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BioWare Backs Down From Draconian Mass Effect Authentication

kotaku.com — "When Mass Effect comes to the computer it will not use SecuROM.... The developer said the decision came after listening "very closely" to its fans and that the new system will also allow gamers to play the game without the DVD in the drive."

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  • logicalnoise, on 05/10/2008, -11/+128The old bioware shines through.
    • Enjia, on 05/10/2008, -8/+21it's still securROM'd, and you still need internet at least once to play it, LAME!!
      • ortucis, on 05/10/2008, -7/+2Then buy it and don't complain about them 'bugs' (cause of protection) on their forum like other normal people..

        I have 'never' ever had any problem with these protections and I don't really care about them until they expect us to check online every 10 days. Online check for updates is just fine.
        • Azriel7, on 05/10/2008, -0/+17Ok, remember that when you want to reinstall their games a few years down the road and the servers are turned off or they are out of business.
          • kris33, on 05/10/2008, -4/+1They will probably release a patch that removes the copy protection before that.
        • daizaru, on 05/10/2008, -0/+11Problem is most of them are known issues that secuROM refuses to remedy. I use process explorer and in order to get games to load I am forced to reboot and make sure the program doesn't load its drivers or the game still won't boot even with the program closed. The rebooting is the solution and their logic is that becasue the program can monitor what secuROM is actually doing on my PC it's deemed not allowed. See how invasive that is?

          The fact that companies still use this protection is pretty appalling.
          • pigfister, on 05/10/2008, -0/+4what do you expect from the makers of screwUrom, sony! they are anti-consumer all the way.
      • daizaru, on 05/10/2008, -4/+1indeed, buried as lame for the sensationalist caption, it's obviously intentional and you can tell by the comments how many people aren't actually reading the article itself.
    • radixus, on 05/10/2008, -4/+27They only threw crumbs to the gaming community that was so vocal . . . and sadly the gamers threw praise towards BioWare and EA! Which is sad, because they are still using the malware that is called SecuROM, minus the 10-day activation (which is great, but like I said just crumbs.) The community was so quick to forgive they gave up fighting EA further to eliminate the DRM completely.

      The community got the evil empire to flinch and now we're back to square one showing them that DRM is wrong no matter how they set it up.
      • llamaguy132, on 05/10/2008, -1/+4no one said we aren't still fighting DRM.
      • nogami, on 05/10/2008, -0/+2The sad thing is that this is basically STILL the DRM that Bioshock that that ***** everyone off.

        I can't help but wonder if their "cunning plan" was to announce some draconian DRM, then decide to "back off" and "play nice" so people are happy with the DRM that's functionally equivalent to Bioshock (which was cracked anyway, so really only punished purchasers of the game - like me)...
    • Fracture98, on 05/10/2008, -1/+14They're not shining through. It's DRM'd to the teeth with the worse virus out there.

      Let me see: be legal, and have all sorts of trouble with poorly written DRM, or grab a cracked copy a few days before release and not have to deal with any of the hassle... let me think... let me think...
      • Murdats, on 05/10/2008, -1/+8its why I pirated bioshock, screw having a game tell me how I can use my computer.
      • Raptor007, on 05/10/2008, -4/+4So buy it, then get a crack from GameCopyWorld. Support PC game developers, or we'll all be stuck playing everything on consoles. YUCK.
        • Murdats, on 05/10/2008, -1/+6I will support developers who dont feel they have the right to hijack my computer so I can enjoy the privilege of playing their game.
        • j4200, on 05/11/2008, -2/+1HAH dugg down. Go figure. You won't support them but you LOVE their games. What a little princess you are in order to dictate what you are aloud to steal from people.
      • j4200, on 05/11/2008, -1/+1cracking in order to avoid the DRM is no excuse to steal the game. You can still buy it.
    • Raptor007, on 05/10/2008, -0/+2It's worth noting that Spore has also backed down from the terrible draconian scheme:
      http://digg.com/pc_games/Spore_to_remove_SecuROM

      I'd rather they just drop SecuROM entirely, but this is a step in the right direction at least.
    • pigfister, on 05/10/2008, -0/+5sony's screwUrom is still being used, as is the need for a net authorisation, can't w8 to see the outcry when sony do this rolling activation on blu-ray's.

      but what do you expect from anti consumer sony!

