Ubisoft said in an interview with PC gaming RockPaperShotgun that they have abandoned the use digital rights management (DRM) for PC games following negative consumer feedback.
DRM is a type of access control technology that is used by game manufacturers, or publishers, to limit the number of systems the game can be installed on by requiring authentication with an online server.
In the interview Ubisofts' worldwide director for online games, Stephanie Perotti, explained that the feature was actually dropped for sometime now thanks to gamer feedback.
"We have listened to feedback, and since June last year our policy for all of PC games is that we only require a one-time online activation when you first install the game, and from then you are free to play the game offline," Perottie told RPS."We have listened to feedback, and since June last year our policy for all of PC games is that we only require a one-time online activation when you first install the game. From then you are free to play the game offline."
Ubisoft's DRM forced gamers to have an active Internet connection at all time when playing the game. This made it impossible to play the game without a connection. If the Internet connection was dropped during game play, the player would loss unsaved progress. The DRM was even required for games that did not use an Internet connection.
Ubisoft's upcoming single player titles, including Assassin's Creed III will playable offline, after activating the title online one time only. The only games that will need Internet connectivity are titles that require it such as multiplayer shooters and etc.
"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," Perotti told RPS. "But if you want to enjoy Assassin's Creed III single player, 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 looks like PC gamers will be able to finally enjoy Ubisoft titles without a constant Internet connection. Do you feel DRM ruins your offline gaming experience? Do you think there are better ways to stop piracy? Sound off in the comment section.