In my recent Netbook Gamer on Bioware’s Neverwinter Nights, I highlighted the Premium Modules and even linked to an extended article reviewing them. At that time I mentioned that due to Atari losing the Wizards of the Coast Dungeons & Dragons license, Bioware was no longer able to sell the modules.

Sadly it was brought to my attention today that at some point around the end of January Bioware pulled the plug on the old ‘Bioware Store’, which mostly meant killing off the access to re-download the Premium Modules. So unless you already have the modules installed or the installer files backed up, you are out of luck.

There is some anger at Bioware in their forums, but to be honest it has little to do with them – any more than it would be Valve’s fault if suddenly a publisher pulled a game from their Steam service. Bioware hosted the Atari-published modules in their store, and while Bioware made the main game, the modules were developed by a variety of outside sources and simply contracted by Atari. Aince Atari no longer has the right to sell D&D products, they had to make Bioware pull them down.

I searched around after being contacted regarding my article. According to Bioware Community Manager Chris Priestly:

There is a new Store, but we no longer have anything to do with NwN Premium modules. You would need to contact Atari for help with them as they are the publisher.

and

We gave as much notice as we were given by Atari back when they made us remove the NwN materials from the page which happened back in early November 2009. Sorry.

While I have no idea how long this will continue, I can confirm that the Authentication Servers still work and I was able to get in some Infinite Dungeons last week. The problem is – Atari owns the material and can force them to cease authentication at any time.

One common theme on the Bioware forums: this only punishes those who actually want to pay for games and have access to their purchased materials. Pirates never have these issues – another reminder that the best DRM is the one that doesn’t stop people from giving you money and using their products.