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from the going-offline-is-NOT-the-same-as-going-off-roading dept.
On Tuesday, October 17, the long-awaited Gran Turismo Sport arrives for the Playstation 4. This seventh installment of one of the world's best-selling games franchises introduces a number of updates designed for high-end TVs, virtual reality, and e-sports enthusiasts. Although we've had a copy for a few days now, you'll have to wait a few more days to read a proper review.
In large part, that's because Sony's Gran Turismo Sport servers were down for the past few days. Since being connected to those servers is such an integral part of the game, there's very little left to do if you're offline.
But let's not pretend like we weren't warned. In a blog post last month, Sony revealed that "[i]n order to ensure fair racing for all, GT Sport will require an Internet connection for the majority of functionality. This connectivity requirement is to ensure that progress, car availability, and driver ratings are properly maintained at all times."
In other words, that game you bought is a thin client.
(Score: 2) by Kell on Wednesday October 18 2017, @10:56PM (6 children)
I stopped using GOG when it started making GOG Galaxy required for some titles. It was sad how an otherwise smart and switched on company reneged on its principles.
Scientists ask questions. Engineers solve problems.
(Score: 0) by Anonymous Coward on Thursday October 19 2017, @02:48AM (3 children)
Wait, what? Name me two titles that REQUIRE "GOG Galaxy".
I don't like GOG Galaxy either. However, I believe part of what Galaxy was being used for was a replacement for ancient and abandoned multiplayer connectivity components, as demonstrated by their initial release and testing of the old Aliens vs Predator game. In that specific case, Galaxy is REQUIRED in the same sense that an automobile REQUIRES an engine, and therefore the situation is reasonable.
(Score: 0) by Anonymous Coward on Thursday October 19 2017, @02:44PM (2 children)
However, you can put whatever engine you want in a car, providing it will fit/connect.
You have to use GOG Galaxy, you can't swap it out for another connectivity program.
(Score: 2) by Freeman on Thursday October 19 2017, @03:31PM (1 child)
Requiring their solution to a game that must have online connection to be a peer to peer system without the GOG Galaxy client, is a bit much. Assuming, a game is only playable online, you either have to have server hosting baked into the game, or you need some third party system to provide support. I'd rather trust GOG to be that third party, than something like Game Spy. You know the same Game Spy, that killed multiplayer in a bunch of games, because they're no longer in business. Awesome fact, GOG fixed that on at least one game. https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/2017/10/03/star-wars-battlefront-2-multiplayer-returns/ [rockpapershotgun.com]
Joshua 1:9 "Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the Lord thy God is with thee"
(Score: 0) by Anonymous Coward on Friday October 20 2017, @12:01PM
Yes, and when GOG go out of business, Galaxy stops working and so does your multiplayer game (including Battlefront 2). How is that any different or better?
They could have their client (Galaxy) *separate* from the multiplayer infrastructure and release the tools (and preferably, the source code) for the multiplayer components, so anyone could run them or implement their own.
This isn't only very technically feasible, it's the only way to avoid the "swapping from one master to another" flaw that ensures this functionality will eventually break again.
(Score: 2) by NCommander on Thursday October 19 2017, @06:40AM (1 child)
I haven't needed Galaxy for anything. As another poster put, I think Galaxy is only required in places where GOG replaced the original multiplayer though none of the games I have MP it so I can't say for sure.
Still always moving
(Score: 2) by Kell on Monday October 23 2017, @09:10AM
My specific beef was with the new Master of Orion (not to be confused with the original title). No multiplayer without GOG Galaxy; no deal.
Scientists ask questions. Engineers solve problems.