A message about PC specs, Games for Windows Live, and SecuROM from Elizabeth

[2K Elizabeth]

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

[Oppopji]

So we don't need to be online either to install or play the game in single player mode using a retail copy of the game?

[Invader]

Glad I'm getting it on XB360, because things seem a little messy with the PC version. Man, 13 GB overall space needed. That's a sign of a well-made, all-out game.

[2K Elizabeth]

Originally Posted by Oppopji

So we don't need to be online either to install or play the game in single player mode using a retail copy of the game?

There is a one-time online activation for the game, but if you want to play single player without being online, you can create an offline profile and never go online again.

I have the specs up on the Cult now for you guys: http://www.2kgames.com/cultofrapture...specifications

[Gregory]

I'm glad I own a 360.

[Rapture_Reminder]

This is wonderful news. Thanks for clearing it up.

[dchalfont]

Originally Posted by 2K Elizabeth

There is a one-time online activation for the game, but if you want to play single player without being online, you can create an offline profile and never go online again.

I have the specs up on the Cult now for you guys: http://www.2kgames.com/cultofrapture...specifications

Is there limitied activations?, why could it not use steam for activation?

[Jacks]

Originally Posted by Gregory

I'm glad I own a 360.

Same here. Seems like a lot of PC Gamers are freaking not only because of SecuROM, DRM, ect. They are freaking cause of Games for Windows live.
Like I said in one thread.

"Games for Windows in Rapture! The PC Council is in an up-roar!"

If you get that, you get a cookie.

[Grimhound]

Thank you so much for clarifying this Liz. I really appreciate it, and I'm sure everyone else does as well. I heard what was originally stated and went a little nuts thinking there was nothing learned from the previous stint with this, and I'm now going back and linking your statement on the matter.

[dchalfont]

You say there is a one time activation, the same is true for limited install DRM though. So what are the specifics, is it a 5 install limit and you need to activate it each time ( only once ) as you say, yet you wrote that it was only a disk check, those 2 things conflict

online activation =/= only a disk check.

It sounds to me like it's exactly as I feared yet you are just rying to word it differently, it STill uses GFWL ( which is pain in the ass, offline or not ), and it still has full DRM with online activation and possibly an install limit????, why are people suddenly rejoicing?
'