Well I just signed up and downloaded the free pack, just to find out that I have to use Windows Media Player to even play it. I don't use WMP due to security issues, but fine, I'll give it a try. Wait, I have to log in to listen to the audio that I just rightfully downloaded? Uh, no thanks. Not worth my time.
I am a supporter of Open Source, Creative Commons, and other open movements. But does that mean I expect companies to release things without turning a profit? Absolutely not. I'm taking issue with the tight fisted use of protection schemes. The way I see it, companies that try to force protection schemes on consumers that end up becoming an unnecessary burden, are out of line and will only hurt their businesses, in the long run. They do it, of course, to try to protect themselves, but it's a waste of time. The average consumer has to deal with extra steps and in some cases, incompatibility issues, just to access what they have paid for. Anyone who knows what they are doing, can easily get around the protections and re-release the content freely. So bother your customers and fix nothing? Great plan. With growing competition that let's consumers do as they please, tight fisted companies are in for a world of hurt.
But on to topic. Direct Song wants you to pay money for extra music, for your games. Ok, that's fine and all. But they are trying to limit what you can do with those music files, outside of the game. Anyone else have a problem with that? I'm not going to pay for music that I can't directly use in the manner that I want. I have plenty of musical scores I'd gladly play in the background, instead. So I won't be paying. What about you?
Direct Song: Will you pay?
theVariable
Gustav Gloomp
i hate the idea of paying for music. thats all i hav to say i guess
NinjaMonkey
I actually don't mind the few extra steps to activate the DRM in those files, they weren't at all painful and took about 30 seconds extra.
what i'm not getting is; we get that 'minipak' right, which is basicly a bunch of .wma files. and do what exactly?
start up windows media player in the background and play those files when we enter sorrow's furnance ?
hmm.. kinda stupid if u ask me.. i rather just listen to di.fm's eurodance channel instead.
what i'm not getting is; we get that 'minipak' right, which is basicly a bunch of .wma files. and do what exactly?
start up windows media player in the background and play those files when we enter sorrow's furnance ?
hmm.. kinda stupid if u ask me.. i rather just listen to di.fm's eurodance channel instead.
Sekkira
I don't mind paying for music, but ffs, wma files?
TreeDude
Once you activate the license they will play in game at the areas they are for. I bought the extra pack which changes some music around.
GraceAlone
Nope, I'd rather save the money for the next expansion 
Ashley Twig
Buying music for the game: dont' think so.
If the game would (like KOTOR e.g.) would adapt the music, so that you get e.g. a more dramatic score during battle and a less dramatic one during non-battle, maybe. But just plain music, regarless how beautiful it might sound: no.
If the game would (like KOTOR e.g.) would adapt the music, so that you get e.g. a more dramatic score during battle and a less dramatic one during non-battle, maybe. But just plain music, regarless how beautiful it might sound: no.
Kuku Monk
I'd rather buy a Big Mac....
Tactical-Dillusions
The new music files will be detected automatically and will play when you enter the new areas...regardless of the install directory.
As for paying for music...i don't see anything telling me i must pay. I think you are mistaken.
Something about that word FREE which gives it away. It makes me feel all warm and fuzzy.
As for paying for music...i don't see anything telling me i must pay. I think you are mistaken.
Something about that word FREE which gives it away. It makes me feel all warm and fuzzy.
theVariable
Quote:
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Originally Posted by Tactical-Dillusions
The new music files will be detected automatically and will play when you enter the new areas...regardless of the install directory.
As for paying for music...i don't see anything telling me i must pay. I think you are mistaken. Something about that word FREE which gives it away. It makes me feel all warm and fuzzy. |
vLo
Ok, so I was trying to license the thing, to make it work. I press submit... wait... error with IE. I try again, works, letting me to the screen where I have to wait before I can press "play".
Well, I wait for about 2 mins, nothing happens. I minimized winamp and started browsing with firefox. After a moment, I try to maximise winamp again, but I can't. I couldn't do anything to the minimized window. Ctrl+Alt+Del worked and I managed to shut down winamp.
