SynCaine spoke on this already, but the “coin lock” feature is seriously a “duh” moment. I definitely appreciate the fact that I can log on to my Rift account from any computer to play, but seriously. Basically, if the account logs in from, say for a completely random country chosen at random, China then the account will go in to locked mode, which does makes it so funds/materials cannot be liquidated and characters cannot be deleted. Tampering down the accessibility just a little for a significant trade off of having increased account safety is well worth it. It appears that players are getting the “coin lock” feature in the update for Rift today. I already did this with Steam’s version, Steam Guard, and I am really glad that the PC gaming industry giant is also helping to lead this change.
Blizzard’s authentication device was cool, but Trion Worlds is also working on another way to authenticate using text messaging or a mobile phone app. They really are working hard for subscription fees. I hope future games, especially ones already dedicated to having mobile phone apps, take note.
–Ravious
MMO 3.0, one step at a time.
Hmm. I just added the 6 month sub to my account. Coincidence?
I’d like to add that this feature is free. Trion Worlds have taken serious measures to make the players feel safe. Blizzard on the other hand actually charge an extra $5 for a wow authenticator. Ridiculous.
Blizzard charges for a physical device. They do not charge for the app. Would we expect them to mail us all one for free?
Looks like Blizzard could learn a thing or two from Trion by making the authenticator based within the program itself, rather than carrying around the nerdy authenticator on your keychain.
The entire point behind the authenticator is that it is separate from the computer where the game is installed. That way if the computer is compromised, the authenticator is not, and the account is still safe.
Lol get it, China, random, RANDOM! More like modnar amirite?
Actually, Blizzard does offer several different free authentication methods including Android and iPhone apps, and telephone call authentication.
Given that security problems with MMO’s being compromised really only came into vogue after the engine for WoW was live, it’s kinda disingenuous to call “ridiculous” what a company is doing for no charge (authentication apps for example) or for what has to be less than their cost. (I checked the Blizzard store and they are still shipping authenticators for free. I can’t imagine that they can buy, administer, and ship those for less than 6 bucks.)
OK a lot of people hate WoW, but the fact that someone who developed a game 6 years later with the features learned from the experience of what happened with WoW only after their game shipped is commendable but that doesn’t make them geniuses.
Oh, and iPhone users, you already look nerdy walking around with your iPhones plastered to your noses, don’t worry about the little key fob in your pocket. :D
Cool, I did not know this. Thanks for letting us know!
“OK a lot of people hate WoW, but the fact that someone who developed a game 6 years later with the features learned from the experience of what happened with WoW only after their game shipped is commendable but that doesn’t make them geniuses.”
Conversely, what WoW lovers need to understand is that the fact that a recently-released game doesn’t have six years of content doesn’t make the game shallow/unplayable/whatever.
Not pointing that comment at you, Genda, but it’s something I’ve thought of when I read some blogs these days and your comment kind of reminded me of that scenario.
“doesn’t make them geniuses”
It does.
If Blizzard or Funcom or anyone else had thought of Coinlock I’d think they were geniuses.
It’s pretty much the definition of “genius” that you think up brilliant ideas. Which this certainly is. (As was the authenticator back in its day).
This is a “duh” moment, because it’s something any company could do at any point. In fact, credit card companies have been doing it for a long time, if you go spending a bunch out of your normal or in a place you don’t normally purchase items.
It’s a good idea, glad to see Trion is doing it, and implemented it quickly.
One minor problem: Trion requires the use of your email account as your game login. If you’ve been keylogged, the haxors most likely have your email password as well.
Not necessarily. Someone who logged my key presses over the last 24 hours would know my Rift pw but I’ve stayed logged in to my games email.
And I can not even remember the password for my game email. I am using Gmail to fetch a pop3 account.
For that matter I have not typed in the Gmail password for 2 months now, that last time because of a change of password.
I agree, it does not necessarly need to be “most likely”.
Yeah this really is a no brainer, hope more MMOs follow suit!
Brilliant idea!
Next idea:
In order to log in you have to input a specific code, or “passport”. Only you know the passport and as long as you don’t tell it to anyone, your account will be safe!
oh wait.