Capcom laid out the feature set 'n changes that would be integrated into the long-time-coming PC port a Super Street Fighter IV (complete with the Arcade Edition patch) last week. Along with those features--including more comprehensive video options for crew with low-end hardware t' hit 60 frames per second online-- Capcom also revealed the game's security 'n anti-piracy features.
Like the release a Street Fighter IV on the PC in 2009, SSFIV: AE features Games For Windows Live support for the online functionality 'n requires players t' be logged into a GFWL account t' access the game's full functionality. Those who played SSFIV without being connected t' the Internet would find the game's offline functionality t' be severely limited. Capcom senior VP Christian Svensson wrote in his blog post announcement:
If ye aren’t signed in t' an online GFWL profile, the offline mode has limited functionality. Obviously there’s no online play, access t' replay channels or other online-centric features ('n this be the part that keeps the online play secure from hackers or pirates). Additionally, ye won’t be able t' save any progress in challenges or settings, won’t have access t' any DLC ye’ve purchased 'n all local play will be restricted t' 15 a the 39 characters.As ye would imagine, the realization that an offline outage would turn SSFIV into a game with less playable characters than the original release a SSIV (15 fighters compared t' the original game's 25) sent prospective players into a frenzy. Fans argued that the anti-piracy measures would directly detract from the experiences a paying customers rather than deterring piracy or (as I imagine Capcom wanted out a this system) encouraging pirates t' purchase the full game t' unlock the game's full content.
The response t' this function-locked PC release a SSFIV be so overwhelming that Capcom has decided t' scrap parts a that system. Svensson wrote on his blog that, shortly after the game launches, Capcom would release a patch that removed the character limit from offline play. Players will still be prevented from saving their progress offline, but if ye're looking t' just practice combos or play local games on the PC, ye won't have t' connect online t' do it.
it be good t' see a big publisher like Capcom relent on some piracy countermeasures at the request a their fans. As far as I be concerned, the easier it for those fans t' take character models 'n bolt them onto other fighter's animations, the better.
