Ubisoft Scraps DRM Tech for PC Games

Ubisoft isn't just getting rid of its draconian DRM technology, the chains that bound even its single-player games were broken months ago. In an about face, the Paris-based publisher announced that gamer feedback led to the decision to scrap its always online internet requirement for good. Ubisoft PC games are now DRM-free.

In an interview with Rock Paper Shotgun, Ubisoft's Worldwide Director for Online Games Stephanie Perotti, said that going forward, PC gamers will only be required to enter a single online activation code after install, and there will be no limits on how many PCs the code is used on.

"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 said. "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."

Ubisoft has been assailed by PC gamers for years for its DRM tech, and its unclear why the publisher finally decided to listen and pull the plug. However, just two weeks back Ubi CEO Yves Guillemot said the company believed up to 95% of all Ubisoft PC games out in the wild were illegally downloaded. Based on that stat, the DRM wasn't only not working, it may have actually made Ubisoft a target of piracy. If anything, Ubi wasn't listening to feedback, it was throwing in the towel. But hey, I'll take it. Better late than never.

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