      Name, shame and boycott anti consumer ppl

      The BPI Are: SONY, UNIVERSAL, WARNER GROUP, EMI.

      The RIAA Soundexchange Are: SONY, UNIVERSAL, WARNER GROUP, EMI.

      The IFPI Are: The same anti consumer lot as listed above!

      The MPAA Are: SONY, UNIVERSAL, WARNER GROUP, DISNEY, PARAMOUNT, FOX.
  • DanteDefiance, on 05/10/2008, -15/+31Bioware truly rocks. They seem to get a lot of poo for not delivering everything promised with Mass Effect, but gosh darn it....that game superb. Certainly better than any RPG out that year and I dare say of this console generation.

    Keep up the terrific work Bioware!

    Man I was really Ned Flanders in that post...erino.
  • tmbrwolf19, on 05/10/2008, -5/+47Being a big fan of Bioware, I am happy at this announcement. While I am no fan of DRM schemes (since for the most part its a battle lost before its even fought) this is at least a sensible approach. Let the thing validate and be done with it. The idea of it continually having to recheck was not only absurd, but runs so many other risks that would all lead to a ***** off fan base. I can respect some initiative to protect your product, but not when it comes at my expense.
  • wakesabre, on 05/10/2008, -23/+8This was a triumph.
    • Llanowar, on 05/10/2008, -5/+11I'm making a note here...

      You suck ass.
      • bagboyrebel, on 05/10/2008, -0/+1Thank you for stopping it before it got out of hand.
        • lacronicus, on 05/10/2008, -2/+1It's hard to overstate my satisfaction.
  • aelias, on 05/10/2008, -12/+7I find it exceedingly difficult to improve upon my current level of satisfaction.
  • xTalent, on 05/10/2008, -11/+6Thank god, I really don't like leaving disks in my DVD / BL drive as it makes a hell of a lot of noise :P
  • skinrock, on 05/10/2008, -2/+45Sounds like they are still using SecuROM, just a "modification". I'd be happier if they dropped SecuROM all together and not give them the business.
    • aelias, on 05/10/2008, -2/+10They are probably contractually obligated at this point. See if they use them for the next one.
      • MavRevMatt, on 05/10/2008, -1/+10That and EA Games forces them to.
    • daizaru, on 05/10/2008, -4/+3Yeah I personally was less bothered by the 10-day thing then the fact they are using secuROM. I'd still have to reboot to get around it and have it actually let me play the game... something I am reluctant to do on principal.
    • lacronicus, on 05/10/2008, -0/+1Even if they are, what does it matter? The only bad thing about DRM is that it bothers legitimate users, but if they make it so that it no longer bothers legitimate users, then DRM isn't a problem anymore. This really doesn't seem all that bad, so unless you simply don't like having software called "securom" on your computer, I don't see what your problem is.
  • popolop, on 05/10/2008, -6/+4Great move. It'll keep the people who bought it very pleased and there's no point in trying to secure it because there's always a way around it, so it'll keep the pirates happy as well. A win-win.
    • ortucis, on 05/10/2008, -8/+3I bet you keep your main door at home unlocked all of the time as well. I mean, there's a way around it as well, why bother closing?
      • baalzy, on 05/10/2008, -0/+1Why buy a game that makes it a pain in the ass for the average consumer when the people who want to pirate it are going to pirate it anyways? All SecuROM or any DRM does is slow the crackers down for about half a day before they crack it. For every smart employee working to secure this software, there are 10 crackers who are just as smart itching to be the first one to crack it. IMO Bioware should just save the developement $$$ and go with a simple CD-key setup like the good ole days. I can pretty much guarente that they're going to sell just as many copies either way, but not having to pay for the securom 'serivce' is more cost effective.
  • coresnake, on 05/10/2008, -9/+38ITS A TRAP!!
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  • ch4os1337, on 05/10/2008, -4/+9Let this be an example.
  • Ymeg, on 05/10/2008, -2/+26I hope these changes are made in Spore.
  • harrisbradley, on 05/10/2008, -8/+2I remember when I was more interested in people liking what I did rather than the return. It's human nature I think.
  • CReyes4182, on 05/10/2008, -5/+12Just for that I'll get this game.. legally :p
    • Enjia, on 05/10/2008, -3/+11still SecurROM'd still need internet to install it, will crap out after the third install.
      • rkzda, on 05/10/2008, -1/+3That's all before hacks. Installation will be infinite thereafter.
      • lacronicus, on 05/10/2008, -1/+1No, you'll have to contact EA for a third install; that's hardly "crapping out."
  • aznhomig, on 05/10/2008, -5/+34No SecuROM is a good SecuROM.
    • Enjia, on 05/10/2008, -5/+10it's still secureROM, read the article.
      • daizaru, on 05/10/2008, -2/+2It's amazing how many people never read the article, but this really should get buried as lame for the subcaption as the person was clearly trying to fool people.
  • ToadLeg, on 05/10/2008, -12/+7"Q: Will EA or BioWare take any personal information from my computer during an authentication?

