Latest posts for the topic "Answering your feedback about Spore Online Accounts"

Answering your feedback about Spore Online Accounts

MaxisLucy — GMT

Hi Spore Players,

First, we want to thank you for your responses and feedback to my posting from Friday regarding Online Accounts and clarifying how things work. We’re listening and we want to announce some changes that we are making based on your feedback.

We are going to add the ability to have multiple Spore Screen Names for any one Spore Online Account. Here’s how this will work: for each copy of Spore that you have purchased, you will be able to have one Spore Online Account, just as it is now. However, we will be adding the ability to have five Spore Screen Names for that account. When you launch Spore, you will be able to log in with any of those Screen Names.

The content that is made and the MySpore Page will be associated with the logged in Screen Name for that account. Each Screen Name will be able to view and create content, Buddy Lists and Sporecasts that will be tied to that Screen Name. The Achievements earned will be credited to the Screen Name that is logged in at the time the Achievement is triggered. In the first iteration of this change, all Screen Names will be playing in the same Galaxy and any content downloaded by any Screen Name will be available in the Everything section.

We will be putting the ability to add Screen Names to a Spore Online Account on our website. If you already have the game, and want to add new Screen Names to your account you will be able to do so there.

We felt that this was a good step in the right direction to begin to respond to the feedback you have given us and evolve Spore (not with an extra set of arms in this case but definitely using our DNA points for the better good). We are aggressively working on this now; we will get back to you with more information on timing as soon as possible.

Lucy

Re:Answering your feedback about Spore Online Accounts

MaxisLucky — GMT

So... now that you know we're working to enable multiple screen names per Spore account, I thought I'd answer some questions about how it's going to work after we complete building out the first round of the new system.

[b]-- How many screen names can I have? How will I set them up? --[/b]

On the login page for the website, we'll be adding a link to a page where you can manage your screen names. You'll be able to have a total of 5 screen names tied to one main Spore account. So if you already have a Spore account and screen name, you'll be able to add 4 screen names to that account.

All 5 screen names will be tied to the email address the main account was set up with.

[b]-- What's the deal with my creations and Sporecasts? --[/b]

If you log in with your screen name and upload your creations to the server, they will show up with your screen name as the creator. If your sister logs in with her screen name and uploads creations, they will show her screen name as the creator. And so on for all the different screen names for the account.

Every screen name will get its own My Spore Page. Sporecasts will also show up with the correct screen name of the creator of the Sporecast.

[b]-- How about my Achievements? --[/b]

Achievements are tricky. While we hope to make them completely unique to any screen name eventually, this will not be possible without an update to the game itself.

So, where will we be after this initial pass at multiple screen name system is live?

In this first pass of this system, the screen name that is logged in will get credited for the Achievement at the time that it triggers. So if I'm logged and play for 99 hours, and then I log off and my sister logs in and plays for 1 hour, she’ll get the honor of the 100 hours achievement, and I won’t. It'll show up on her My Spore page, not mine.

We know that this is not the ideal solution and will work on improvements to this feature in the future.

[b]-- When will this new system be live? How do you find out more information? --[/b]

We are actively working on this right now. There will be a fair bit of work for the Spore Online Team to get it set up and tested properly so when I have a better idea about a timeline, I'll post back to this thread.

[i]Thanks for all your comments and feedback. With a community this exciting, my job never gets boring[/i].

-MaxisLucky

Answering your feedback about Spore Online Accounts

ZeroSk8J — GMT

It's a great idea.

Personally i prefer having another screen name, than re-creating my entire account.

Now i can probably relate certain screen names to certain creatures.

Re:Answering your feedback about Spore Online Accounts

Zanadu — GMT

Thanks Lucy & Lucky for the Info!

I will never probably use it, but I know for multi fams this is a good start.

Thanks for all the hard work you guys did for spore,
I personally am enjoying it as is and will enjoy it more once you
get things tweaked a little more.

Tell everyone in the maxis building good job!

Zanadu

Re:Answering your feedback about Spore Online Accounts

jjwalters3 — GMT

There's a smile on my face. It's ashamed that we had to yell and scream, but this is indeed good news. Thank you for the information.

[u]By chance, can you sticky this?[/u]

Re:Answering your feedback about Spore Online Accounts

Zstar20 — GMT

Thanks this seems amazing, and I cant wait for it even though I might not use it as much and only with my friends when over my house or with family. Will this be implemented in a patch? and if so then what else can we expect from the patch? I doubt I will be answered but oh well.

But Thank you for the awesome game and this upcoming update!

Re:Answering your feedback about Spore Online Accounts

Korlath — GMT

this seems pretty good. im satisfied. :o

Re:Answering your feedback about Spore Online Accounts

Freyar — GMT

This would put the Chelkan Empire at ease with this incident, and therefore upon the implementation of this plan, we will recall the Starship Galase Mark II from Maxis borders.

Answering your feedback about Spore Online Accounts

Battsknox — GMT

YIPPIE! My kids are doing the happy dance as I type. And I am rather happy about myself! I appreciate that you guys REALLY are listening. I know there is no pleasing everyone, but this is going to solve alot of families quams about the 1 account issue. THANKS!

Re:Answering your feedback about Spore Online Accounts

renlar — GMT

Thank you very much. This is an excellent start. ^-^ Keep it up. Now my little sister's stuff can actually be uploaded... ugly things that the are

Re:Answering your feedback about Spore Online Accounts

JamesJB — GMT

the screen name thing is cool and im happy about it,but getting rid of the silly 3 install limit would be also good too,Only cause i like reinstalling my OS every 6 months and upgradeing my system every so often.

Im not a pirate and i dont believe in piracy but the DRM needs to go.

i havent needed to use 1 of my reinstalls yet but i really hope the number ya call to renew the 3 installs is a toll free number,not everyone can afford to have long distance

P.S. sorry wasnt ment as a flame but im getting tired of DRM's in games

Re:Answering your feedback about Spore Online Accounts

Michlo — GMT

Thank you.

Whilst this didn't impact me personally I know it did for many and this is a great indication that feedback is actually given some merit.

Cheers.

Answering your feedback about Spore Online Accounts

theultimateend — GMT

Ok I have the Galactic Edition (Just want to kiss some ass before I ask my question).

I would like my girlfriend to be able to play this game, would I be able to have this installed on her PC and mine and have her use a different screenname on that PC?

If the answer ends up being yes you have gained a +10 in our relationship between the tribe of Rico and the tribe of Maxis.

Answering your feedback about Spore Online Accounts

MaxisLucky — GMT

[quote=theultimateend]
I would like my girlfriend to be able to play this game, would I be able to have this installed on her PC and mine and have her use a different screenname on that PC?[/quote]

That should work - and as I have more details about the actual implementation I'll try to share them.

-MaxisLucky

Answering your feedback about Spore Online Accounts

theultimateend — GMT

[quote=maxislucky][quote=theultimateend]
I would like my girlfriend to be able to play this game, would I be able to have this installed on her PC and mine and have her use a different screenname on that PC?[/quote]

That should work - and as I have more details about the actual implementation I'll try to share them.

-MaxisLucky[/quote]

Alright. Considering I am still having troubles being at odds with you folks (I've dreamed of working at Maxis since I first played Sim City 2000 on a friends PC years ago) so I won't take a forum knife to your proverbial throat if this ends up not being true.

