October 18th, 2006
BattleField 2142 Spyware? No, Really, It’s Just for the I.G.A.
By Michael Santo
Executive Editor, RealTechNews
JoyStiq had a piece yesterday which discussed the in-game “spyware” which is clearly indicated in the EULA. The monitoring software is used to update the in-game advertising (I.G.A.) which was discussed earlier this year. EA “clarified” things to JoyStiq, by saying It does not capture personal data such as cookies, account login detail, or surfing history.” They also stated that the IP address is used to determine region to correctly deliver regional ads.
When you use the Software while connected to the Internet, the Advertising Technology may record your Internet Protocol address and other anonymous information (”Advertising Data”). The Advertising Data is temporarily used by IGA to enable the presentation and measurement of in-game advertisements and other in-game objects which are uploaded temporarily to your personal computer or game console and charged during online game play.
IF YOU DO NOT WANT IGA TO COLLECT, USE, STORE OR TRANSMIT THE DATA DESCRIBED IN THIS SECTION, DO NOT INSTALL OR PLAY THE SOFTWARE ON ANY PLATFORM THAT IS USED TO CONNECT TO THE INTERNET. Source: JoyStiq
We Say: So if you don’t want this tech used, don’t play the game online. At least it’s clearly listed in the EULA. ‘Course, a lot of places won’t let you return software that you’ve opened, but that’s beside the point, right? Although they say that it’s not used to collect anything but IP address and anonymous data, I sure would like to know that that data is. I also like the listing on the IGA Worldwide (provider of the tech) website that says 70% of gamers like the realism added by in-game advertising. Uh-huh.
I know some people will object to using the term “spyware” for this application, saying it’s not really spyware. And that is a valid point. My main peeve is without reading the article, I wouldn’t know about this until I had opened the box … and, come on, you’ve got my $50; how much more do you need?
WTF, Mate? Aussie BF2142 Lacks Spyware Note - resource ADVISORY says:
[…] BattleField 2142 Spyware? No, Really, It s Just for the IGARealTechNews, CA - Oct 18, 2006By Michael Santo. JoyStiq had a piece yesterday which discussed the in-game spyware which is clearly indicated in the EULA. … […]
November 5th, 2006 at 1:20 am
Cybersecurity Awareness: Beware of Spyware - resource ADVISORY says:
[…] BattleField 2142 Spyware? No, Really, It s Just for the IGARealTechNews, CA - Oct 18, 2006By Michael Santo. JoyStiq had a piece yesterday which discussed the in-game spyware which is clearly indicated in the EULA. … […]
November 7th, 2006 at 11:01 pm
Al says:
I have downloaded the game of the torrent. I can’t play the game offline or online. is there any solution?
November 12th, 2006 at 1:42 am
Thomas says:
I find this funny, no matter what you do on the internet, your IP is going to be logged. So this is rather pointless, the only way to stop people from getting your IP is to change it constantly - pain in the ass - or unplug your connection to the internet ( whatever media you may be using ).
If this is classed as having spyware, then every MMO that has ingame realtime billboards for ads for every day items has spyware. Its the same thing.
And yes, They should stick it on the box, or somewhere before you buy it, but then noone would buy it because some idiot would use the term “spyware” and people then think “hackers” “virus” etc…
January 13th, 2007 at 4:52 pm
william says:
The fact is if they arent going to put it on the box then theyve made themselves no better than any other spyware hack out there. Its dishonest and because they didnt put it on the box and I had to find out thru the grapevine about their digging thru my HD, they wont get a single sale from me for the game, no matter how much fun it is.
And its NOT the same thing if those other MMO’s arent actually DIGGING thru your computer.
April 14th, 2007 at 5:40 pm
yourshop.cc says:
Rolex Sports Models
December 14th, 2008 at 11:10 pm