Having part of the game content handled on the server side is a clear indication that this alway-on DRM is geared towards combating piracy. To suggest "massive amount(s) of computing" on the server side is required to run all of the game's online features and play is nothing more than PR bull****. A modern gaming PC nowadays could easily handle all the features of the glassbox engine. EA and Maxis are treating consumers as fools with this article. It's appalling, and I will not be buying this PR fluffed always-on FU DRM sad excuse of a Sim City game.
CoH was an incredible game. Truly captured the fun factor essence of what an RTS is supposed to be. No resource management, just smart tactics and big explosions.
There's an easy solution to all this: allow an offline single player mode, but make it so any your offline characters are limited only to offline play. Thus, if you want to be able to play online, you would create an "online" character that works online only. This allows Blizzard to keep their online Diablo economy safe, while allowing those without access to internet (such as those in the military, or those living in rural areas) the option to enjoy the game, albeit not at its fullest.
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