I do appreciate the effort to fix the whole debacle and the fact that you guys aren't getting overwhelmed by the sheer level of complaining (I've put a few lbs into the pile of poo that is this poopstorm of complaints).

I just hope the fact that I wrote 6 pages of my suggestions that it makes up for the post here and there of me whining like a little War Muncher (my latest creation...he's disturbingly cute to me...well...cute in a disturbing way).

Re:Answering your feedback about Spore Online Accounts

MrRogersHasAGun — GMT

Yay! Thank you Lucy!

Re:Answering your feedback about Spore Online Accounts

MaxisLucky — GMT

[quote=jjwalters3]There's a smile on my face. It's ashamed that we had to yell and scream, but this is indeed good news. Thank you for the information.

[u]By chance, can you sticky this?[/u][/quote]

Consider it sticky-ed

-MaxisLucky

Re:Answering your feedback about Spore Online Accounts

Dragonkil362 — GMT

[b]QUESTION: [/b]

If I cheat on one of the screen name and then play fair on another one of the screen names will I still be able to get achievements on the one I don't cheat on?

Re:Answering your feedback about Spore Online Accounts

earthbounder64 — GMT

I'm assuming there will be something in place to have previously made Creature Creator accounts put under this system?
My gf already has an account with the CC with a different e-mail address, so it'd suck if she'd have to make a new one.
Still, it is better than what the original design was.

Re:Answering your feedback about Spore Online Accounts

theultimateend — GMT

[quote=dragonkil362][b]QUESTION: [/b]

If I cheat on one of the screen name and then play fair on another one of the screen names will I still be able to get achievements on the one I don't cheat on? [/quote]

Cheats only affect your achievements on that specific save file for that specific race.

and I think only for that specific point in your game.

So if you cheat in stage 3 of 5, stages 4 and 5 still are fine.

Re:Answering your feedback about Spore Online Accounts

Dragonkil362 — GMT

I have heard otherwise, people have said that once you cheat you don't get any even in new games. And the only way to stop that is by getting rid of the cheating game.

Re:Answering your feedback about Spore Online Accounts

obsessisim — GMT

Thank you. If my husband decides to start playing with my game, it will be nice to give him his own screenname.
(Oh great, now he'll probably look forward to beating all my creatures. Oh oh.)

Re:Answering your feedback about Spore Online Accounts

shoptroll — GMT

Awesome news. As a long time Maxis games player, I was confused as to why the account system was structured with 1 account per cd key when in past titles (Simcity 3000 and The Sims) users were able to create 5 sub accounts underneath the master account. Very glad to see this change and it's a good sign to know that Maxis is listening. Is it too much to say that I'm looking forward to seeing how this game shapes up following the first patch?

Hopefully this will get some of the "DRM" (my understanding is that the online accounts is separate from the DRM software) complainers to knock it off.

Now if only Maxis would do something like 2K did with BioShock and promise to remove the activation limit in 9-12 months that would kill the debate once and for all

Re:Answering your feedback about Spore Online Accounts

hideflomein — GMT

I am so glad to hear that our concerns have not fallen on deaf ears. Thank you for taking a step in the right direction to accommodate families that game together (or separately) without forcing them to purchase multiple copies of the game. I had not been interested in playing Spore for over a week due to this issue, and now that I see that steps are being taken to resolve it, I am once again excited to continue playing.

Re:Answering your feedback about Spore Online Accounts

Hawkian — GMT

Awesome, you guys rock, way to stay on top of things, that was fast, etc.

Re:Answering your feedback about Spore Online Accounts

Jiman — GMT

Thank you Lucy, as a representative of EA, for responding to your consumers and making a step in the right direction.

<3

Re:Answering your feedback about Spore Online Accounts

SivCorp — GMT

So Lucy, you got stuck with the short straw huh?

Just kidding, I know the fun that is the online community...
Thanks for the hard work you all are doing at Maxis. I'm looking forward to that first patch and/or expansion. (don't let EA rape the community though, please)

Best regards,

Siv Corp

Answering your feedback about Spore Online Accounts

Twobit — GMT

this with your drm fix makes me very happy, and i will be glad to pick up the game when the pacth goes live.

http://kotaku.com/5050860/ea-to-loosen-spore-install-restrictions-reveals-sampling-of-spore-activations

Re:Answering your feedback about Spore Online Accounts

pianobar77 — GMT

Thank you for the update, and acknowledgment that there are things that the community sees as problems that EA/Maxis is willing to work on fixing.

While it looks to me that this coming update is adding more work for you than just allowing multiple accounts, I don't have a way to know how your verification system is setup so I accept that EA just has it's reasons, hah.

Multiple screen names sounds like it will work out fine for my household, and everyone I know locally that was interested in the game but were holding off because of how it shipped with just the one online account. I've read on other gaming sites that future games from EA will have the DRM install limit increased to 5. I would hope that increase will come to Spore in some fashion, but so far that's not an immediate concern for me...thanks for starting to work on that for those that are affected, though. The Achievement issue is looking like the last concern I have, but your post clearly states that it is something in the works as well, just for a later time.

Again, thank you for letting us know that our concerns were not left unheard. I have closed my support ticket since your thread let me know that a resolution is coming for my 'issue'.

Answering your feedback about Spore Online Accounts

Ballbarian — GMT

A huge thank you to Lucy, Lucky and the Maxis team!
You have made my family (and many other families I am sure) very happy and restored our faith in Spore.

Re:Answering your feedback about Spore Online Accounts

Doofusian — GMT

[quote]all Screen Names will be playing in the same Galaxy [/quote]

I really wish you guys would reconsider this. I don't understand why they can't be in a different galaxy entirely, it makes a lot more sense and would solve a lot of problems with saved games and achievements. For instance, if I go and blow up Earth on one save I'm not going to be able to get the same achievement in another game. You're destroying the replayability of the game by doing it this way.

Re:Answering your feedback about Spore Online Accounts

Unicorn — GMT

this is amazing. you are amazing. thank you thank you thank you thank you thank you.

you guys really know how to listen to the community and help appease us very quickly. this is greatly appreciated and commended.

keep up the fabulous customer service and work. spore is amazing and it's very apparent you all are proud of it as well and are here to improve and already great product. i have great faith in all of you.

Answering your feedback about Spore Online Accounts

Torbin — GMT

[quote=MaxisLucy]Hi Spore Players,

First, we want to thank you for your responses and feedback to my posting from Friday regarding Online Accounts and clarifying how things work. We’re listening and we want to announce some changes that we are making based on your feedback.

We are going to add the ability to have multiple Spore Screen Names for any one Spore Online Account. Here’s how this will work: for each copy of Spore that you have purchased, you will be able to have one Spore Online Account, just as it is now. However, we will be adding the ability to have five Spore Screen Names for that account. When you launch Spore, you will be able to log in with any of those Screen Names.

The content that is made and the MySpore Page will be associated with the logged in Screen Name for that account. Each Screen Name will be able to view and create content, Buddy Lists and Sporecasts that will be tied to that Screen Name. The Achievements earned will be credited to the Screen Name that is logged in at the time the Achievement is triggered. In the first iteration of this change, all Screen Names will be playing in the same Galaxy and any content downloaded by any Screen Name will be available in the Everything section.

We will be putting the ability to add Screen Names to a Spore Online Account on our website. If you already have the game, and want to add new Screen Names to your account you will be able to do so there.

