12 replies to this topic

[SenJe0]

Hi,
I need to make a time limited trial version of my program. This is no joke and I need something that is ultra secure. The only thing I can think of right now is http://www.softwrap....px?page_id=107.
The truth is, I don't want any burden of processing orders and all, plus this is just a project, so I need something that can really simplify things and reduce the workload on me. Also, the problem is I need to read from their dll, softwrap dll to check if indiidual is registerd user or not, then disable features based on the returned information. Can anyone help?

[Rhodox]

Well doing things like reading and writing data to Dlls is very hard to do without corrupting or damaging the Dll

I just use an ini file that marks the Date the program is first run then I get GameMaker to check how long ago that was every time it turns on

After 30 days or however long the trial is I get GameMaker to say "Free trail is over"
With a button that takes them to a webpage where they can get the full thing. And it also runs a batch file that deletes the game.

Well thats how I do it. Probably not the easiest or the best way

[SenJe0]

Well doing things like reading and writing data to Dlls is very hard to do without corrupting or damaging the Dll

I just use an ini file that marks the Date the program is first run then I get GameMaker to check how long ago that was every time it turns on

After 30 days or however long the trial is I get GameMaker to say "Free trail is over"
With a button that takes them to a webpage where they can get the full thing. And it also runs a batch file that deletes the game.

Well thats how I do it. Probably not the easiest or the best way

NO! VERY UNSECURE AND BAD

[sdz]

Well doing things like reading and writing data to Dlls is very hard to do without corrupting or damaging the Dll

I just use an ini file that marks the Date the program is first run then I get GameMaker to check how long ago that was every time it turns on

After 30 days or however long the trial is I get GameMaker to say "Free trail is over"
With a button that takes them to a webpage where they can get the full thing. And it also runs a batch file that deletes the game.

Well thats how I do it. Probably not the easiest or the best way

Then i just delete the .ini file and i can just keep playing. Maybe a registry entry would be a better idea. But i've never used those functions and i'm aware of what can editing the registry do.

[Rhodox]

Well doing things like reading and writing data to Dlls is very hard to do without corrupting or damaging the Dll

I just use an ini file that marks the Date the program is first run then I get GameMaker to check how long ago that was every time it turns on

After 30 days or however long the trial is I get GameMaker to say "Free trail is over"
With a button that takes them to a webpage where they can get the full thing. And it also runs a batch file that deletes the game.

Well thats how I do it. Probably not the easiest or the best way

NO! VERY UNSECURE AND BAD

Beggars cant be choosers
I gave you info on how I do it
If you dislike the idea don't use it. You don't have to go into a Caps rage about it

[SenJe0]

Well doing things like reading and writing data to Dlls is very hard to do without corrupting or damaging the Dll

I just use an ini file that marks the Date the program is first run then I get GameMaker to check how long ago that was every time it turns on

After 30 days or however long the trial is I get GameMaker to say "Free trail is over"
With a button that takes them to a webpage where they can get the full thing. And it also runs a batch file that deletes the game.

Well thats how I do it. Probably not the easiest or the best way

NO! VERY UNSECURE AND BAD

Beggars cant be choosers
I gave you info on how I do it
If you dislike the idea don't use it. You don't have to go into a Caps rage about it

I'm not a begger, I know what I'm about...I only asked for ideas...and there's no need starting under pointless argument. It's not worth time...thanks all...

[TheouAegis]

Registry is the only surefire way. That's how most, if not all, trials work. They also tend to be sneaky or overly complicated, having three or more entries or having misleading or cryptic registry names.

[broadsword]

Yea I never liked the idea of registry entries although it's probably the easiest way. You could hide a file somewhere, but I'm not a fan of that either. It would really be easier to just distribute a limited copy of your game with some content taken out.

[mr magnus]

Yea I never liked the idea of registry entries although it's probably the easiest way. You could hide a file somewhere, but I'm not a fan of that either. It would really be easier to just distribute a limited copy of your game with some content taken out.

this, There are four trial version types I can think of;

the date limit: what you are talking about, the game stops functioning in 30 days (or any amount of times). usually this is done with a registry, or a hidden file somewhere.

the usage limit: same as above, but this time you can only run it 30 times. same formatting

these two are the ones I hate, as they not only make me irritated and probably never buy the program...but that is just me, but you can try the following, as they need no registry.

the demo: functions normally, but has content taken out. the user cannot save and once he reaches a certain level the game stops itself, often including a link to the purchase. only includes removing and making a game_stop object (or something that way).

the time limit: the game turns no. it has nothing cut out, but in a certain amount of time (say 30 minutes, just as a placeholder) the game stops, displays a "Buy me" screen and closes. the player cannot save and has to start from the beginning if he wants to keep playing (or buy the game). this can be as simple as a alarm clock, or a special time-counting object, does not matter.

so, this might help you, or might waster your time, but this should show that the "complicated" trial version can be taken out of the question.

when I was writing the final lines of my little "article" I relished that you are talking about a program that may not even be a game and I have been misunderstanding, giving advice that may not be appropriate for the program....

.....I'll just shut up now, thank you for your time.

good night and sleep well.

[KevinBlazeCoolerz]

I can make it so well, and I'm just use a script (not dll or something else), and I not use save & load method, if you don't believe me, you can download this and try to hack this

Hack This.rar

Please email me if you want the script,, it's 100% by Me

*My email in the Game Informasion of the game

[Noele]

For a quick and easy method you could try the Shareware Extension. It allows you to add a timed trial to your games lasting however long you want. It contains D&D actions and functions you can use in GML. It includes extensive help and a couple of example games to play about with.

[DZiW]

IMO all such perverted and silly scripts and workarounds suxx for even industrial multi-million protection schemes are rather easily hacked and flushed. All one may need is FREE tools like SandBoxIE (virtual box), FileMon, ApiMon and RegMon -- blast it.

So the best and the most efficient way is to
1) use pure demo
2) use full bundle with DEMO exe; REGISTERED exe is downloaded after buying.

Also sometimes it's a good idea to use some machine-dependent ID and provide some REGISTERED data in the exe to diminish possible pirating (e.g. name and email).

So I think that *if* your game is worthy then it will surely be hacked. Why, it's but a commercialized vice.

[SenJe0]

Thanks you all, I love your ideas, I'll try and implement them and give feedback. But for the time being, I'm I the only game maker person who sells their software? Isn't there any commercial person here, or we're all hobyst?

my program is very worth it thats why I'm scared it will get cracked. I already got cracked before..