Hey, even more reason to just love Battlefield 2142, EA and DICE. Sure, they are infecting you with spyware... I'm sorry, a piece of software that allows them to more accurately monitor in-game ad usage. Sorry, even worse! But hey, it's just spyware... not exactly like they're leaving the backdoor open to hackers.

Well, except they are. According to Hearless Gamer, EA has already released a patch for BF:2142 today that requires you to uninstall a critical Windows Update patch.

What does that patch do?

A security issue has been identified in the Windows Kernel that could allow an attacker to compromise your Windows-based system and gain control over it.

Gosh, what will EA do to their loyal Battlefield: 2142 fans next? Decapitate them by propelling the DVD out of a cannon at their necks? Florian Eckhardt

Another Reason to say NO to Battlefield 2142! [Heartless Gamer]

I reported earlier that word around the campfire indicated the presence of a note inside retail boxes of Battlefield 2142. The note indicated the presence of spyware, installed along with the game, meant to monitor and broadcast computer details for the purpose of targeted in-game advertising.

Tipper Ryan writes in from Australia that he received no such note.

I just came home with my copy of BF2142 (The EB I go to in Perth, Western Australia was selling them early) and there was no such note in my box. Just a manual, dvd and 2 small ads for other EA games.

Another possibility is that Australia has different laws about installation disclosure. Can anyone weigh in on this? Any other Aussies get ahold of BF2142 yet? Eliza Gauger

Previously on Kotaku: BF2142 With a Dash of Spyware

Tipper Nic directs our attention to this forum post, where we read of a disheartening little slip of paper that suggests some seriously gross spyware will be installed along with Battlefield 2142, all in the name of in-game advertising:

So. In the latest CGW podcast, they received retail boxed copies of BF 2142.

When you open the box, a big slip of paper falls out first, preceeding any discs or manuals. The slip of paper says, essentially, that 2142 includes monitoring software which runs while your computer is online, and records "anonymous" information like your IP address, surfing habits (probably via cookie scans), and other "computing habits" in order to report this information back to ad companies and ad servers, which generates in-game ads.

Now, I can live with certain in-game ads (though apparently there will be Dodge truck and Neon ads in the bleak, futuristic world of 2142), but including a lengthy description - outside of even the Eula - seems to indicate even EA knows that this is some shady borderline spyware shit. I don't support it and won't be buying 2142 (for a host of other reasons, too).

Can you imagine how much the ad companies are paying for this information? Makes me feel a little ill. Eliza Gauger

First Post! [ShackNews]

The web browser now allows a developer to use their site to obtain specific information about how your got to their website. More importantly, though I suppose not surprising, is the fact that the new update also makes it possible for a website to do a firmware check before granting you access. That's right, now Sony can restrict your web browsing if you don't keep your PSP packed with their latest homebrew-killing firmwares.

Man, Sony really needs to just settle down on the whole homebrew issue and concentrate on making video games and letting me download Lost to my PSP.

Secrets of the PSP Firmware Version 2.80 [PSP-Vault]

A group tracking religious rights activities says the Christian game Left Behind is wall-to-wall spyware. Game play and ad viewing will be tracked once the title is installed on PCs. The software can't be deleted or removed. Moreover, it apparently locates where in the world your computer is and reports how many times a day you use it. Don't think "spyware," think "computer angels."

In related news, Left Behind Games, the company behind Left Behind: The Game (clever, eh?) just brought on some new senior VP—David Klein who used to work at Electronic Arts and 3DO. Klein said this about his new position:

I believe in the mission of Left Behind Games and the vision of its founders. After witnessing the degradation of game content over the last many years, I feel revitalized to be a part of a company that can provide an excellent gaming experience and still hold itself to a higher standard.

And that higher standard is God. Brian Ashcraft

New Exec [Next-Gen]
Spyware Left Behind? [Talk To Action] Thanks, Dsamsil!