We felt that this was a good step in the right direction to begin to respond to the feedback you have given us and evolve Spore (not with an extra set of arms in this case but definitely using our DNA points for the better good). We are aggressively working on this now; we will get back to you with more information on timing as soon as possible.

Lucy
[/quote]

Best news all week. This makes my wife and I very happy

Re:Answering your feedback about Spore Online Accounts

TormakSaber — GMT

Though this doesn't affect me, it does a lot of people. It's good to see Maxis (and EA.) working to fix some of the glaring issues with the game.

Answering your feedback about Spore Online Accounts

MadJack — GMT

A good move indeed. Let's see if EA/Maxis will continue on that path or stray...

Re:Answering your feedback about Spore Online Accounts

Yesrah — GMT

Thank you Maxislucky, and everyone else at Maxis too. I'm glad that everything we have done has not fallen on deaf ears. I'm very happy that this is going in the correct direction.

Anyway, I do have a question: While you say that different Spore screen names will have to play under the same galaxy, what if you have different Windows screen names? Since there are seperate galaxies for each Windows screen name, does that mean that, hypothetically, each Spore screen name can have it's own galaxy, as long as a Spore screen name was logged on a different Windows screen name?

Thanks again Maxisluck. You have given me hope in the game industry again.

Re:Answering your feedback about Spore Online Accounts

TheElderGrue — GMT

Just wanted to add my thanks as well. Good work MaxisLucy and those at EA who decided on this fix... definitely a step in the right direction. My kids will finally be able to play the game the way is was meant to be played.

Re:Answering your feedback about Spore Online Accounts

Hawkian — GMT

[quote=yesrah]does that mean that, hypothetically, each Spore screen name can have it's own galaxy, as long as a Spore screen name was logged on a different Windows screen name?
.[/quote]

I'm not them, but based on my technical understanding, that's exactly what it means.

Re:Answering your feedback about Spore Online Accounts

OpDDay2001 — GMT

[quote=doofusian] [quote]all Screen Names will be playing in the same Galaxy [/quote]

I really wish you guys would reconsider this. I don't understand why they can't be in a different galaxy entirely, it makes a lot more sense and would solve a lot of problems with saved games and achievements. For instance, if I go and blow up Earth on one save I'm not going to be able to get the same achievement in another game. You're destroying the replayability of the game by doing it this way.

[/quote]

That is simply not an option. Not yet. Spore is not designed to generate galaxies at will. It would take a relatively substantial patch that updates options, program code, and the UI to create a new galaxy. It also needs to generate a way to distinguish one planet in one galaxy from another. The whole galaxy would also need to be saved and stored in a way that Spore was not originally designed to do. It is just not feasible to do right now. It may be the next logical step, and it seems to be where they are eventually headed, but it's far to soon to implement anything like that.

Edit: I really should of read the rest of this post. Obviously this doesn't apply if you are on a different Windows User Name or a different computer entirely. In those cases, obviously, the galaxy would likely be different. It is switching Galaxies on the fly that would be the issue.

Re:Answering your feedback about Spore Online Accounts

elektrodragon — GMT

[b][size=18]What about the creatures I made in Creature Creator with my own Spore.com account?? How will my screen name, which is attached to my wife's activated Spore.com account, know those creatures belong to me????[/size][/b]

Re:Answering your feedback about Spore Online Accounts

OpDDay2001 — GMT

[quote=elektrodragon][b][size=18]What about the creatures I made in creature creator with my own Spore.com account?? How will my screen name, which is attached to my wife's activated Spore.com account, know those creatures belong to me????[/size][/b][/quote]

I don't think the changes are retroactive. Anything already uploaded and associated with an account (currently) is locked into that account unless you delete it from the associated Sporepedia, load it in the account you want to haev the creature, make a small change, save and share under that account. We'll have to wait for Maxis to actually program the server-side corrections, incorporate and design the needed parts (security, script, design/layout changes), as well as work on altering Spore's programming to allow better recognition of accounts. Don't let the way their posts are worded fool you, there is a lot of work to be done. Work that can be time consuming. They're professionals so they can probably hammer it out pretty quick but it's still a lot of work and it needs to be tested before it goes live. A change like this could cause unforeseen security issues.

Re:Answering your feedback about Spore Online Accounts

TDOONAN — GMT

Way to go team Maxis!! I am very happy with the game and will no doubt be playing it for a long time to come. I still play all of my SimCity games from time to time and still enjoy them a lot.

SC2000 is still my favorite because it has an actual sand box mode that lets you just design, build and play to try different things without having to spend hours and hours building a city just to knock it down with a large fire breathing lizard. This would be an awesome patch / expac for Spore. Just let us play with our toys the way we want.

Anyway, keep up the good work. And try to get some rest if you can!

Re:Answering your feedback about Spore Online Accounts

Draycen — GMT

Hooray. Finally l I can stop bumping that other SPORE thread

Thank you Maxis (EA?) for finally deciding to implement this. It 100% solves my issues and I'm happy with this solution. I'm surprised EA/Maxis didn't anticipate this being an issue before the game was released but at least you'll know for next time!

Cheers
Draycen

Re:Answering your feedback about Spore Online Accounts

mcdexx — GMT

Thank you to the Spore team for finally doing something to fix this problem. The solution isn't ideal, but it's a very good start, and coupled with the news about the impending loosening of the three-installs policy it should go a long way to repairing much of the damage done to EA's reputation.

I have one question, though. We bought two copies of the full version of the Creature Creator, and my wife made quite a few creatures. The username she made is the one she uses in all online communities. Is that username now locked off? Is there any way that username can be changed into one of the four additional screen names on my account?

Honestly, though, the given solution seems needlessly complex. I mean, the screen names are a whole new feature that has to be designed, programmed, and tested before release. Simply allowing five accounts per registration seems like a much more sensible idea to me.

That said, I'm not going to turn my nose up at this. EA has listened to the message coming from their users and taken steps to give us what we want, and that counts for a lot.

Re:Answering your feedback about Spore Online Accounts

talenramel — GMT

This is the beginning of what I hope will be a pleasant trend in making our interactions with this game better. Kudos on the great idea.

Aw:Answering your feedback about Spore Online Accounts

Freggi36 — GMT

I find the new features too the online accounts, really fantastic. Thanks MaxisLucy and MaxisLucky, for the information.

Re:Answering your feedback about Spore Online Accounts

Illanair — GMT

So...just for clarifications sake. If I install the game on my girlfriends computer, and give her a screen name under my account, will we be able to play at the same time using different screen names, on two different machines using the same "master Spore account" or is one going to scream "Account already in use, please log off on machine 1 to play on 2" ?

Oh! and many kudos on the decision. While the DRM install limit is still a worry (I'm reaching my third install today ) it shows that you guys are listening to constructive input and making our SPORE experience better.

Re:Answering your feedback about Spore Online Accounts

xlapin — GMT

Oh gawd, great stuff - here's hoping the forums will become a place of peace again

Re:Answering your feedback about Spore Online Accounts

itsmoirob — GMT

Thank you Maxis and especially EA for listening to feedback, not just about this but with regards to the DRM (I know less then 1% of users install the game on more then two PC's, but that's beside the point)

I'm sure Spore will be a lot more enjoyed in this house now.

It is good to know that you have been listening and although the communication has been one sided at times it's good to see steps are being taken forwards.

