ArsTechnica has a column up with the intriguing title "Do copy protection firms encourage piracy?" Then, rather interestingly, they don't bother asking or answering that question at all.

That said, it's an intriguing look at the problems facing both customers and game makers. While customers grow increasingly frustrated with their systems being compromised by draconian copy protection schemes, game makers have a definite need to protect their software from piracy. What's becoming more and more apparent to game makers, though, is how Starforce-style copy protection is not the answer to their question, and that they can garner more goodwill by less intrusive copy protection systems... or no copy protection at all. ArsTechnica quotes Greg Vederman, the editor of PC Gamer, who believes the way forward is a greater reliance on online delivery models like Steam.

Kotakuites, what do you think the way forward for copy protection is? Let us know in the comments.

Do copy protection firms encourage piracy? [Ars Technica]

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