BF2142 and spyware

[roadrunner]

After reading the QA posted by monkey looks like the spyware rumor has been debunked. The way I read it they track the IP and a generated unique user number to determine what ads they should stream to you. This is not any different than info already collected by MMOs. While I don’t like the idea of ads I have to believe they are here to stay so I will learn to deal with it.

So I am reversing my previous statement and will be picking up BF2142 next time I am at the store. I will hold out any talks regarding a tE server or competition unless we have enough interest.

So catch ya on the battlefield.

[Socco]

After reading the QA posted by monkey looks like the spyware rumor has been debunked. The way I read it they track the IP and a generated unique user number to determine what ads they should stream to you. This is not any different than info already collected by MMOs. While I don’t like the idea of ads I have to believe they are here to stay so I will learn to deal with it.

So I am reversing my previous statement and will be picking up BF2142 next time I am at the store. I will hold out any talks regarding a tE server or competition unless we have enough interest.

So catch ya on the battlefield.

I am opposed to online advertising on a paid product. Ranked servers are $200+ a month for a good one and the game itself is $50, probably 2 expansions at $20/ea.

I pay and the server owners pay. I'm not paying to make my computer become a monitored advertising platform.

[rhonnin]

I agree with Socco on this one, though I'm glad to hear it doesn't seem to be as invasive as previously thought it's still shifty business in my book.

[roadrunner]

Well I am excited about it either but this happens all the time for things you pay for. For example I buy a car (for a lot more than what a game costs) and I get "targeted" mail advertisements for the next 25 years. Same thing go for mortgages and such. The online gaming world is just the next frontier and expect this to be more the norm than the exception in the future.

I am not defending them but I have a feeling this is just the start of it as gaming companies look for more ways to help the bottom line.

I would not even consider if they were monitoring my surfing and tailoring the ads based on that but it does appear that the info sent is anonymous and very generic. Heck I have to say that I probably sent a lot more info just surfing the net for a few minutes after work.

[Socco]

Well I am excited about it either but this happens all the time for things you pay for. For example I buy a car (for a lot more than what a game costs) and I get "targeted" mail advertisements for the next 25 years. Same thing go for mortgages and such. The online gaming world is just the next frontier and expect this to be more the norm than the exception in the future.

With a lot of junk mail (physical) you can opt out or pursue legal action

I am not defending them but I have a feeling this is just the start of it as gaming companies look for more ways to help the bottom line.

People will work around it, it will become more invasive, and then we'll suffer. Online advertising is probably here to stay, but I won't support it unless absolutely necessary.

I would not even consider if they were monitoring my surfing and tailoring the ads based on that but it does appear that the info sent is anonymous and very generic. Heck I have to say that I probably sent a lot more info just surfing the net for a few minutes after work.

Well, I'm a bit paranoid. Judging by the Citibank tape lost (shipped UPS, 18k SSNs) Laptop (4 mil. ssns) Choicepoint (10 mil. ssns), I don't trust anyone.

Soccomgi, you play BF2142. OMG FREE NUDE CHICKS! Find sexy female singles in your area!

It'll perpetuate stereotypes. I'm for context advertising like googles: noninvasive and helpful. Modern day ads in 2142 are not realistic. Plus, Google's services are free on the user end.

BF2142 Ads

[Tackalt]

AHAHAHHAHAHAHHAHAHA.

That last frame is ingenius.

[FloobieDoobie]

Good lord that was great!

[Socco]

AHAHAHHAHAHAHHAHAHA.

That last frame is ingenius.

Yeah, but this is the best part.

[roadrunner]

With a lot of junk mail (physical) you can opt out or pursue legal action

My point was that in today's world many goods and services you pay for collect information about you (a ton worse than a IP) and use that for targeted marketing. The fact that you can opt out (good luck with trying to do that for junk mail) doesn't change the fact that your information is shopped around.

People will work around it, it will become more invasive, and then we'll suffer. Online advertising is probably here to stay, but I won't support it unless absolutely necessary.

This is a perfectly valid point. People should stick by their guns and do what they feel is right for them. I have worked in marketing for a brief bit and this is chicken feed for the other types of data which is shared about people. I don't for a second believe the BS they said where it will help fund better games in the future as it is all about profit.

Well, I'm a bit paranoid. Judging by the Citibank tape lost (shipped UPS, 18k SSNs) Laptop (4 mil. ssns) Choicepoint (10 mil. ssns), I don't trust anyone.

First the only information EA has about you is a email, DOB (if you choose to enter the real one), and I think zip code (again if you enter the real one). Unless they are installing a keylogger and grabbing passwords I don't see how it can be compared to finacial data. I would be more worried about all the "free" apps people install without a second thought. Stuff like IM, xfire, file sharing, free ftp programs, virus scanners and so on. These applications come "free" but you have no idea what information they are sending via the internet and they are setup in firewall programs to have anytime access to the net. EA was at least up front with their plans. We freely use applications that talk and exchange information over the internet so at least for me the stuff EA is doing is just a drop is a very big barrel.


As for the game I bought it yesterday and played for a couple of hours. I have to say they did a very good job with the initial release. The maps are nice and a few I played on were setup for urban grunt battles with very little vehicle whoring. My toon name is RoadRunner. (with the period) so send me a buddy invite if you pickup the game.

[Tackalt]

AHAHAHHAHAHAHHAHAHA.

That last frame is ingenius.

Yeah, but this is the best part.

What...the...fuck.