Re:Answering your feedback about Spore Online Accounts

siriusbee — GMT

Though this problem didn't affect me personally, I found myself with quite a bad taste in the mouth upon discovering it. It was the principle of the thing. These solutions you've described reflect a willingness to react proactively to your customers' responses, and this first phase, from what I see, should diminish the core of the issue. It makes me feel much better about Maxis/EA, and more confident in my purchase of the game.

As a software developer, I know these changes are probably not trivial, so I applaud you on your quick response and ability to get to the core of the issue.

Re:Answering your feedback about Spore Online Accounts

delvine — GMT

i loged on here 2 see about this issue and am happy that its being worked on (thx maxis) dont kno y they just didnt make it like diablo...thats only usable on 1 computer where as that online accounts r not...i can have multple accounts and easily use them on any computer as long as theres a separate copy 4 that computer witch in fine with its perfectly far and it cant be parited

but i do have another question witch is a lil off the subject

my lil sister got on my computer and couldnt make an account so played mine while i was working and opened up most my acheivements...

is ther a way 4 all my acheivements 2 be relocked so i can open them again

Re:Answering your feedback about Spore Online Accounts

shoptroll — GMT

Re:Answering your feedback about Spore Online Accounts

Draycen — GMT

Incidentally I believe a workaround should be possible for this.

1) create a new screen name via the spore website (once it's available!)
2) go to windows - control panel and create a new user account for your girlfriend/wife/kid/dog
3) login as the other user and fire up Spore (might need to browse to install directory if no shortcut)
4) login as the other screen name

This will probably work because I've already created an account on my PC and all files are created under her name. Thus, new universe.

I can't see any reason why you shouldn't be able to do this, just being sure to change the screen name each time you change user.

Draycen

Re:Answering your feedback about Spore Online Accounts

AzruPL — GMT

I just wanted to say that even tho' I probably won't use it myself -- it's a great solution to the problem so many families have right now. A big thumbs up from me here.

Re:Answering your feedback about Spore Online Accounts

CarlSagan1942 — GMT

Just wanted to say [b][i]THANK YOU SO MUCH![/b][/i]

This is arguably the #1 thing this game was missing, and it means that family members can play *THEIR OWN* game in a way they couldn't before!

Thank you MAXIS!!!!!

Re:Answering your feedback about Spore Online Accounts

chamtha — GMT

Thank you. This is satisfactory, and really solves the problem, which is people being able to have their own identity while playing the game.

I apologize for any of my words that were less than civil, I don't think I ever got too mean, just very cynical about being ignored by the company.

Glad to know that I can go buy Rock Band 2 now.

Thank you for doing something legitimate about this.

Re:Answering your feedback about Spore Online Accounts

Cysgodi — GMT

Thanks Lucy and thanks Maxis for pursuing this and coming up with a good solution. It is much appreciated.

Re:Answering your feedback about Spore Online Accounts

Tathanen — GMT

So, just to clarify: will my wife NOT be able to move the planet that she started her game on to a new account once said accounts are supported? Will she have to start all over again if she wants to have her own profile, and lose the ability to play as her creature with its distinct evolutionary history? I want to know if I should tell her to hold off playing for now, so she doesn't end up making even more progress that she'll have to do all over again.

Re:Answering your feedback about Spore Online Accounts

jjwalters3 — GMT

[quote=tathanen]So, just to clarify: will my wife NOT be able to move the planet that she started her game on to a new account once said accounts are supported? Will she have to start all over again if she wants to have her own profile, and lose the ability to play as her creature with its distinct evolutionary history? I want to know if I should tell her to hold off playing for now, so she doesn't end up making even more progress that she'll have to do all over again.[/quote]

I can't speak for EA but I think I have a fair understanding of what they are doing technically. Personally, I would suggest that she hold off (or just play for exploration), I don't believe account migration is going to be a high priority for them just based on everything I see; but I could be wrong.

Re:Answering your feedback about Spore Online Accounts

jjwalters3 — GMT

[quote=doofusian] [quote]all Screen Names will be playing in the same Galaxy [/quote]

I really wish you guys would reconsider this. I don't understand why they can't be in a different galaxy entirely, it makes a lot more sense and would solve a lot of problems with saved games and achievements. For instance, if I go and blow up Earth on one save I'm not going to be able to get the same achievement in another game. You're destroying the replayability of the game by doing it this way.

[/quote]

I think the idea is, to qoute her post "In the first iteration of this change, all Screen Names will be playing in the same Galaxy...."

I believe the intent is to do what they can do [as soon as they can do it], and then make the larger changes.

I'm not familiar with their architecture, but anything server side is generally easier to change. Client side changes go out in a batch and require a much lengthier testing process. So depending on where the code lives we could be waiting a while - so I'm going put spore down for a month and let the devs go heads down and see what they come up with.

Re:Answering your feedback about Spore Online Accounts

MaxisLucky — GMT

[quote=mcdexx]

Honestly, though, the given solution seems needlessly complex. I mean, the screen names are a whole new feature that has to be designed, programmed, and tested before release. Simply allowing five accounts per registration seems like a much more sensible idea to me.[/quote]

We considered this, and it was actually quite a bit more work. We picked the solution we thought we could get down most expediently.

-caryl

Re:Answering your feedback about Spore Online Accounts

MaxisLucky — GMT

[quote=illanair]So...just for clarifications sake. If I install the game on my girlfriends computer, and give her a screen name under my account, will we be able to play at the same time using different screen names, on two different machines using the same "master Spore account" or is one going to scream "Account already in use, please log off on machine 1 to play on 2" ? [/quote]

Yes, you will both be able to play with your different screen names on different machines at the same time.

-caryl

Re:Answering your feedback about Spore Online Accounts

MaxisLucky — GMT

[quote=draycen]Incidentally I believe a workaround should be possible for this.

1) create a new screen name via the spore website (once it's available!)
2) go to windows - control panel and create a new user account for your girlfriend/wife/kid/dog
3) login as the other user and fire up Spore (might need to browse to install directory if no shortcut)
4) login as the other screen name

This will probably work because I've already created an account on my PC and all files are created under her name. Thus, new universe.

I can't see any reason why you shouldn't be able to do this, just being sure to change the screen name each time you change user.

Draycen[/quote]

This would require changes to the game client, and may not work the same for Macs.

The solution we are currently working on is all on the server side.

-caryl

Re:Answering your feedback about Spore Online Accounts

MaxisLucky — GMT

[quote=tathanen]So, just to clarify: will my wife NOT be able to move the planet that she started her game on to a new account once said accounts are supported? Will she have to start all over again if she wants to have her own profile, and lose the ability to play as her creature with its distinct evolutionary history? I want to know if I should tell her to hold off playing for now, so she doesn't end up making even more progress that she'll have to do all over again.[/quote]

Correct. Your wife will not be able to move the planet to a new game with the solution that we are currently pursuing.

Sorry - again, we are trying to solve the problem as fast as possible for multiple accounts and under this solution, players will be using the same galaxy and changes will not be retro-active.

-caryl

Re:Answering your feedback about Spore Online Accounts

Jirnsum — GMT

YES YES YES: Wayo to go people!!! Thanks to all of you for solving this!!! (Not so much technically as within your organisation...you know what I mean )

Re:Answering your feedback about Spore Online Accounts

Hawkian — GMT

[quote=maxislucky][quote=draycen]Incidentally I believe a workaround should be possible for this.

Draycen[/quote]

This would require changes to the game client, and may not work the same for Macs.