    A: Absolutely not. We do not take any personal information from your computer. The system simply verifies that a valid CD key has been provided and assigns that activation to that PC."

    This is a lie.
    Unless they have come up with a magical new internet protocol that does not use IP addresses.
    • indigit4l, on 05/10/2008, -5/+4That's something YOU provide them, genius. I mean, what a ***** idiot.
      • ToadLeg, on 05/10/2008, -1/+3I suppose you consider the information collected by a, trojan, a "free* ipod site", or any other data mining system to be provided by YOU as well.

        To clarify, I don't think that providing an IP address for this is any kind of privacy invasion - we all have to do it to access Digg or any other site or data transfer on the internet. The point is that the generalization that "absolutely no personal information" is gathered is a lie.
  • nusuni, on 05/10/2008, -2/+3It's great to see game developers start to allow users to play games without CD. Blizzard has already released patches to allow it for starcraft and warcraft 3, and also possibly diablo 2 (haven't played in a while) and WoW (never played).
    • Ymeg, on 05/10/2008, -1/+7Are there any MMOs that require a CD?
    • irinotecan, on 05/10/2008, -0/+5BioWare did the same for NWN when it reached End of Life.
    • HolyChimp, on 05/10/2008, -0/+4One of the things I loved about Dark Crusade was the lack of CD requirement. Unfortunately they brought it back with Soulstorm, the bastards.
  • Cyborg326, on 05/10/2008, -3/+8Not perfect, but definitely an iprovment.
    • Fracture98, on 05/10/2008, -1/+4We're not going to waterboard you any more... just repeatedly hit your testicles with a large, knotted rope.
      • ch33sehead, on 05/10/2008, -0/+2Um, can you just waterboard me please?
  • ryodoan, on 05/10/2008, -9/+20Q: What happens when I’ve reached the maximum # of computers for my game and I need more, say due to theft of computer, computer crashes, etc?

    A: EA customer service is on hand to supply any additional authorizations that are warranted. This will be done on a case-by-case basis by contacting customer support.

    So yeah, not buying this game either....
    • ElSnuggles, on 05/10/2008, -13/+7This sounds reasonable to me. What's wrong with it? Do you have 20 computers that you want to play this game on or something? Why?

