Scaling Back BioShock 2's DRM

[2K Elizabeth]

I am reposting my message from the Cult of Rapture. Please discuss BioShock 2's DRM here.

Thank you.

Over the past two days, I’ve fielded a lot of questions and concerns about the DRM for both the retail and digital versions of BioShock 2. Because of this feedback, we are scaling back BioShock 2’s DRM.

There will be no SecuROM install limits for either the retail or digital editions of BioShock 2, and SecuROM will be used only to verify the game’s executable and check the date. Beyond that, we are only using standard Games for Windows Live non-SSA guidelines, which, per Microsoft, comes with 15 activations (after that, you can reset them with a call to Microsoft.)

What does that mean for your gameplay experience? This means that BioShock 2’s new DRM is now similar to many popular games you advised had better DRM through both digital and retail channels. Many of you have used Batman: Arkham Asylum as an example to me, which uses the exact same Games for Windows Live guidelines as us as well as SecuROM on retail discs, and now our SecuROM is less restrictive on Steam.

I know that the variables of PC gaming can be frustrating and confusing, and when you say there is a problem, we listen, and use your suggestions to make things better. Feedback like this does not go unheard, and while this might not be the ideal protection for everyone, we will continue to listen and work with you in the future when formulating our DRM plans.

http://www.2kgames.com/cultofrapture/

[DinosaurEgg]

Hey Elizabeth,

Will there be any dedicated servers and/or server browsers for the multiplayer in BioShock 2 or will it just be like cod4?

Will the 2 multiplayer characters GameStop pre-order bonus code be tied to a Windows Live ID and if it is how many accounts can it be tied to?

Also will there be anti-aliasing like in Batman: Arkham Asylum?

Thanks for reading.

[2K Elizabeth]

Originally Posted by DinosaurEgg

Hey Elizabeth,

Will there be any dedicated servers and/or server browsers for the multiplayer in BioShock 2 or will it just be like cod4?

Will the 2 multiplayer characters GameStop pre-order bonus code be tied to a Windows Live ID and if it is how many accounts can it be tied to?

Also will there be anti-aliasing like in Batman: Arkham Asylum?

Thanks for reading.

This is a thread only to talk about my statement - please ask these questions in another thread to keep this one on topic. Thank you.

[Oppopji]

I'm still somewhat confused by this. You say that you are using the same implementation of GFWL as used for Batman: Arkham Asylum which does not require activation at any stage (except to use an online profile / online features), yet BS2 *does* require online activation even if you only use an offline profile? As I posted in the other thread, here's the install process for my retail copy of Arkham Asylum:

Originally Posted by Oppopji

B:AA works for me like this (just tested on my notebook system which is why this reply took so long):

• Insert disc
• Run the installer (installs B:AA then "additional software required to run it" i.e. PhysX/GFWL)
• Run the game (with disc in the drive)
• After the intro videos a GFWL popup appears giving me two choices: "Create New Profile" or "Use Existing LIVE Profile" (I created an offline profile)
• Play the game

At no point does it need to go online for anything except if I use an online profile - it didn't even ask for my GFWL key as I was using an offline profile.

If the systems used are the same then surely the retail version of BS2 should also not require online activation for installing & playing using an offline profile?

Edit: Prior to installing B:AA on my notebook it did not have GFWL already installed. Also, it was not connected to the 'net - the wireless networking was switched off and the ethernet port was not connected either. So there's no chance of it having picked up a prior installation and/or activating discreetly.

[zippy476]

OK so the only activation limit comes from GFWL which you clearly state. I am sure it is to late to put that on the retail box but I would make sure that it is clearly stated on the DDV.

I still don't like the activation limit and I hope for future 2k games you guys decide to go in another direction. I am still on the fence about buying the game because of this. I will have to wait for game videos ward of mouth and reviews. To see if the risk is worth it. I know you say it is as easy as calling M$ but with them I is rarely ever that easy.

But it seems you guys did listen and you at least tried to please the costumer and for that I am thankful. A lot of company's would just try and sweep this under the rug.

I guess my only question is why do you guys use SecuRom knowing it doesn't do a thing to stop pirates and is easily bypassed. I am not complaining about the disc check I am just wondering why you use it at all?

[hairbear31]

Thanks for the update Elizabeth.

so the steam version will have secuROM.

you said "and now our SecuROM is less restrictive on Steam" could you give us a little more detail on that.

[Vibration]

Hi Elizabeth.

Thanks so much for keeping us up to date. But I have a simple, direct question that you seem to have not answered directly as of yet.

Is SecuROM in the Steam version? You say it's for disc-check only in the physical copy. Obviously there are no discs to check with Steam! But you also say "now our SecuROM is less restrictive on Steam."

Can you please address weather or not SecuROM is going to be on the Steam version of BioShock 2? And if yes, why?

[dchalfont]

Originally Posted by hairbear31

Thanks for the update Elizabeth.

so the steam version will have secuROM.

you said "and now our SecuROM is less restrictive on Steam" could you give us a little more detail on that.

She already has, it is a disk check, it checks for the disk in the drive, it does not limit the number of installs, BUT GFWL which you also need, does come with an install limit ( they are non-revokable ), and you need to call them when your limit runs out

[zippy476]

Originally Posted by hairbear31

Thanks for the update Elizabeth.

so the steam version will have secuROM.

you said "and now our SecuROM is less restrictive on Steam" could you give us a little more detail on that.

Well steam shouldn't have anything but steam DRM. SecuRom shouldn't even be present on the steam version. If they are only using SecuRom for disc check then there is no need for SecuRom on steam.

So it should be Steam DRM+GFWL online activation (15 activation limitation).

[hairbear31]

stop copying me Vibration :P