Die 2, The Walking Dead and To the Moon.To entice potential customers to check out the new and improved Uplay, Ubisoft offers a free copy of one of the following games with a purchase of £16.99 or more (excluding pre-orders), now through March 4: Driver San Francisco Deluxe Edition, From Dust, Might and Magic Heroes 6 Deluxe Edition, Rayman Origins, The Settlers 7 Gold Edition or World in Conflict: Complete Edition. Uplay members can also redeem rewards for Assassin's Creed 3 and Far Cry 3 for free during this time.As part of the deal, Ubisoft is throwing its own games onto EA's Origin service, another PC digital distribution hub.In September, Ubisoft teased the idea of offering games from other publishers on Uplay, and said that the service would eventually feature things "beyond digital distribution."At the time of publication, Uplay is down for maintenance.
Ubisoft Uplay app now on Wii U
Been playing Ubisoft Wii U games without accruing the publisher's invented Uplay currency like some kind of chump? Now's the time to feel better about yourself, because the Uplay app is now available for download through the Nintendo eShop.If you've signed into Uplay with your info through any Ubisoft game on Wii U, the app will automatically detect your information. Through the Uplay app you can view your achievements, spend your Uplay bux on content for various Ubisoft games and perhaps ponder why you put so much stock in imaginary economies.
Ubisoft wants full games on Wii U eShop 'as soon as it's possible'
Though no concrete plans have been outlined, Ubisoft's intention to join Nintendo's push towards more digitally available retail games on its new flagship console is now evident: "As soon as it's possible, we will do it," Ubisoft president Yves Guillemot told Polygon, speaking on whether his company had plans to sell full retail games as downloadable jams through Nintendo's eShop. No further information regarding pricing and availability was given, so whether this expansion into the eShop happens at launch, or later down the road, remains to be seen. What is clear, however, is that Ubisoft's games on the Wii U (regardless of purchase methodology) will eventually include UPlay integration, as its current-gen releases do. "Nintendo has been very open to us and allowed us to use our systems to communicate with our customers," Guillemot said. UPlay integration is expected sometime after launch.
Far Cry 3 PC specs outline your chances of survival
Far Cry 3 will be able to run on PC rigs with 512MB of video RAM and 4GB of memory, although it'd be nice to have 1024MB, and it'd be really ideal if you had the latest DirectX 11 graphics card and 8GB of memory. Below find the official Far Cry 3 PC requirements, broken down into "minimum," "recommended" and "hi-performance," with AMD and Nvidia examples for each.Far Cry 3 will need to be activated once via Ubisoft's Uplay, but doesn't require an always-on internet connection to run through the single-player campaign (in offline mode, obviously). Now that your DRM-panic-attack meter has settled, see if your PC is up to the challenge after the break.
Ubisoft's Uplay may incorporate third-party games
Uplay, Ubisoft's recently revamped PC client, may start selling third-party games, Ubisoft worldwide director for online games Stephanie Perotti says."We remain open to opportunities," Perotti tells MCV. "Right now, we're starting the service with our own games, but as we go forward, we plan to potentially add other titles."Uplay first launched in 2009 as a hub for players to share media and unlock content in Ubisoft games. Uplay got a facelift last month and now allows players to directly download Ubisoft games, offers a collection of personalized player information for each title, and has a friends list and chat system.Perotti says Uplay will offer more than similar services, such as Steam. "The plan for UPlay goes beyond digital distribution," she says.
Get $1 PC games from Ubisoft's new Uplay client
Uplay the vague Ubisoft online service is now also Uplay the PC client, through which Ubisoft sells games and offers friends lists and other services. It's worth checking out, because the company is offering a selection of $1 PC game downloads, one a day. Today, it's HAWX 2; tomorrow, From Dust, with Silent Hunter 5 and Driver: San Francisco following.The same deal applies in the UK and Europe, with prices of one unit of the local currency. There are other deep, if not as dramatic, discounts as well.
