BioShock 2 PC has Three Types of DRM

Including Sony's dreaded SecuROM technology.

Posted by Staff
BioShock 2 PC has Three Types of DRM
BioShock 2 isn't even released yet, and already it's come under fire for the use of Digital Rights Management (DRM) in the PC version. Confusingly though, the game uses three different types of DRM, which is compounding the problem for fans even further.

According to BitMob, 2K Games revealed exactly what gamers should expect when they buy their Games For Windows copy tomorrow. There's the usual non-Sever Side Authentication (non-SSA) which offers a limited-use CD key. It can be used up to 15 times across all user accounts and games, and after that, the player will need to call Microsoft for another one.

Failing that, BioShock 2 also comes with SSA, which means that your online Gamertag will be linked to the game, and all you need to do to authenticate is play whilst logged in. The issue with this is that Microsoft doesn't support Games For Windows Live in all countries where the game will be sold.

Finally – and perhaps the biggest blow to PC gamers – there's the use of Sony's own SecuROM technology that checks with online servers to see if the game is legitimate and that the executable is not altered. The controversy surrounding SecuROM is in its difficulty in removing after installation – something Sony quickly responded to with the release of a removal tool, but to little effect against the ire of PC gamers.

SecuROM is also present in the Steam version of BioShock 2, which BitMob argues as redundant as “Steam's own DRM technology already serves these functions [that SecuROM offers]. It's presence is turning away potential customers who dislike dealing with more hassle than just Valve and the publisher.”

The backlash is reported well on BitMob – what are your thoughts? Post them in the comments box below.
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Comments

Ergo 8 Feb 2010 16:30
1/8
Well, it looks like I won't be buying Bio2 after all--good job, 2K!
GrimOracle 8 Feb 2010 17:34
2/8
Wow! 2K, you are guys are geniuses! Wow! I take my hat off to you .... before I punch you in the head for creating this obstacle! I am a huge fan of Bioshock, but now you have just gave me and thousands of other gamers a reason not to give this one a pass. I'm with you, Ergo! Good job, 2K! Well done!
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GrimOracle 8 Feb 2010 17:35
3/8
Wow, a few grammar mistakes there. That is what happens when I get bad news and my hopes are broken.
Tone 8 Feb 2010 18:11
4/8
why so much bloody hassle? why 3 systems? steam is good enough just leave at that and save yourself time & effort in the future
DazJW 8 Feb 2010 19:45
5/8
And just to annoy everyone more the pirated version was still out before the legal version.
bob 8 Feb 2010 21:10
6/8
great news. I just saved 60 euros...retards with that DRM. leave the honest people alone. When are they going to really get it?!!
Serpream 9 Feb 2010 10:36
7/8
I think it is worth noting that a group called Razor1911 have now leaked torrents that have appeared all of web and forums.
So yet again all the security in the world only harms there sales and buyers. Everyone else will be forced into piracy in order to keep there pcs functional while playing >.<
James 14 Feb 2010 09:50
8/8
This is the best game in the world. The reason why I like this DRM is that, well, I like how people can somehow can get strangled up with LOTs of DRM that can cause quite a bit of flared up brains.

I also love this DRM, because it can quite negativly grow the popularity on your trusty old games.

Just wait and see, 2K games, and watch your numbers shrink...eh-ehhm, negativly grow. Watch your stocks tumble!

Oh, Right. I can just buy the PS3 version, and not have to worry about the crapped up, heavily DRMed version on the PC.
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