The DRM Dilemma: Unleashing the Handheld Revolution’s Quest for Offline Gaming
Handheld consoles are experiencing a remarkable revival, delivering a premium gaming experience on the go. Now, a new generation of PC-based systems is expanding the gaming possibilities beyond traditional setups. However, there’s an often overlooked Achilles’ heel plaguing these systems: DRM.
While online connectivity has become commonplace, it’s far from universal, especially in remote areas or during travel. Imagine taking your handheld on a road trip, camping, or embarking on an Alaskan cruise with limited internet access. Offline gaming becomes a massive advantage in these scenarios, allowing you to enjoy your favorite titles without connectivity constraints.
Recently, I encountered this predicament myself. As I prepared for my upcoming Alaskan cruise, I knew there would be downtime during the voyage. So, I planned on taking my Steam Deck along to indulge in gaming amidst breathtaking scenery. However, the exorbitantly priced Wi-Fi packages offered by cruise lines made me think twice. That’s when DRM entered the picture.
To circumvent the issue, Steam Deck enthusiasts on the subreddit recommend launching games with an internet connection and then switching Steam to offline mode. While this workaround generally works, it’s not foolproof. Some single-player games now require an online connection just to start, reminiscent of the nightmare scenario we feared when always-online DRM was introduced.
Beyond the inconvenience, this situation undermines the portability and console-like experience that Valve’s Steam Deck aims to provide. The blame doesn’t lie with Valve but rather with publishers driven by piracy concerns. Ironically, even with DRM in place, pirated versions of PC games abound, leaving legitimate customers to navigate unnecessary obstacles. It’s disheartening and makes one wonder about alternative paths.
We understand that DRM isn’t likely to disappear entirely. However, for Valve’s handheld concept to flourish, a middle ground must be found between publishers and hardware manufacturers. Single-player PC games should be as easily playable offline as they are on the Switch. In the meantime, I’ve loaded my Deck with ROMs, embracing the chance to dive into the Xenosaga series after completing Xenoblade.
As the PC handheld space continues to grow, let’s hope for a future where offline gaming thrives, unshackling us from the constant need for an internet connection.