      Personally, I'm happy with the switch. It makes sense.
      • alexforcefive, on 05/10/2008, -1/+23It's fine right now, but what about in five or ten years' time when you want to play the game again, but all the customer support lines have closed?
        • Planets, on 05/10/2008, -5/+2EA still supports Ultima Online, and that came out about 11 years ago. Also, Mass Effect will get downloadable content, and that won't happen for a while. In that light, EA should support Mass Effect for quite a long time, considering also that it's part of a trilogy.
          • alexforcefive, on 05/10/2008, -0/+1You're probably right about the trilogy thing, but you might find that EA makes us buy Mass Effect 1 three times, like valve have done with HL2 =D
        • Aensland, on 05/10/2008, -0/+6^^ Exactly the problem. Turnover in this industry is damn high. Hell, some of us were bringing this issue to attention years ago, guess what the company pooh-poohed us. Now they're out of business, and we're all *****. Bah.
        • focom, on 05/10/2008, -3/+1They'll probably release a patch a couple years down the line that removes the copy protection. Bioware did this for Neverwinter Nights and Kotor I believe.
          • Ahnteis, on 05/10/2008, -0/+3Probably? I'll probably get around to buying it.
    • xNarrowSoulx, on 05/10/2008, -10/+4That plan is extremely accommodating and sensible. If for some reason you max out the number of PC's, or your computer is stolen or something, a call to EA isn't that big of a deal.
      • babykicker, on 05/10/2008, -0/+8It is not a big deal until EA decides that you don't deserve another activation. EA says it will look at extra activations on a case by case basis, there is no guarantee you will be allowed more than three activations. Its Bioshock all over again, your not buying the game, just renting it. Ten dollars says on the release day the activation servers are swamped preventing legit customers from playing. Another ten bucks says that its on thepiratebay within a day of release with no securerom activation, proving once again that the copyright protection only affects those who legally purchase the game.
    • cyrax6, on 05/10/2008, -0/+5Essentially what they are saying is that AFTER you have BOUGHT the game, THEY decide how you can use the game. This is bad. Real bad. What about first sale? If I don't like the game (I seriously doubt it), can I sell it to someone? This is like selling a car to someone and everytime you sell it to someone and having to request the keys to YOUR car from the car company. The only things you really need are the insurance documents and the sale agreement.
      I am not buying this game. I love Bioware to the point that I bought Neverwinter Nights three times till date (everytime I lost one I bought another one).
  • Beatmiser, on 05/10/2008, -10/+1I'm sure the same people who were using the authentication as a reason to pirate the game DEFINITELY are going to buy it now then?
    • 4Prophecy, on 05/10/2008, -2/+5I am, and I already own the 360 version (+ a CE I got from TSFC). I'm willing to support companies that demonstrate sense and quality products. :)

    • HolyChimp, on 05/10/2008, -1/+2I won't be getting this since I've got the 360 version, but Spore is back on my shopping list.
    • Loonacy, on 05/10/2008, -0/+4Talk to me when they remove SecuROM completely.
  • crispynoodle, on 05/10/2008, -2/+25Got to love the way the gaming industry treats it's customer base like thieves....except for said thieves of cause, they dont get any of this crap in thier cracked version 6 hours after release
    • indigit4l, on 05/10/2008, -7/+2They/we are thieves. I usually only buy mega-hit games (i.e orange box, crysis, bioshock), mostly for multiplayer, and download lesser titles for free. I am planning on buying Mass Effect though, b/c I wouldn't buy a failbox
    • Skooma714, on 05/10/2008, -0/+126 hours after release? Try 6 days BEFORE release.
      • Cruelapollo, on 05/10/2008, -0/+3Or in the case of Mario Kart Wii, several weeks.
    • iamaelephant, on 05/10/2008, -5/+1I'm sick of the local convenience store treating me like a thief by locking their doors after hours. *****.
      • baalzy, on 05/10/2008, -0/+3More like. I'm sick of getting patted down by a security guard before and after I leave the store. Oh, and I'm not allowed to wear cargo pants because they have a greater capacity to hold stolen goods.
  • AzraDarkness, on 05/10/2008, -8/+7YAH!!!!!!!!!!! Now to wait for the cracked EXE and DLL files :D
    • Planets, on 05/10/2008, -4/+4You're part of the reason this was considered in the first place.
      • SoyCockail, on 05/10/2008, -0/+6Since people like AzraDarkness are going to crack the game anyways they put in DRM to punish customers who don't crack the game? That makes sense. The whole reason I crack games that I bought is because of the ridiculous DRM, and requiring a CD to play the game.
    • Ahnteis, on 05/10/2008, -0/+2I buy my games. I get the cracked EXE (etc) to get around the crap they put in MY PURCHASE. Half the time the game won't even run properly without a no-cd patch.
      • MacSuxWindozSux, on 05/10/2008, -2/+3That's BS. You're just annoyed (like the rest of us) that you have to keep the cd in the drive.
  • xaervagon, on 05/10/2008, -14/+2Alright, now that SecureROM is gone, how many of you are actually going to buy the game now?
    • RoboHobo, on 05/10/2008, -0/+4I would, if SecuROM was actually gone. Online activation for offline games is utterly ***** asinine.
  • Planets, on 05/10/2008, -1/+15Does anyone else think the reason they were going to do it in the first place was because of EA?
  • Shadowgamers, on 05/10/2008, -1/+9'our many friends in the armed services and internationally who expressed concerns that they would not be able re-authenticate as often as required'