Then, I try for the third time to activate the license... it now says that I have only 3 temporary licenses left! So, it did work, kinda, but why is it still saying I need to license it?
Thanks.
Well, I wait for about 2 mins, nothing happens. I minimized winamp and started browsing with firefox. After a moment, I try to maximise winamp again, but I can't. I couldn't do anything to the minimized window. Ctrl+Alt+Del worked and I managed to shut down winamp.
Then, I try for the third time to activate the license... it now says that I have only 3 temporary licenses left! So, it did work, kinda, but why is it still saying I need to license it?
Thanks.
Tactical-Dillusions
Quote:
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Originally Posted by theVariable
The free pack is the bait. The point of Direct Song is to sell music for profit. One pack is currently available for purchase.
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Unfortunately, my options for payment are strictly limited at present.
Thaf
I have already purchased the pay for pack on there and will continue to purchase any new music they release,
There are 32 top quality songs for around £3.50 ($5.99) that's cheaper than new single releases with just 3 songs!
There are 32 top quality songs for around £3.50 ($5.99) that's cheaper than new single releases with just 3 songs!
theVariable
So you guys are perfectly happy with limited use? You don't care that you can't throw the music on to an iPod or many other portable players? You like using Windows Media Player to play all of your music collection while there are many better options available? You like having to be online to enjoy that "top quality" collection? Why?
EF2NYD
I downloaded the pak this morning in about 5 minutes tops without any problems. Just reformatted my system last night too. As far as being of "limited use", there are many ways to get around the "protection". Just have to learn how. And off-topic, using Firefox doesn't teach you how to surf safer
Szechwan Chi Qin
I'm into orchestral scores from films and games. $5.99 for 32 tracks, and 8 additional tracks for free? And from Jeremy Soule to boot? You betcha, I paid. And I don't mind paying for music, especially if it allows Jeremy Soule to continue producing more beautiful music! 
From what I remember from reading the site, burning onto CD is allowed, where I can enjoy listening to the music on my audio system. How will that limit me to being online?
Quote:
| You like having to be online to enjoy that "top quality" collection? |
Z|insane
Quote:
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Originally Posted by EF2NYD
As far as being of "limited use", there are many ways to get around the "protection". Just have to learn how.
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Eadwyn Mirwen
Quote:
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Originally Posted by EF2NYD
I downloaded the pak this morning in about 5 minutes tops without any problems. Just reformatted my system last night too. As far as being of "limited use", there are many ways to get around the "protection". Just have to learn how. And off-topic, using Firefox doesn't teach you how to surf safer
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Thaf
Quote:
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Originally Posted by Eadwyn Mirwen
[irony]Big deal.[/irony] Play the music and record it. "Problem" solved.
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EternalTempest
Will be buying it as soon as it's available myself. They gave me the free ability to use the soundtrack I purchased to be used in the game and are giving away so Sorrow's Furnace so I'm very happy. I feel since I will be buying music to extend the game with different tracks, I feel it's worth it.
On the soundtrack v1 & v2, they give you unlimited burning (cd-audio) rights so you can download and license the music to your pc then use windows media player to create a "standard" audio cd for listening in my car, itunes -> ipod, etc.
I did buy the collector's version of with the official sound track as being one of the big draws.
On the soundtrack v1 & v2, they give you unlimited burning (cd-audio) rights so you can download and license the music to your pc then use windows media player to create a "standard" audio cd for listening in my car, itunes -> ipod, etc.
I did buy the collector's version of with the official sound track as being one of the big draws.
terrordactyl
Just listened to the downloadable free music....it is actually extremely good and very atmospheric. Very talented guy :-)
Maxiemonster
The music sucks anyway, have it muted at all time. So no thanks I wouldn't even get it if it was for free.
I wouldn't even get it if it was for free.
IceD'Bear
Quote:
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Originally Posted by theVariable
You like using Windows Media Player to play all of your music collection while there are many better options available?
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Alodarn
Well seeing as I already play music in the background while gaming, meh.
Mind you, firestarter opening score just as you enter fire isle by fluke was just golden
Mind you, firestarter opening score just as you enter fire isle by fluke was just golden
Epinephrine
Not a chance. I'm not paying extra for game music.
