Good way to prevent data theft?
by Tyler Slabinski · in General Discussion · 05/24/2008 (2:17 pm) · 8 replies
I was wondering if there was a way to prevent people from stealing my data and calling it their own... Like if they download my game, and then take pieces inside of it and put it in their own.
I right now put a small line in each file (opening it in text edit) that is:
Now I know most of you are thinking 'Wait, doesn't that only work in C++, Java, etc?' Usually it does, but I tried it and it seemed to work without crashing anything.
Is this a good way to prove that I made it? Or is there an easier way?
I right now put a small line in each file (opening it in text edit) that is:
//Made by Tyler Slabinski
Now I know most of you are thinking 'Wait, doesn't that only work in C++, Java, etc?' Usually it does, but I tried it and it seemed to work without crashing anything.
Is this a good way to prove that I made it? Or is there an easier way?
#2
http://www.phoenix-sentry.com/product_detail.php?detail=1#
They are hosting the Normal edition for free at the moment, better hurry!
I have the Advanced edition.
It encrypts all your game files securly, then safely decrypts them when you launch the game. Very advanced, I am planning to use my copy :).
05/24/2008 (2:36 pm)
Phoenix Game Protection.http://www.phoenix-sentry.com/product_detail.php?detail=1#
They are hosting the Normal edition for free at the moment, better hurry!
I have the Advanced edition.
It encrypts all your game files securly, then safely decrypts them when you launch the game. Very advanced, I am planning to use my copy :).
#3
I know, that's why I'm trying to find something else...
@Liam
That looks cool! I think I'm going to buy the advance edition, thanks.
05/24/2008 (2:41 pm)
@Jeramy,I know, that's why I'm trying to find something else...
@Liam
That looks cool! I think I'm going to buy the advance edition, thanks.
#4
But I have to say that the data protection is not allowing to affiliates like me to promote games. For example, if I want to make a banner to promote a game on my website and I realize that I have to spend a whole day in Photoshop trying to cut it from the screenshot, in most cases I just change my mind and so the game has less customers because of that.
In games with unprotected data, I can get their art to make banners for the game for my website. And so, they get more customers.
Anyway, it can be a great idea for game developers to post a marketing materials on their websites like game logos, maybe some characters and so on, to help the portals affiliates to promote their games. Just a few developers are doing that for now...
05/24/2008 (3:52 pm)
Actually, I have never seen a stolen data in games. Maybe some beginners are doing so, but their games are not on sale at big portals.But I have to say that the data protection is not allowing to affiliates like me to promote games. For example, if I want to make a banner to promote a game on my website and I realize that I have to spend a whole day in Photoshop trying to cut it from the screenshot, in most cases I just change my mind and so the game has less customers because of that.
In games with unprotected data, I can get their art to make banners for the game for my website. And so, they get more customers.
Anyway, it can be a great idea for game developers to post a marketing materials on their websites like game logos, maybe some characters and so on, to help the portals affiliates to promote their games. Just a few developers are doing that for now...
#5
@Tyler: You can't, really. But re-usable and manipulatable data extends the life of a game. As for stealing code for their own games, you can simply put a copyright notice in each of your files. That automatically copyrights it.
06/02/2008 (9:30 pm)
@Jeremy79: He's not trying to protect his computer from having information taken from it, he wants to prevent people from using his code in their own games.@Tyler: You can't, really. But re-usable and manipulatable data extends the life of a game. As for stealing code for their own games, you can simply put a copyright notice in each of your files. That automatically copyrights it.
#6
IP in this case
IP == Intellectual Property
IP != Internet Protocol address
I try not to waste my time protecting my game resources too much. In the end if someone wants it they can find a way to get it.
06/02/2008 (10:11 pm)
Trust me commenting your code won't work anywhere, the compiler would just ignore it. When releasing your game just don't include your source files. If you are using Torque Products, you could choose to include only *.dso files with your game to prevent *people taking your code*.IP in this case
IP == Intellectual Property
IP != Internet Protocol address
I try not to waste my time protecting my game resources too much. In the end if someone wants it they can find a way to get it.
#7
06/03/2008 (5:21 am)
IP is an overblown concept. Protect your work with proper copyrights and trademarks and be done with it. As Aun said, if someone wants your resources, their gonna get them. And even if 'they' get them, it will be outside of any legal arena that anyone here has any control over or membership of.
#8
06/08/2008 (11:06 am)
Not to mention the expense of enforcing IP rights. Depending on what they stole, is it worth hundreds of dollars in legal fees? Depends on your success, their success, and whether they can pay the bill if they lose. 
Torque 3D Owner Jeramy79