(Source: [URL]http://www.rockpapershotgun.com/2010/01/20/big-daddy-is-watching-you-bioshock-2-drm/[/URL])
And I quote Rock Paper Shotgun (PC Gaming Blog):
[quote]Okay. Let’s keep this just the facts, as everyone knows what they mean. The tech specs for Bioshock 2 are out. They’re reasonable enough. There’s also some fun DRM. Online verification via SecuRom, with an install limit (15 machines, admittedly). To save the game or play online, you need to be logged into Games for Window Live. This still applies on Steam – so SecuRom and Games For Windows Live are needed in addition to the Steam client. Hmm.[/quote]So let's go over the facts:
[quote]Online Verification[/quote]This means you can't install the game on a PC without internet. Okay, well, most people have the internet, so, not THAT bad.
[quote] via SecuROM[/quote]This is already a dealbreaker for some people, SecuROM is some of the most invasive anti-piracy software around, even going so far as to install rootkits when you install some games.
[quote]15 Install Limit[/quote]This means that if for some weird reason you end up installing the game 15 times, that's it, no more. Your CD key is now invalid. Assuming bioshock becomes some sort of amazing world-renowned game and is played for many years to come, that means you can't play it after upgrading to Windows 22!
Okay, so that's a little silly, but install limits are a big no-no, even with such a high ceiling.
[quote]To save the game or play online, you need to be logged into Games for Window Live.[/quote]Okay, whoa, whoa, whoa. People who enjoy achievements are free to use GFWL in their games but it is considered an enormous pain and more annoying than helpful by most gamers. In addition to not being able to play multiplayer without it, YOU CAN'T EVEN SAVE WITHOUT BEING LOGGED IN? What on earth are they thinking?
[quote]This still applies on Steam – so SecuRom and Games For Windows Live are needed in addition to the Steam client.[/quote]Yes, that's right, even with steam, all of this still applies. Even the install limit.
In closing, Bioshock 2 will be so bloated with DRM, even moreso than SPORE, that it will be unplayable without at least one kind forced down your throat, more than likely two or three. Oh well, there's always System Shock.
[B]UPDATE![/B]:
Official post by a 2k games community manager:
[quote]Hey guys,
As many of you are aware, yesterday Steam's pre-purchase program began and the specs for BioShock 2 were posted along with that announcement.
These specs were taken from the retail packaging of BioShock 2. And since bullet points on the back of the box don't always explain the full story, here is a little more detail about what that means.
BioShock 2 is using a standard Games for Windows Live activation system, much like other games you have played in the past. That doesn't mean you always have to be online to play or save the game - you can create an offline profile for the Single Player portion of the game (you just won't earn achievements and you can't play Multiplayer, of course.)
We are using SecuROM only as a disc check method for the retail copy of BioShock 2. That is it's only use.
I am now checking the final plans for BioShock 2's specifications for Steam - and I'll get you a more complete answer by the end of the week. I have also been compiling a feature that will help answer a host of questions about BioShock 2 on the PC, including a podcast and screenshots of the PC version, and that should be out within a few days as well.
I'm sorry for the confusion, and I hope to clear it up entirely for you soon.
-Elizabeth[/quote]Also, the install limit has been lowered to 5.
[b]Update Update![/b]
[url]http://news.bigdownload.com/2010/01/21/bioshock-2-no-activation-limits-for-pc-version/[/url]
It turns out that there is NO activation limit in the PC version of Bioshock 2. SecuROM is only there to activate the game, although you're still forced to install GFWL and register (give them your personal information and email address) before you can play the game or play multiplayer, and you need to be online to activate the game in the first place.
Fuck that, this is might the first FPS I buy on a console.
Fml.
It's a shame they don't think Steam alone is good enough.
And this is why I'll get it for the xbox.
DRM is just retarted, atleast it's a 15 install limit bioshock 1 only had 2 installs.
Aaaaaaand now I'm going go go dust off my 360.
You know, if we didn't have all these loops to jump through, piracy would NEVER have been as a bad of a problem
Since when was 2K EA? Fucking companies. This game was going to be fucking epic. I'm not TOO fussed about SecuROM, but fucking Games for Windows LIVE? Fuck you microsoft. Why did you bring the abomination that is Xbox Live to PC?
[QUOTE=Ryx;19752022]
This is already a dealbreaker for some people, SecuROM is some of the most invasive anti-piracy software around, even going so far as to install rootkits when you install some games.
[/QUOTE]
Are you serious about the rootkits? OH shit I should have never bought Spore and Farcry 2
Oh wow, don't they learn from their previous mistakes?
How much more shitty drm can you put inside it?
Sweet Christ nailed to a cross. What the [B]FUCK[/B]?
I never understood the concept of install limits. I BUY the game, not rent it.
At least the install limit isn't as bad as other games that use Securom, 15 is quite high.
[quote]15 machines, admittedly[/quote]
Wait does this mean you can install it as many amount of times as you want on 1 specific computer? Or is it just a 15 install limit even on the same single computer?
This is actually ridiculous, and I'm never one to complain about DRM.
Fuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuck
[QUOTE=GreenDolphin;19752290]At least the install limit isn't as bad as other games that use Securom, 15 is quite high.
Wait does this mean you can install it as many amount of times as you want on 1 specific computer? Or is it just a 15 install limit even on the same single computer?[/QUOTE]
Doesn't matter. Any kind of install limit is just bullcrap.
I checked the specs, it now says 5 install limits. FUCK YOU 2K.
How is the 15 install going to work on Steam.
securom has had a tool to revoke activations for like 29 years now
Games for Windows live you say? Well fuck Bioshock 2.
I came so close to preordering this on Steam. So close to walking right into that trap. Guess I'll just save my money for a game that doesn't treat me like a criminal.
That's terrible, though I'll get over it I guess.
What the fuck, they're so desperate to get people to use that fucking Games for Windows that they have to do this?
Wth... You need to be online to save the game. What happens if i lost my internet for some odd reason and felt like playing bioshock 2!!! I'd rather get it for my consoles -.-
And I was just about to preorder it as well. Damnit.
</3 bioshock.
Man, Bioshock was such a great game and no drm for steam! then they pull this shit for the sequel? I'm disappointed ):
I think having steam is enough.
Install limits are completly redundant. Either you can use them to install on various people's computers, of if there's online authentication they just hinder the player, because the online auth already checks if it's already installed.
Please explain to me why there is DRM on any Steam game, please.
It's FUCKING STEAM.
A DIGITAL ACCOUNT.
TO PLAY IT OFF STEAM YOU HAVE TO HAVE BOUGHT IT.
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