    Support the troops card?
  • Radan, on 05/10/2008, -1/+26The problem with all the copy protection that has been going on lately is that as long as the systems keeps getting bypassed (which they always have and always will) the only thing that they accomplish is ruining the game for the ones who actually BUYS the game. Same with movies; if I download the movie, I get the movie which I can watch the second I get it on my computer. If I buy it, I will first have to watch through 15 minutes of advertisements and anti theft propaganda (which is kind of ironic as I'M the one who actually paid for the movie) which can't be skipped.

    Even if you disregard the whole "getting it for free" factor, there are still greatly more benefits of downloading the movie/game/whatever than to actually buy it.
    • SoyCockail, on 05/10/2008, -0/+4That is the reason piracy will not go away anytime soon. Through piracy you often get a better product and the only way to get a comparable product with a legitimate copy is though software that bypasses the restrictions that the pirated version has already removed. The crap at the beginning of movies can be skipped with programs like AnyDVD that cracks the css encryption on DVDs.
    • chrispr, on 05/10/2008, -0/+2While I completely agree with your comment, most game companies don't depend on the protection holding up indefinitely. Every day the game is on the shelves and there is no crack the protection is paying for itself, since consumers usually buy it rather than waiting for a cracked version.
      • Ahnteis, on 05/10/2008, -0/+2All they have to do is something similar to steam's decryption key release at the right time. There's no need to limit installs to 3 or any of the other @#$@ they do.
        • OrangeSoda31, on 05/11/2008, -0/+1All they have to do is put it on steam.
  • Enjia, on 05/10/2008, -3/+14still fail, still requires internet before playing can occour, and you can only install it three times before bioware ***** you.
  • Neorio, on 05/10/2008, -7/+12I think the most sensible approach is to leave the validation in, but then release a patch later on that turns off the check about six months later when all the major sales are finished.
    Epic did this with Unreal Tournament 2004.
    • iamaelephant, on 05/10/2008, -0/+5Dunno why you're being dugg down, this is an excellent idea and worked well in UT2k4
    • alricsca, on 05/10/2008, -0/+5I think it should be a freaking law. Does anyone understand that 5 years from now, maybe less, there will be no way to play these games any more? Not only will it render your paid for product useless, it will erase the work from history, and thereby render the expiration of copyright meaningless. It is sickening perversion of any art form to be so reduced.
      • OrangeSoda31, on 05/11/2008, -0/+1It is legal to bypass copy protection in that case, but if you don't know how (like the average Joe), then you are stuck.
    • OrangeSoda31, on 05/11/2008, -0/+1I loved that so much. I bought it, ripped it to my external, and was very sad that it recognized my ripped copy as a fake... then I updated it...
  • ramrod126, on 05/10/2008, -8/+2There was no way I was buying this game before. Now I most likely will.
  • roflganker, on 05/10/2008, -2/+10If I'm on fire and you ***** on me, I'm thankful.

