Ubisoft scraps PC DRM

[radio667]

from edge-online.com ......... Publisher says it dropped always-on requirement in June, and games now just need a single activation when installed.

Ubisoft has confirmed that it will no longer use always-on DRM in its PC games. In fact, the publisher claims it quietly scrapped its controversial scheme several months ago.

Speaking to Rock Paper Shotgun, Ubisoft's worldwide director for online games Stephanie Perlotti said that the company dropped its DRM, which required that players maintain a permanent internet connection just to play its games, since June.

Those buying the company’s PC games are now required to perform a single online activation when the game is installed. After that, they are free to play the game offline, with no further checks required.

"We have listened to feedback, and since June last year our policy for all PC games is that we only require a one-time online activation when you first install the game," Perlotti said. "Whenever you want to reach any online service, multiplayer, you will have to be connected, and obviously for online games you will also need to be online to play.

"But if you want to enjoy Assassin's Creed III singleplayer, you will be able to do that without being connected. And you will be able to activate the game on as many machines as you want."

It's a welcome - if long overdue - turnaround from a publisher that at one time seemed to be going out of its way to frustrate legitimate buyers of its games in a supposed bid to combat piracy. Ubisoft has previously claimed that the piracy rate of its PC games is around 95 per cent, but has never substantiated that claim. Last July Ubisoft said its DRM was working, citing a reduction in piracy, but it stayed quiet on whether sales had actually increased.

There were signs the company was softening its stance when, last year, it said that the inclusion of DRM would be decided on a "case-by-case basis" . Finally, Ubisoft has seen the light, and realised that punishing legitimate customers with DRM while pirates go unhindered is not a smart way to engage with your potential audience and drive sales.

[Creeper]

Bravo!