The solution we are currently working on is all on the server side.

-caryl[/quote]

It won't work at all for Macs, as far as I know, though I'm not too knowledgeable on the OSX userfile structure. It should work fine and dandy for Windows, though.

Re:Answering your feedback about Spore Online Accounts

xgenesis — GMT

Thank you Maxis! This is good news to me, I have two children that love the game, and this will enable us to keep our content separate.

Re:Answering your feedback about Spore Online Accounts

Aaarrrggg — GMT

I just wanted to say thankyou!

First the complexity bug fixed, then +DNA creatures uploadable and NOW multiple screen names!

It was a rocky start, but its comforting to know you're out there and listening.
Thankyou v much, its going to make such a difference to so many families!

Re:Answering your feedback about Spore Online Accounts

elektrodragon — GMT

Maxislucky... right now my wife registered her Spore.com account to the game, and the game populated some of the creatures she made in CC into the game. I also made some creatures with my own Spire.com account. Can I turn this account into a "screen name" and therefore see the creatures *I* made when playing the game? If not, how can I see the creatures I made in the game? Please consider this!

Re:Answering your feedback about Spore Online Accounts

morphosiscraft — GMT

This is great news.
Thanks!

Re:Answering your feedback about Spore Online Accounts

tylerbot — GMT

Thanks MaxisLucy for listening.

Answering your feedback about Spore Online Accounts

valmiki — GMT

I thank you!
My children thank you!
My wife thanks you!
My co-workers thank you (they don't have to hear anymore whining from the accounting department)!

Re:Answering your feedback about Spore Online Accounts

Hawkian — GMT

Unless someone starts cooking the books, anyway.

Re:Answering your feedback about Spore Online Accounts

Rhedd — GMT

[quote=elektrodragon]Maxislucky... right now my wife registered her Spore.com account to the game, and the game populated some of the creatures she made in CC into the game. I also made some creatures with my own Spire.com account. Can I turn this account into a "screen name" and therefore see the creatures *I* made when playing the game? If not, how can I see the creatures I made in the game? Please consider this![/quote]Exactly my worry, too!

This is good news, but my wife already has an account made with the CC, using her usual online handle, under her own email address, and has uploaded creatures that have gotten comments.

How do we get that account transferred over to a screenname under my email address in the full version?

At the [i]very least [/i]we need to get that handle freed up again so she can use it for a new screenname.

Re:Answering your feedback about Spore Online Accounts

Hawkian — GMT

As far as I understand it, there won't be any retroactive application.

As far as the "very least" part, simply deleting the other Spore account should free up the handle.

Re:Answering your feedback about Spore Online Accounts

Rhedd — GMT

[quote=hawkian]As far as I understand it, there won't be any retroactive application.

As far as the "very least" part, simply deleting the other Spore account should free up the handle.[/quote]Honestly I've never looked, but you can delete a Spore account?

Re:Answering your feedback about Spore Online Accounts

Hawkian — GMT

Fair enough. I assumed so, since being able to delete your account is a basic feature of any online community. Then again, EA is running the show...

Re:Answering your feedback about Spore Online Accounts

jjwalters3 — GMT

[u][b]Hi Lucy - [/b][/u]

Just some random thoughts - as if you need any more people providing input

ok, if the game is already set up to "change users" (log in as a different top level spore account) and this will result in a different universe and achievements. I have to imagine that someone brought up the idea of creating these top level accounts for everyone but the idea was shot down because of some other conflict.

But just in the off chance that no one brought it, and understanding that somewhere in the data model, a top level spore account relates to an EA login, and a CD key - it seems to me that adding a nullable column to the SporeAccount table that would contain the primary key if of the true parent id (or null if it is the parent) would be workable (or even another table is fine) but the idea is to use top level spore accounts as sub accounts, just with some kind of way to distinguish it from the parent spore account.

It's probably a lot more database work than I'm making it out to be because there probably all sorts of business rules based on the SporeAccount table, but it's an approach that wouldn't require any immediate client side changes (as the additional account creation would still be on the web site for now) but it would carry the benefit of not having to multi-stage the changes needed to separate the achievement data, assuming that "change users" works like I think it does...

Just my two cents, best,

Re:Answering your feedback about Spore Online Accounts

MaxisLucky — GMT

[quote=jjwalters3][u][b]Hi Lucy - [/b][/u]

Just some random thoughts - as if you need any more people providing input

ok, if the game is already set up to "change users" (log in as a different top level spore account) and this will result in a different universe and achievements. I have to imagine that someone brought up the idea of creating these top level accounts for everyone but the idea was shot down because of some other conflict.

But just in the off chance that no one brought it, and understanding that somewhere in the data model, a top level spore account relates to an EA login, and a CD key - it seems to me that adding a nullable column to the SporeAccount table that would contain the primary key if of the true parent id (or null if it is the parent) would be workable (or even another table is fine) but the idea is to use top level spore accounts as sub accounts, just with some kind of way to distinguish it from the parent spore account.

It's probably a lot more database work than I'm making it out to be because there probably all sorts of business rules based on the SporeAccount table, but it's an approach that wouldn't require any immediate client side changes (as the additional account creation would still be on the web site for now) but it would carry the benefit of not having to multi-stage the changes needed to separate the achievement data, assuming that "change users" works like I think it does...

Just my two cents, best,
[/quote]

We considered this option, but it would have actually been far more work for the EA registration system side.

Thanks.

-caryl

Re:Answering your feedback about Spore Online Accounts

lpark — GMT

Thanks Lucy et Lucky, you've made my day! I know several other Spore players (non forum types) who will greatly appreciate this change.

I must admit that I have yet to actually get around to playing Spore (this thing called Rock Band 2 just kinda happened), but I was worried about how my girlfriend and I would manage our data. This solves everything for me.

Re:Answering your feedback about Spore Online Accounts

jjwalters3 — GMT

[quote=MaxisLucky][quote=jjwalters3][u][b]Hi Lucy - [/b][/u]

Just some random thoughts - as if you need any more people providing input

[/quote]

We considered this option, but it would have actually been far more work for the EA registration system side.

Thanks.

-caryl[/quote]

Gotcha... I can envision the complexities involved; and do appriciate the reply, best,

Re:Answering your feedback about Spore Online Accounts

gstommylee — GMT

I haven't gotten spore yet but when is the expected release for the patch that would include the deactivation option. I know it was mention to be in the "near future" when i read about it yesterday.

Re:Answering your feedback about Spore Online Accounts

Smileyfaceman — GMT

THANK YOU! This is awesome. A company that listens.
Between this and the patch most of my problems with the game are no more. Now if only there was a cheat that let me control my own Epic.

I do have a question.
Will we be able to add the alternate Logins to our "Buddy List"?
I know it seems redundant since everyone's creations will be saved under the "Everything" folder anyway, but that way I can track everyone's Achievements like my other Buddies. Also I believe that the game looks to the Buddy List first for new downloads before looking in my Everything folder.

Re:Answering your feedback about Spore Online Accounts

SirMildredPierce — GMT

So has this not been implemented yet? I mean we got the patch, I assumed that had something to do with adding multiple accounts, but I can't find any link to add another account yet.

