Spore, Mass Effect PC to Require Online Validation Every Ten Days to Function
BioWare technical producer Derek French has said that the PC versions of both Mass Effect and Spore will make use of copy protection that will require online validation every ten days to continue working.
"After the first activation, SecuROM requires that [Mass Effect PC] re-check with the server within ten days (in case the CD Key has become public/warez'd and gets banned)," said French in a post on the BioWare forums.
If customers do not come online after ten days, the game will cease to function. "After 10 days a re-check is required before the game can run," added French.
The check is run when users activate the game's executable file, with the first re-check coming within "5 days remaining in the 10 day window."
According to French, Maxis' Spore will also make use of the same scheme: "[Electronic Arts] is ready for us and getting ready for Spore, which will use the same system."
French also noted that the online requirement will be clearly labeled on the games' packaging.
http://www.shacknews.com/onearticle.x/52547
http://masseffect.bioware.com/...topic=628375&forum=125
What are your thoughts? I'm seriously put off for two games i was interested in buying. This is just too much, having to worry my internet not going down just to play a game. If this is the future of PC gaming, guess i'll just stick to consoles. PC gaming is expensive to keep up and now this extra hassle to deal with. Too intrusive too for my liking, i'm going to have to let EA know everytime i play their game in order to play a game.
Mass Effect will also have a 3 time activation limit for installation on different systems to boot according to French.
Update:
Electronic Arts Responds to Copy Protection Outcry, Removes 10-day SecuROM Check for the Troops
BioWare producer Derek French recently caused an uproar after announcing that copy protection on the PC editions of Mass Effect and Spore would require online validation every 10 days in order for the games to continue functioning.
In the face of increasing pressure, BioWare and publisher Electronic Arts today relented, updating the official Mass Effect PC FAQ to note that validation will now only be required when the player downloads new game content.
Q: If the game isn't going to require an authentication every 10 days, will it ever require re-authentication?
A: Only if the player chooses to download new game content.
Electronic Arts also released a statement mentioning that Spore's copy protection will be similarly changed to allow for offline play, only requiring validation on a patch or game content update.
The publisher further noted that the protection will still only allow users to authenticate each game on up to three computers. Approval of further authorizations will be handled by EA customer support on a case-by-case basis. Neither game will require players to have the disc in their computer in order to play or validate them.
BioWare community manager Jay Watamaniuk broke the news on the company's official forums.
"To all the fans including our many friends in the armed services and internationally who expressed concerns that they would not be able re-authenticate as often as required, EA and BioWare want you to know that your feedback is important to us," said Watamaniuk.
http://www.shacknews.com/onearticle.x/52618
http://masseffect.bioware.com/...topic=629059&forum=125
So the ten day revalidation is gone, but the games are still limited to a lifetime activation of three. Along with the DRM/Securom.