Writings

THE Conventions of a number of Gamers, having at the time of their adopting the Hobby, expressed a desire, in order to prevent misconstruction or abuse of the powers of Publishing Companies, that declaratory and restrictive clauses should license all DRM usage:

1. DRM will remain invisible to the end user unless they are attempting to pirate the game.

2. The DRM system will be obvious, uninstallable through normal means, and will not make an effort to hide itself.

3. DRM will never run when the game is not running.

4. DRM will never fail to authenticate due to the existence of tools with legitimate uses, although the DRM may require said tools be closed before the game will run. The DRM will never alter functionality of your system when not running.

5. DRM will never require the user to call the manufacturer for any reason.

6. Manufacturers are responsible for maintaining their DRM system on the latest version of the operating system for a minimum of 8 years after release.

7. If the DRM does phone home, it will do so without any personal data unrelated to the basic mechanics of managing rights.

8. Phoning home should not exceed once per month, with a one-month window for the player to have an internet connection. "Requires Network Connection To Play" will be prominently featured on the box and all related marketing material.

9. If a network verification server is ever end-of-lifed, the software manufacturer must either universally unlock all software that is no longer being verified or refund the original purchase price for all users.

10. All purchasers of digital downloads will have the right to re-download for up to 8 years after the original purchase. This must include some format which can be archived and then directly installed (pending verification server, if applicable).

11. All DRM restrictions will be clearly listed on the box and related marketing material in plain english in no less than 9 point font