Stev0
The music is good no doubt about that. I'm a big fan of soundtracks. However... I do NOT wish to spend anymore money on this than I already have.
So NO thank you.
So NO thank you.
Arkayne
Soooooooooo... does anyone know for sure if I need to download this in order for the music to play in game? Or is it just a way to play outside the game?
It's not a bad idea though and no need to get pissed at it The way I see it, the "Optional packs" that you *can* purchase but don't have to, which gives you bonus stuff, is a helluva lot better than HAVING to pay like $15/month just to play the game in the first place.
Quote:
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Originally Posted by Stev0
The music is good no doubt about that. I'm a big fan of soundtracks. However... I do NOT wish to spend anymore money on this than I already have.
So NO thank you. |
Teufel Eldritch
Will I pay for the extra music? H-E-double hockey sticks no.
Sayshina
Quote:
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Originally Posted by Epinephrine
Not a chance. I'm not paying extra for game music.
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That said, the "greedy companies" arguement has some merit. They've been doing this crap for a while now. I remember when casset tapes were going to mean the death of all music labels. Somehow they survived, and I don't see Pearl Jam (they release practicaly every live show recorded free) going broke any time soon.
But game music? I turn off all extraneous crap as soon as I install a new game. All the lighting crap, shadows, maps, all of it set to the lowest settings available. If I can't shut off nonsense like trees waving in the wind, I'm pissed. I run max resolution, and want the fastest framerate possible.
The music is turned off just because it's a useless distraction, and I can pop in a CD that will ALWAYS be vastly better.
IxChel
Quote:
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Originally Posted by Sayshina
I'm stunned. The idea of people paying good money for this stuff is beyond comprehension. I suspect most of you do not earn your own cash.
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for music. What he doesn't want to pay for is shackled music that he
cannot use on his iPod, when he's not playing the game, etc.
Eugaet
I purchased the v.2 soundtrack before the Battle Pak I promotion ended on Aug. 30th. I like the in-game music, I like the composer a lot...and I liked how it changed around the in-game music. $5.99 was a small price to pay, in my mind. Um, I already had the original soundtrack CD from the Collector's Edition, though, but what the hey. Wanted the higher bitrate and bonus tracks.
I'll probably end up buying the Battle Pak I (helps that I get a discount). But if they release too much too often, I'm not going to be buying a lot of it. I can see myself buying maybe once from DirectSong every 6 months or so, so long as it stays cheap and the product is quality. My first purchase was a very good experience. I can't really compare it to other online music services, though, as it was the first time I had purchased downloadable music. I've always been absolutely uninterested in purchasing downloadable music. What pushes me to the other side? DirectSong and the GW soundtrack v.2. Ah, well.
Not bothered by the DRM much. DRM is, shall we say, a temporary technology.
I'll probably end up buying the Battle Pak I (helps that I get a discount). But if they release too much too often, I'm not going to be buying a lot of it. I can see myself buying maybe once from DirectSong every 6 months or so, so long as it stays cheap and the product is quality. My first purchase was a very good experience. I can't really compare it to other online music services, though, as it was the first time I had purchased downloadable music. I've always been absolutely uninterested in purchasing downloadable music. What pushes me to the other side? DirectSong and the GW soundtrack v.2. Ah, well.
Not bothered by the DRM much. DRM is, shall we say, a temporary technology.
dargon
Quote:
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Originally Posted by theVariable
So you guys are perfectly happy with limited use? You don't care that you can't throw the music on to an iPod or many other portable players? You like using Windows Media Player to play all of your music collection while there are many better options available? You like having to be online to enjoy that "top quality" collection? Why?
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KvanCetre
Ipods are very limited in what they can handle, file wise... because it all has to go through Itunes.
But yeah, paying 6 bucks for 32 tracks of high quality music that adds extra music into the game is just waaayy to much especially with these high monthly fees..... and it was so tough to register on these complex "enter your email and a password" forms.