    But you still ***** on me.
  • Krovvy, on 05/10/2008, -6/+2Bioware, you're not gone yet! :>
  • Enjia, on 05/10/2008, -6/+13Keep in mind that every upgrade of your computer bioware will see it as a new computer, and since you can only install three times your *****..
    • ortucis, on 05/10/2008, -6/+2Just how many upgrades will an average user do during the lifetime of this product? (I know RPG's can be replayed but still, it can never be a big issue).
      • aboyd, on 05/10/2008, -1/+6I have played Diablo 2 and Baldur's Gate for about 8 years now. In that time, they've been installed on probably 16 "different" computers (different is in quotes because it was probably only 6 or 7 actually different computers, but each one got some heavy upgrades, which requires a new authorization). It was never installed on multiple computers at the same time, never pirated, always paid for. I just get old computers from friends, piece them together, and try to create good gaming boxes for cheap. The SecuROM system in place today absolutely prohibits what I do. Even if I can beg for an extra authorization, I cannot pull it off 16 times. They cut you off at a certain point, assuming piracy.

        This is why I play games that don't have such restrictions.
    • Fracture98, on 05/10/2008, -2/+1Your ***** what?
    • shertzerj, on 05/10/2008, -1/+2Actually, FTA:
      Q: What happens when I’ve reached the maximum # of computers for my game and I need more, say due to theft of computer, computer crashes, etc?
      A: EA customer service is on hand to supply any additional authorizations that are warranted. This will be done on a case-by-case basis by contacting customer support.
  • anyone4apint, on 05/10/2008, -4/+5Would it be morally wrong to pirate Mass Effect on PC if I have already paid $70 for it on 360?
    • Kwipper, on 05/10/2008, -2/+8From Bioware's perspective. Yes.

      From my perspective. No.
    • HolyChimp, on 05/10/2008, -2/+4Technically yes since extra work went into the creation of the port. Of course, is it morally wrong to change the same for a port as they do for a new game?
      • Planets, on 05/10/2008, -0/+3I assume you meant "charge". I have a couple of points:

        The first point is that it would be fair to charge the same amount because it's geared toward a difference audience, most of which probably have not played it yet. What wouldn't be fair would be to do what they're doing for the PC (polish it up), but release it for the 360 at the price of a new game.

        The second point is that it doesn't cost the same. GameStop is selling it for $40 for the PC.
        • HolyChimp, on 05/11/2008, -0/+2It was meant as a joke, but following your point further, should the polished up version be released as a patch over Live? And yes i meant charge :D
          • Planets, on 05/11/2008, -0/+1I honestly wouldn't see a problem with giving 360 users a patch since they've already paid for the game once.
    • ch33sehead, on 05/10/2008, -2/+1Once you become amoral, you don't care.
  • Jadinlee, on 05/10/2008, -1/+5In related news... Bioware announces plans to release downloadable content every 10 days.
  • Deaconstructed, on 05/10/2008, -1/+11Still using SecuROM - just no 10 day periodic reactivation. 3 Activations Limit is still a hot topic.
    • satori3000, on 05/10/2008, -0/+3exactly what I was going to say. secuROM is a right pain the ass and having a limited activation without a clear path of releasing these activations for re-use is just ridiculous.
  • widgetmaker, on 05/10/2008, -5/+1Purchase guaranteed now, since the secuROM fiasco emerged, it was only a 50/50
  • mrsanon, on 05/10/2008, -0/+9bioshock anyone? :/
    • Planets, on 05/10/2008, -4/+1Yep, BioShock rocked. I didn't feel the need to install it 50 times.
      • Ahnteis, on 05/10/2008, -0/+1I had to wait several days to play something I had already purchased. That part definitely did NOT rock.
        • baalzy, on 05/10/2008, -1/+1It took me 3 days to get my legit copy of Bioshock to work.. I could have downloaded and started playing it after about 4 hours instead...
        • Planets, on 05/10/2008, -0/+1@Ahnteis - I understand the frustration, because I went through the same thing. It definitely wasn't fun, but I think too many people completely put off the game because of something like this and it's a shame.
    • OrangeSoda31, on 05/11/2008, -0/+2I thought that the game industry learned their lesson with that game...
  • Cimlite, on 05/10/2008, -3/+4I can see the meeting room now... They browse some boards, find out that everyone hates copy protection... Some bright-eyed fella (or gal for that matter) comes up with the plan "let's just say it's so the customers does not have to have the DVD in the drive to play!" - Brilliant.