Answering your feedback about Spore Online Accounts

karembeu — GMT

brilliant news Lucy. I really hope this was planned, and not just a response to the outcry

the only downside I see is that now I wont get any credit for my kids' creations and achievements, which I'm sure will outshine mine

Re:Answering your feedback about Spore Online Accounts

MaxisLucky — GMT

[quote=SirMildredPierce]So has this not been implemented yet? I mean we got the patch, I assumed that had something to do with adding multiple accounts, but I can't find any link to add another account yet.[/quote]

No, this has not been implemented yet. It is not a part of the patch.

I'll be posting more information about the timeline for this when I can.

-caryl

Re:Answering your feedback about Spore Online Accounts

mcdexx — GMT

Now I just need to hope that the screen names are done by the end of October, so my wife can get stuck into Spore when her exams are done.

Any hints at a timeframe for this being implemented?

EDIT: Oops, sorry, didn't see the above post.

Re:Answering your feedback about Spore Online Accounts

SporeMasterArti — GMT

Thanks again for clearing this up Lucy and Caryl, it's been quite the topic over the past few days.. now everyone know's what's going on!

Re:Answering your feedback about Spore Online Accounts

crazyjadles — GMT

Awesome! I am extremely happy to hear all of this. By chance, do you think that Maxis will be able to do a "Once off" change of creator for current creatures?

Like the first time you load the game after the new features are implemented you are able to go through and delegate planets and creatures to the certain Screen Names?
I've seen some games do this in the past, just as a 1 time only thing. Maybe a permanent thing also? A drop down menu where the creator box is with all the Screen Names and then an 'Update' button like the description and tags.
Might be trickier than my little C++ programming brain is envisioning.
As for the planets, I know my husband would love to have his Draconians under his ScreenName. Something to do a one time delegation to his name would be fantastic!

Either way, a suggestion for the team if they haven't already thought about it and vetoed the idea.

On a side note:
I'm under the impression that the planets will still be in the same universe for every screen name? But the planets are locked to be played by the creators name? I could be wrong, but from what the original post read and what some people have asked i'm somewhat confused. I will go back and re-read it anyway, but if anyone has any ideas

ETA: Have the players noticed that in one galaxy there is always 6 new planets? I have about 5 populated planets and there is always a new planet generated. Having multiple galaxies isn't a big deal, as long as other screen names don't have access to your game.

Answering your feedback about Spore Online Accounts

crazyjadles — GMT

Sorry to add more in, but if the delegation of planets to accounts isn't able to happen, what about a clone planet function? Like a clone save game? That way the planet can be re-assigned in the new name while the other person can delete their vs of it.

To add in again.... (sorry!!!) how do you copy saved games from one pc to another????

Re:Answering your feedback about Spore Online Accounts

tms3060 — GMT

Who do I contact for fixing my registration key so I can connect it with my online account?
I've tried to use the troubleshooting tools provided on the Spore site but nothing is working out.

Re:Answering your feedback about Spore Online Accounts

Strudo — GMT

Fantastic news with this change. I don't see one galaxy being a problem at all, as long as creature ownership and achievements are linked to individual screen names.

[quote=delvine]is ther a way 4 all my acheivements 2 be relocked so i can open them again[/quote]

This is of interest to me also. I'd like to add other screen names for family member when it's available, but I think they would want to have their achievements all locked to begin with, a fresh start for each screen name so to speak. Just showing interest in this sort of feature so hopefully it will be an option once the achievement part of this change is implemented.

Simon

Re:Answering your feedback about Spore Online Accounts

KamiPoi — GMT

Wow an update and a worrisom problem gone and also dmr being loosend.Stand 'em up and knock 'em down! now i hope the next patch has something for performance and to make space much much easyer on easy mode then ill be set.

Great work maxis and maybe EA depending on how far down the rabbit whole goes.

Re:Answering your feedback about Spore Online Accounts

gstommylee — GMT

TMS3060

I have read on another forum regarding the problem with the registration key. maxislucky should be one you should contact with your problem.

Re:Answering your feedback about Spore Online Accounts

Rhedd — GMT

[quote=crazyjadles]Awesome! I am extremely happy to hear all of this. By chance, do you think that Maxis will be able to do a "Once off" change of creator for current creatures?

Like the first time you load the game after the new features are implemented you are able to go through and delegate planets and creatures to the certain Screen Names?
I've seen some games do this in the past, just as a 1 time only thing. Maybe a permanent thing also? A drop down menu where the creator box is with all the Screen Names and then an 'Update' button like the description and tags.
Might be trickier than my little C++ programming brain is envisioning.
As for the planets, I know my husband would love to have his Draconians under his ScreenName. Something to do a one time delegation to his name would be fantastic!

Either way, a suggestion for the team if they haven't already thought about it and vetoed the idea.

On a side note:
I'm under the impression that the planets will still be in the same universe for every screen name? But the planets are locked to be played by the creators name? I could be wrong, but from what the original post read and what some people have asked i'm somewhat confused. I will go back and re-read it anyway, but if anyone has any ideas

ETA: Have the players noticed that in one galaxy there is always 6 new planets? I have about 5 populated planets and there is always a new planet generated. Having multiple galaxies isn't a big deal, as long as other screen names don't have access to your game.[/quote]There's two sides to every coin, and I really, really hope that planets do NOT get locked to a particular user name.

Why?

Because my wife has made two wonderful empires, so far, and she was forced to do it under my name. When she's able to use her own name, it would seriously suck any goodness out of that addition if she'd lose everything she'd done so far, in exchange.

As for the wrong screennames on creatures, just resaving them once would fix that, except you'd lose any comments.

Re:Answering your feedback about Spore Online Accounts

rpgking — GMT

Not sure this will get seen, but when you implement this will we be able to reassign creatures to the various screen names? Right now my wife and I both have our own planets and we've obviously made our own creatures, but they all show up as having been made by me. I would like to be able to flag her creations to the new screen name.

Thanks!

Re:Answering your feedback about Spore Online Accounts

Cysgodi — GMT

[quote=rhedd][There's two sides to every coin, and I really, really hope that planets do NOT get locked to a particular user name.

Why?

Because my wife has made two wonderful empires, so far, and she was forced to do it under my name. When she's able to use her own name, it would seriously suck any goodness out of that addition if she'd lose everything she'd done so far, in exchange.

As for the wrong screennames on creatures, just resaving them once would fix that, except you'd lose any comments.[/quote]

You may want to check out this thread.....

http://forum.spore.com/jforum/posts/list/1737.page#11995

As it looks like there is a possibility here for you to copy your saves and rename them to her login, which in theory should allow her to continue with her empires and just delete your content.

At least it's worth a try if the content is locked down.

Re:Answering your feedback about Spore Online Accounts

benhead — GMT

Thank you.

Let me say it once more. [i]Thank you.[/i]

I and my wife will be very happy that we'll be able to each have our creations credited to ourselves, rather than to a single name. Each having our own buddy list will be nice, too. She's been holding off on even starting the game because of the previous limitations - I guess this means I won't get to play much this weekend.

I was getting really jaded with EA, but this raises my opinion of them considerably.

Thanks again. I've already switched my recommendation on the game from no to yes with one of my coworkers who's been on the fence.

Re:Answering your feedback about Spore Online Accounts

jedimasta — GMT

Thank you for listening and reacting. I'm not necessarily pleased with how the situation was handled to begin with, but I my faith in the company has increased. Now my wife and I can have separate accounts and all is well in the world(s) of Spore.

