Torchlight II Interview

Diablo 3’s real money auction house, Torchlight 2’s DRM and always-online requirements for single players games are all subjects tackled by Runic Games’ Max Schaefer in this interesting one-page interview IncGamers served us today. Here’s an excerpt:

Regarding the always-on connection Blizzars are employing, the DRM in Diablo 3. What are your thoughts on that, the no single player or LAN options?

I will confess I don’t know all the details, but it seems that most of what they are doing is related to trying to keep a truly secure, cheat-free economy in Diablo III. Whatever you do, you have to make sacrifices. We sacrifice a cheat-free environment to give players the most options, they are sacrificing options and flexibility for security of the economy like you would in an MMO. I understand their approach and sympathize with the technical difficulties of what they are trying to do.

What are you guys doing for DRM/online support/requirement with Torchlight 2?

Same as Torchlight 1 basically. So there’s a one-time online activation and that’s it. Our Steam version uses standard Steam DRM. There will always be offline play, including LAN play that doesn’t require authorization. To use our matchmaking lobby, you’ll need to sign in with your account, which is sort of a verification, but that’s it. We try to keep it as easy and non-intrusive as possible, and actively encourage our players to make and use mods as they desire.

Is it acceptable/ethical for a developer to require online full time for a non-MMORPG?

Yes, provided it fits the requirements of what they want to do with the game. In this case, a fully secure economy MAY require it. Since we are not going down that road ourselves, I’m very hesitant to second-guess their approach. As a gamer, I’d be annoyed if I thought this were just a Kotick-inspired plan to soak the consumer, but knowing Blizzard and the guys over there, that’s NOT what’s happening here. I’m certain it’s to create a fair competitive environment for their players. If you are an offline or single-player type, that’s not going to appeal to you, but if you like to partake in the ladders, or sell your fancy loot, or play with the absolute knowledge that nobody has an unfair advantage, it makes sense.