    This is basically the same thing but everyone is happy about it. Marketing can do wonders.
  • KlassyGuy, on 05/10/2008, -3/+2I have Mass Effect for the 360, it's amazing. secuROM however, is like a black hole, no amount of amazingness can escape it's evil grasp. I highly recommend picking this game up now that the policy is fair and protects the artists.
    • ortucis, on 05/10/2008, -0/+1Considering the additions and better quality of the game compared to the console version, I have no doubt that most PC gamers were already pre-ordering.

      Also, it's BioWare, they are meant for PC :P
  • destron, on 05/10/2008, -0/+1Thank you BIOWARE.
  • Culyt, on 05/10/2008, -0/+6Strange... one of the best solutions to insane copy protection is piracy...
  • Mysk, on 05/10/2008, -0/+4It's a start, but it's not a fix and I encourage them to take the next logical step. Bioware or EA needs to implement their own online validation system. SecureROM is trashy and I don't want it on my system, but I have no problem with a activating my product once.

    If it becomes problematic in the future then I'll just get a crack / patch for it. You get one validation out of me as a legit customer, but I will not stand for being treated like a criminal and I will not hesitate to take advantage of available tools if you annoy me too damn much.

    As far as not requiring the CD is concerned, it's always great to be talked down to. Do you think you're doing me a favor? I've been using NOCD cracks on my legit games for ages.

    In all, this has got to be a statement from EA's PR. It's just too damn out of touch to come out of Bioware.
    • OrangeSoda31, on 05/11/2008, -0/+1Agreed. Nocd cracks are excellent.
  • AzureRise, on 05/10/2008, -0/+1Is Spore still gonna do this crap?
  • andyd273, on 05/10/2008, -0/+5I'd really like to see more games go with Steams protection.
    I bought half life 2 in the store, and never even took the DVD out of the case. Just typed in the number and installed that way.
    On the other hand, I bought bioshock, installed it from the DVD, went through the activation, and when it was finally all done, it said my DVD was bad. I couldn't even play until I downloaded the no DVD cracked exe... Now I've beaten it, and I have to figure out how to get the crap copy protection off of my computer so that it doesn't mess up anything else.
  • mrgreen371, on 05/10/2008, -0/+4EA was, is, and always will be the Devil. You gamers are too forgiving.
  • greevar, on 05/10/2008, -1/+4They should take a lesson from Iron Clad's "Sins of a Solar Empire". A great game with no ***** DRM to deal with. You don't even need the disc in the drive to play it.
  • daizaru, on 05/10/2008, -1/+9I'm actually burying this as lame for the sub caption. The person is intentionally trying to lead people into believing securom is 100% gone with a clear omission of details. "Securom...." instead of "Securom's 10-day authentication".
  • Zemnexx, on 05/10/2008, -1/+0This is just wonderful news, I was really bummed whenever I heard about the authentication thing because Mass Effect is the number one game I'm looking forward to right now. BioWare rocks for listening to its customers and making a change for the best.
  • Arcaj, on 05/10/2008, -1/+2Just get a cracked .exe if you really care so much about nothing.
  • WildKat037, on 05/10/2008, -0/+4I reformat my computer on a regular basis so after I do it three times I not only have to call Microsoft to activate Windows I have to call EA to activate Mass Effect as well, thanks for making things so much easier for me.
  • yammosk, on 05/10/2008, -0/+3s/Mass Effect/Spore/g :(
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