Re:Answering your feedback about Spore Online Accounts

Tetraptous — GMT

Between this and the quick turn around on the patch (which addressed most of the gameplay concerns that were reasonably easy-to-implement ), I'm feeling pretty good about the Spore team. I think we all know EA/Maxis would like to turn Spore into a franchise, much like the Sims, so it's good to see that they appear to be committed to establishing the initial base game and making their current users happy before they ask for addition money via expansions.

For all of the complaints some people seem to have, the turn-around on the first patch and now this issue has been unusually quick. I can remember many games which were unplayably buggy on most machines which weren't patched for months.

Re:Answering your feedback about Spore Online Accounts

nefirian — GMT

Well played, EA.
Well played.

Keep this up, and I might come to like you as much as Blizzard!

Re:Answering your feedback about Spore Online Accounts

elektrodragon — GMT

It seems MaxisLucy is intent on answering everyone's questions BUT mine.

[b]Let me ask again....[/b]

If I have a Spore.com account with created creatures but am forced to only have a sub-account in Spore.... will I ever see my creatures in the game, like my wife with her "entitled" Spore.com account was able to?

Re:Answering your feedback about Spore Online Accounts

joesocwork — GMT

Good! Now my daughter should now no longer have to be annoyed by my carnivores attacking her herbivores!

It'll also be great to see my daughter and my son's creations being posted as their creations.

Re:Answering your feedback about Spore Online Accounts

loz — GMT

(I have a question, but please answer elektrodragon above first)

My question is: any word yet on when we can expect this feature? Thanks.

Re:Answering your feedback about Spore Online Accounts

Rekrapt4 — GMT

I never really had an issue with the number of installs, but that's great they are upping those. I am particularly pleased to hear the news about user accounts, since I was unable to get a straight answer from EA Support beyond directing me to the Spore "FAQ"... essentially, a non-answer.

It sounds as though the account I created with the Creature Creator is still lost. I suppose I'll just have to import the creatures I built in CC to the new screen name, modify them a bit, and re-save them. At least, to that effect, I hope I've understood the discussion here so far.

And, although I am glad to see that EA intends to do something about the one-account-per-game issue, I must admit that I am shocked multiple account functionality was not built into the architecture of the game to begin with. Frankly, I find this claim dubious, to say the least, since there were no such limitations within the Creature Creator's account system.

Never-the-less, I know the Spore developers worked diligently to create a game that could be enjoyed by all ages and I thank them for the dedication and hard work. My oldest daughter has been thoroughly enjoying the game (she is 11) and although I have not been playing because of the account issue, I have enjoyed watching her mind grow as a result of the concepts that are being presented to her. So, thank you again, developers.

I also think that the "Suits" at EA had more to do with this problem than not. If that is true, it is that very mentality that has brought the United States to the current specter of economic collapse we're facing.

All that being said; I await the patch...

Re:Answering your feedback about Spore Online Accounts

crazyjadles — GMT

[quote=rhedd]There's two sides to every coin, and I really, really hope that planets do NOT get locked to a particular user name.

Why?

Because my wife has made two wonderful empires, so far, and she was forced to do it under my name. When she's able to use her own name, it would seriously suck any goodness out of that addition if she'd lose everything she'd done so far, in exchange.

As for the wrong screennames on creatures, just resaving them once would fix that, except you'd lose any comments.[/quote]

I would only prefer the planets to be locked if this were a possibility. I'm sure a once off delegation of planets to screennames shouldn't be that hard. Also going through and re-saving all creatures to a new name is also a PITA for players, it would also mean there would be a double up on a LOT of creatures on the sporepedia. I think there is enough on that thing as it is without doubles of everything. If the option to 'Update' the creator of the creature (only on creatures created on that computer mind you!) that would make life easier and just consist of one entity changed in the sporepedia database.

Re:Answering your feedback about Spore Online Accounts

heints — GMT

Inside the help section of the forums a topic regarding this issue was locked by a mod. Is this how things are going to work? Are we trying to bury the issue now?

It's a simple matter that could have been resolved with a few keystrokes. I guess it's time to spark things back up.

Re:Answering your feedback about Spore Online Accounts

drizzt31 — GMT

It looks to be a start but can someone tell me if there is anyway to change the email account linked to my spore account?

Answering your feedback about Spore Online Accounts

dizzymomma — GMT

Edit: Right forum wrong page, didn't see the page 8.

I still think something like this should have been determined before the game was released, But I am happily surprised at the quickness of the patch and the response to fix this rather large impediment of the game.

I have played SIMS 2 for years and generally it takes them a month of more to even discus a patch let alone get it out. This game has only been out 3 weeks. THANK YOU.

I have the game installed on my laptop so I have a different Galaxy altogether so that part of it doesn't bother me. I'd rather it go to my spore account but I will live with this until something else gets fixed and I can stop playing an online game OFFLINE!!!

Re:Answering your feedback about Spore Online Accounts

crazyjadles — GMT

[quote=heints]Inside the help section of the forums a topic regarding this issue was locked by a mod. Is this how things are going to work? Are we trying to bury the issue now?

It's a simple matter that could have been resolved with a few keystrokes. I guess it's time to spark things back up.[/quote]

Sorry but what are you talking about?

Re:Answering your feedback about Spore Online Accounts

earthbounder64 — GMT

So did I miss it, or has this just not been answered...
Will we be able to bring existing Creature Creator accounts in under a registered account, or will these people have to have a whole new sub-account made to be able to play online?

Re:Answering your feedback about Spore Online Accounts

Lucifire — GMT

Great! 1 problem solved, 999 to go. I appreciate this, this will make for some interesting Space Age meetings. Now how about you guys do something about the gameplay maybe?

Re:Answering your feedback about Spore Online Accounts

Plasmatic — GMT

so will we beable to battle on a lan connection with multiple screen names? or is this just for the sake of more screen names? it doesn't make sense why you guys would work on such a dumb thing when there are much bigger things to be fixed

Re:Answering your feedback about Spore Online Accounts

midarc — GMT

Informative post.
Seeing some very positive steps here.
Got to say, I like the direction Maxis are choosing to take.
Covers my two main issues with the game at any rate.

Re:Answering your feedback about Spore Online Accounts

Sunyavadin — GMT

Good step. Keep it up and I *MAY* regain the sliver of confidence that was repeatedly taken into a back alley and beaten up by EA over C&C3.

Re:Answering your feedback about Spore Online Accounts

loz — GMT

Any news on when we can expect this update?

Re:Answering your feedback about Spore Online Accounts

Bigrob7605 — GMT

[quote=freyar]This would put the Chelkan Empire at ease with this incident, and therefore upon the implementation of this plan, we will recall the Starship Galase Mark II from Maxis borders.[/quote]

Hummm... Im all for Roleplay.. But man lol... Not tryin to be mean =P. But uh.. You go about your everyday business acting/talking like that? Example... Some one call's you. Do you ask them for 100,000 dollar's and you will like them better and after payment you will form an alliance with them? Just wonderin lol....

Goin outside and collecting leafs and paintin them purple & pink and tryin to hussle them off for 75,000 dollar's a pop =P

Re:Answering your feedback about Spore Online Accounts

SebaMan — GMT

i love how the maxis people care about us

Re:Answering your feedback about Spore Online Accounts

sedman — GMT

In addition to everyone else...

Give me what I expect and what is only reasonable!
I did not read on the box that its licensed to 1 sign on and 1 galaxy!
This is the first game I have ever encountered which didnt allow you to start over!!!! WTF!
If I wanted to start again, I'd have no choice than to go out and buy another copy, WTF!

