So the Harrier is on sale during the winter Steam sale. Does anyone know if the Steam version still has the 3-day phone home drm, or is it clean? Also, any word on if that time limit is changing? Don't follow ED forums and haven't seen anything recently posted here regarding the issue.

WTF? They are claiming it is worth $90.17 CAD regular price. They can get stuffed, DRM or no DRM.

Well, it seems like it might. Look at what's on the latest newsletter:


Interesting how there's barely any info regarding this new system and definitely no info about locking you out should the time period elapse.

Of course they will not give you details on that

Why would they want you making an informed decision before buying ?

Awww, c'mon leaf.... credit where credit is due....
at least they didn't make it fine print!

But NO WHERE in the posts does it actually state the truth

IF your DCS cannot phone home within 3 days your Harrier will stop working until it can ( so no offline playing)

Steam began using their own DRM for DCS earlier this year, so the latest modules aren't dependent on ED's DRM. However, this also means that if you already use the standalone DCS, you won't be able to convert the later modules purchased on Steam into your ED account. In other words, purchase on Steam, commit to Steam.

If you haven't purchased modules before (or have purchased them only on Steam), it's no big deal. However, if you have purchased anything from ED in the past it won't work on the Steam version.

I bought a few modules on steam sales years ago, so was able to import in standalone

It be fecked right now tho

You can still import the modules that say

though only from Steam to ED Standalone (not the other way around). I just didn't want to confuse the issue since the topic is the Harrier.

So if the users buy from Steam, will it still have the 3-day DRM? Or will it just stick with Steam DRM?

I don't use the Steam version, but since Steam has been using its own DRM of late, it's a very safe assumption that the 3-day limit only applies to ED Standalone. Further, the Steam page doesn't mention any 3rd party DRM, as it does for earlier ED modules that use Starforce.

How do you explain the periodic internet requirement then? Steam offline mode does not require periodic connectivity.

Where on the Steam page does it mention the periodic Internet requirement?

It's mentioned in EDs newsletter.......

The heading text is:

DCS: AV-8B Night Attack S/VTOL Released on Steam

And then the caveat is within the supporting text..

Note: DCS: AV-8B Night Attack V/STOL uses our new, keyless protection system. This system requires periodic internet connections.

When it comes to ED, I really don't think it's safe to work on assumptions. Given that ED have already stated the 'plan' (although they clearly haven't trialled it or proven it) is to align the stream and ED versions, my assumption is that all versions will incorporate the new DRM and therefore it's already present in the Harrier within the Steam release.

If it isn't present and uses Steam's DRM then to me, it sounds like it will be changed in future when ED align the other modules in 2039 (if Steam even lets them do this in the first place). Either way it's obviously not clear but is that any surprise?.....ED rarely show evidence of planning anything properly and I'm sure they'll deal with it when it's not cost effective to do so and will just alienate more customers.


If on the other hand this post from Wags is still correct and relevant then the new DRM is not included with the Steam Harrier module and the ED newsletter is incorrect.

http://steamcommunity.com/app/223750/discussions/0/2741975115067023612/

has anyone got the Harrier no steam version ?

If you could set steam in offline mode
then disable your network connect (remove LAN cable from back of PC) or disable LAN card through control panel

IF when you launch DCS World and get a message saying you have X amount of time to connect or Harrier will stop working
then htey have this 3 day limit in steam version as well

They may have brains after all: https://forums.eagle.ru/showpost.php?p=3335406&postcount=637

Dear all,

After a lot of deliberation and technical investigation, we will PROBABLY offer an Offline mode, similar to Steam.

Once we have more details on this, we will be sure to relay them to you.

Thanks

Just another proof that they don't have a clue what they're doing....

Also, translation:
"We have nothing to say but we have to say something so when we have something to say, we'll say it but for now, we have nothing."

It has been weeks since that was posted .... still no word back yet