But yeah, paying 6 bucks for 32 tracks of high quality music that adds extra music into the game is just waaayy to much especially with these high monthly fees..... and it was so tough to register on these complex "enter your email and a password" forms.
theVariable
Quote:
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Originally Posted by dargon
Funny, my Karma can handle the DRM just fine. Perhaps your iPod is just an inferior hunk of junk from a company with a really good marketing department
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Divinitys Creature
I will pay for some music but not this. I just don't like Jeremy's music all that much. So that's why I won't pay. Also I think by buying game music it will be the thin edge of the wedge and eventually all games will come without music and expect you to pay extra for the soundtrack. Thankfully this doesn't happen in movies.
Epinephrine
To be clear - what I said is not that I wouldn't pay for music - in fact, good music is definitely worth paying for. But while I like having a good score for a game, I don't find it a necessity, and if they can't see fit ito include it in their budget then I'm not about to shell out cash for something I'll turn down/off to play the game. The fact that it's a pain to use outside the game is simply an additional turnoff. If I buy music I want to be able to listen to it in my car, on my stereo, on my computer, off an mp3 player etc...
Damon Windwalker
On the one hand, I guess I can understand the desire to limit what tyou can do with their product.
However, I turn off the music im most games anyway, so no, I wouldn't pay for it....
However, I turn off the music im most games anyway, so no, I wouldn't pay for it....
kyeo138
You know, originally I thought to myself 'no way in hell am I buying music for a game'. However, I found out this guy did the soundtracks to Morrowind and NWN, both of which were incredible and really enhanced my experience in both of those games. Wait, let me go look up his resume.... WOW, he's done a ton of games, some of which I can still remember the tunes, Icewind Dale being one of them.
So now my mind is made up, I'm definitely buying the add-on...can't wait to see that Narnia movie too.
Here's the list from his website: http://www.jeremysoule.com/
MOTION PICTURES:
Beyond Narnia: The Story of C.S. Lewis
Also had a hand in the Harry Potter movies
GAMES:
Lemony Snicket's A Series of Unfortunate Events
Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban
Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic
Star Wars: Bounty Hunter
Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets
Harry Potter: Quidditch World Cup
The Elder Scrolls III: Morrowind
Armies of Exigo
Warhammer 40,000: Dawn of War
Neverwinter Nights
SOCOM
Dungeon Siege
Unreal II
Unreal Warfare
Impossible Creatures
Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone
Final Four
Balder's Gate: Dark Alliance
Azurik: Rise of Perathia
Icewind Dale
Giants: Citizen Kabuto
Beauty and the Beast
Total Annihilation: Kingdoms
Total Annihilation: The Core Contingency
Total Annihilation
So now my mind is made up, I'm definitely buying the add-on...can't wait to see that Narnia movie too.
Here's the list from his website: http://www.jeremysoule.com/
MOTION PICTURES:
Beyond Narnia: The Story of C.S. Lewis
Also had a hand in the Harry Potter movies
GAMES:
Lemony Snicket's A Series of Unfortunate Events
Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban
Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic
Star Wars: Bounty Hunter
Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets
Harry Potter: Quidditch World Cup
The Elder Scrolls III: Morrowind
Armies of Exigo
Warhammer 40,000: Dawn of War
Neverwinter Nights
SOCOM
Dungeon Siege
Unreal II
Unreal Warfare
Impossible Creatures
Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone
Final Four
Balder's Gate: Dark Alliance
Azurik: Rise of Perathia
Icewind Dale
Giants: Citizen Kabuto
Beauty and the Beast
Total Annihilation: Kingdoms
Total Annihilation: The Core Contingency
Total Annihilation
Diablo???
i dont even listen to the music that came with the game. I usually just mute the damn thing, and pop in Nine inch nails in the bkg. makes intense pvp sounds so much more intense!
Sagius Truthbarron
What? I didn't pay money for it; there were no hidden charges. They asked for my name and E-mail adress, I entered them and it permanently gave them to me (I don't have to log in before using them)... What's the big deal?
It is free, the only thing on there that costs money is the Guild Wars Soundtrack.
I suggest the thread be closed or it's title be changed. This download is completely free.
It is free, the only thing on there that costs money is the Guild Wars Soundtrack.
I suggest the thread be closed or it's title be changed. This download is completely free.