They better fix this ...

Re:Answering your feedback about Spore Online Accounts

Gritmonger — GMT

I have a question.

It was mentioned by a moderator in one locked and subsequently deleted thread (all in angry red letters, mind you) that if a person was banned from the forum, this would also ban and lock out their copy of [b][i]Spore[/i][/b], so that they would have to buy another copy to get back online. This was not implied, but stated explicitly.

Is this true?

Does banning on the forum equal a $60 fine and destruction of all your online content and achievements?

Re:Answering your feedback about Spore Online Accounts

SporeMasterKaliena — GMT

I am not aware of any connection to being banned from the Forum and being banned from Spore--we are looking into that posting situation.

Re:Answering your feedback about Spore Online Accounts

andybates — GMT

About starting over with a new galaxy: Uh, no, you don’t need to buy a new copy of Spore to start over again! All you need to do is delete your saved game. Once that is gone, you will start over with a brand-new galaxy.

Can we keep the paranoia to a minimum, please?

Re:Answering your feedback about Spore Online Accounts

BrigandPhantos — GMT

All I want to know is when are you guys "Maxis" going to fix what this patch did? I'm not playing it, or buying another game by you until this has been fixed. Also, I know someone said to try re-installing this game. Well, I am already on my second install because the first install didn't run under Windows Vista. So I booted into WinXP and installed it. "Dual Boot System". Now if I have to uninstall it and reinstall it, what happens if I get nailed with a virus, and have to wipe something on my system? This'll mean I have to pay another $50 to play this game which I already bought and owned.

Re:Answering your feedback about Spore Online Accounts

earthbounder64 — GMT

A) This topic isn't about the patch. Go find one that is.
B) If you burn through your install limit, you simply have to call/e-mail customer service, explain the situation, and you'll get more installs given to you.
C) They've already stated(I don't recall where ATM) that they are planning on loosening the DRM install limit anyway.
So just chill out.

Re:Answering your feedback about Spore Online Accounts

BrigandPhantos — GMT

Don't tell me to chill out. I was simply stating a point in the only thread that seems to be getting responses by the people who run this sight. So you learn some manners. And watch what you say.

Re:Answering your feedback about Spore Online Accounts

BrigandPhantos — GMT

[quote=earthbounder64]A) This topic isn't about the patch. Go find one that is.
[/quote]

Your exactly right. It's about Online Accounts, and that's exactly what I am talking about. If I reinstall my game, and I have to do it again, what happens if it's locked out on me.

Re:Answering your feedback about Spore Online Accounts

frost0fractal — GMT

As from what I understand so far.... this has yet to be implemented, and we're all just twiddling our thumbs waiting for them to give us an ETA?

Am I correct?

FYI too, we're gamers, and we don't "wait" for things to get fixed. So I'm imagining tons of people will have that issue where 2 people have created content (on separate planets mind you) under 1 username, and will need to migrate some of that content (one or more planets) to a new username once the feature is available.

Sure the achievements might be muddled, the only way to not cheat gamers on that would be to migrate all the achievements to the new username, as well as keep them on the old username, sure you're getting more achievements than you really earned, but it's better than shafting you on ones you toiled for.

So to reiterate on the important points of this fix:

1 - You'll have 1 registered Spore account that you paid $50 for
2 - You'll have 5 usernames possible for that account
3 - You'll be able to install Spore on multiple machines
4 - You'll be able to login to the same account at the same time on multiple machines with separate usernames from that account (this is a must for those that play while sitting next to their significant other)
5 - There will need to be a way to successfully migrate data over from current Spore games where multiple users have been playing under the same username

Re:Answering your feedback about Spore Online Accounts

howdyboy — GMT

This sounds very cool. I gather this is in the works. When might we expect this to happen? I don't mean to be a nervous Nelly, but my son and wife are chomping at the bit to track their own achievements. Not that I mind sharing my galaxy with them, but the option would be lovely. Thanks ever so.

Todd

Re:Answering your feedback about Spore Online Accounts

BrigandPhantos — GMT

[quote=frost0fractal]
5 - There will need to be a way to successfully migrate data over from current Spore games where multiple users have been playing under the same username[/quote]

I honestly don't see how you could achieve this unless userdata is stored with each planet getting it's own file, in a user folder on your OS, and the game looking in these user folders to locate planet and user data for individual games.

And just like Windows uses to create new users, keep a generic folder to pre-load certain items for you.

If this confuses you, let me know and I'll re-state.

Re:Answering your feedback about Spore Online Accounts

GraniteRock — GMT

I had a harddrive crash and was able to restore all of my data spore games and creatures in Vista by copying over all the Spore data from two parts on my harddrive. So if you are using 2 computers it should just be a matter of migrating that data over and deleting the planets that are not yours and logging in with the new screen name. A novice program should be able to write a utility that would copy your data for multiplayer single computers. How this will all look and work and only speculative at this point because we don't know how maxis will implement the extra screen names.

Re:Answering your feedback about Spore Online Accounts

earthbounder64 — GMT

On the note of install limits...
From my understanding, it's only limited to 3 installs on different computers.
Supposedly, you can install on the same computer any number of times you wish.

Re:Answering your feedback about Spore Online Accounts

MaxisLucky — GMT

[quote=elektrodragon]It seems MaxisLucy is intent on answering everyone's questions BUT mine.

[b]Let me ask again....[/b]

If I have a Spore.com account with created creatures but am forced to only have a sub-account in Spore.... will I ever see my creatures in the game, like my wife with her "entitled" Spore.com account was able to?

[/quote]

You will have a chance to see them - since they will all be in the same database (albeit with different creator names).

-caryl

Re:Answering your feedback about Spore Online Accounts

MaxisLucky — GMT

[quote=loz]Any news on when we can expect this update?[/quote]

We are working on this - and when I have an idea about when the work will be finished and when it will be tested, I'll post back.

-caryl

Answering your feedback about Spore Online Accounts

dizzymomma — GMT

With the code changes and server re-configs I would expect about a month or more. Having dabbled a little in computer code this doesn't seem like a quick fix plan. Plus I would like them to take as much time as needed so that it is right the first time and doesn't have to be patched shortly there after.

Re:Answering your feedback about Spore Online Accounts

goomf — GMT

I uninstalled Spore i how removed secuROM dam ?If you uninstall the game, it doesn't uninstall secuROM?
I seen it

http://www.gamespot.com/pc/strategy/spore/show_msgs.php?topic_id=m-1-43507702&pid=926714

Here's the problem with secuROM:
It's not that it's an authentication system that's a problem, it's the intrusiveness of the program.

1.) It's not listen on the box or the instructions that secuROM is being installed.
2.) If you uninstall the game, it doesn't uninstall secuROM.
3.) On some recent games, secuROM locks the ADMINISTRATOR OF THE COMPUTER out of editing its registry entries, something only malware does.
4.) On some recent games, secuROM uses intentionally corrupt file/directory install names, to hide from the computer.
5.) It has no uninstaller included, and the procedure for removing it mimics that of removing many viruses or spyware,.

As in, it installs without user knowledge, isn't removed when the game is uninstalled, and takes measures that disable full administrator access, tools a malicious virus writer could hijack to take over a user's machine. It's not the copy protection that's the problem, it's the malware behavior of the system itself.