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Difference between revisions of "User:EdenCrow/SteamDRM"

From PCGamingWiki, the wiki about fixing PC games
(Account-based redone.)
(Hardware-based)
Line 690: Line 690:
 
|}
 
|}
  
−
// TODO: All the stuff below, plus the stuff not added at all yet.
+
= Hardware-based DRM =
 +
 
 +
Hardware-based DRM uses the PC itself in the activation process. The DRM, when installed, will usually check the system specs, operating system, image mounting software, etc. When any of these things are modified, the activation considers the PC to be a different one and will require another activation. If an activation limit exists and is reached, the game will refuse to install or play. In some cases, there will be methods to either revoke activations or reset the limit. These will be noted at the bottom of their respective blocks.
  
−
= Hardware Based =
 
 
== SecuROM ==
 
== SecuROM ==
−
[[Age of Booty]] - Unlimited Activations
 
−
 
−
[[Batman: Arkham Asylum]] - Non-GotY Edition: 4 activations per month. A revoke tool is available in your Steam Tools section. GotY Edition: 4 machine limit. Revoke using /revoke parameter.
 
−
 
−
[[Batman: Arkham City]] - 5 machine limit, 10 activations per machine.
 
−
 
−
[[Bioshock 2]] - Unlimited activations
 
−
 
−
[[Blood Bowl: Dark Elves Edition]] - 5 machine limit
 
−
 
−
[[Blood Bowl: Legendary Edition]] - 5 machine limit
 
−
 
−
[[Borderlands DLC Pack]] - Used for 2/4 DLC packs (shown below)
 
−
 
−
[[Borderlands: Game of the Year]] - Used for 2/4 DLC packs (shown below)
 
−
 
−
[[Borderlands: The Zombie Island of Dr. Ned]] - 5 machine limit
 
−
 
−
[[Borderlands: Mad Moxxie's Underdome Riot]] - 5 machine limit
 
−
 
−
[[Cities XL 2011]] - 5 machine limit
 
−
 
−
[[Colin McRae Dirt 2]] - Used for CD check only
 
−
 
−
[[Crysis]] - 50 machine limit
 
−
 
−
[[Crysis Warhead]] - 5 machine limit
 
−
 
−
[[Dark Void Zero]] - 5 machine limit
 
−
 
−
[[Dirt 3]] - Activation limit unknown
 
−
 
−
[[Fable III]] - 5 activations per month
 
−
 
−
[[F.E.A.R. 1 Complete]] - Only multiplayer is active. To avoid this, download the updated multiplayer [http://projectorigin.warnerbros.com/fearcombat here]
 
−
 
−
[[Flock]] - Unlimited activations
 
−
 
−
[[Fuel]] - Unlimited activations
 
−
 
−
[[Grand Theft Auto IV: Complete Edition]] - Used in GTA IV and its expansions as noted below
 
−
 
−
[[Grand Theft Auto IV]] - Unlimited activations
 
−
 
−
[[Grand Theft Auto IV: Episodes from Liberty City]] - 15 machine limit
 
−
 
−
[[Major League Baseball 2K9]] - Used for CD check only
 
−
 
−
[[Mass Effect]] - Found on the DLC installers only, SecureROM removable post-installation. 3 machine limit.
 
−
 
−
[[Medal of Honor]] - Single Player portion only, 5 machine limit, 1 activation added every 60 days
 
−
 
−
[[Neopets Puzzle Adventure]] - 5 machine limit
 
−
 
−
[[The Sims Medieval]] - 5 machine limit using new Content Protection by Sony DADC Australia
 
−
 
−
[[Test Drive Unlimited]] - 4 machine limit
 
−
 
−
== StarForce ==
 
−
[[DCS A-10C Warthog]] - 10 machine limit. After 10 activations, 1 more is generated in a month.
 
−
 
−
[[Wargame: European Escalation]]  - 5 machine limit
 
  
−
== ACTControl ==
+
To remove SecuROM from your computer, use the [https://support.securom.com/removaltool.html Removal Tool].
−
[[Confrontation]] - 5 machine limit
 
  
−
[[Disciplines III - Reincarnation]] - 5 machine limit
+
{|class="wikitable" style="width: 100%"
 +
|-
 +
! scope="col" | Name
 +
! scope="col" | Store Page
 +
! scope="col" | Notes
 +
|-
 +
|Age of Booty
 +
|[http://store.steampowered.com/app/21600/ Link]
 +
|Unlimited activations
 +
|-
 +
|Batman: Arkham Asylum
 +
|[http://store.steampowered.com/app/35140/ Link]
 +
|'''Non-GotY Edition:''' 4 activations per month. A revoke tool is available in your Steam Tools section. '''GotY Edition:''' 4 machine limit. Revoke using /revoke parameter.
 +
|-
 +
|Batman: Arkham City
 +
|[http://store.steampowered.com/app/57400/ Link]
 +
|5 machine limit, 10 activations per machine
 +
|-
 +
|BioShock 2
 +
|[http://store.steampowered.com/app/8850/ Link]
 +
|Unlimited activations
 +
|-
 +
|Blood Bowl: Dark Elves Edition
 +
|[http://store.steampowered.com/app/11170/ Link]
 +
|5 machine limit
 +
|-
 +
|Blood Bowl: Legendary Edition
 +
|[http://store.steampowered.com/app/58520/ Link]
 +
|5 machine limit
 +
|-
 +
|Borderlands DLC Pack
 +
|[http://store.steampowered.com/sub/6638/ Link]
 +
|Used for 2 of the 4 included DLC packs (shown below).
 +
|-
 +
|Borderlands: Game of the Year
 +
|[http://store.steampowered.com/app/901566/ Link]
 +
|Used for 2 of the 4 included DLC packs (shown below).
 +
|-
 +
|Borderlands: The Zombie Island of Dr. Ned
 +
|[http://store.steampowered.com/app/8990/ Link]
 +
|5 machine limit.
 +
|-
 +
|Borderlands: Mad Moxxi’s Underdome Riot
 +
|[http://store.steampowered.com/app/40940/ Link]
 +
|5 machine limit
 +
|-
 +
|Cities XL 2011
 +
|[http://store.steampowered.com/app/58510/ Link]
 +
|5 machine limit
 +
|-
 +
|Colin McRae DiRT 2
 +
|[http://store.steampowered.com/app/12840/ Link]
 +
|Used for CD check only
 +
|-
 +
|Crysis
 +
|[http://store.steampowered.com/app/17300/ Link]
 +
|50 machine limit
 +
|-
 +
|Crysis Warhead
 +
|[http://store.steampowered.com/app/17330/ Link]
 +
|50 machine limit
 +
|-
 +
|Dark Void Zero
 +
|[http://store.steampowered.com/app/45730/ Link]
 +
|5 machine limit
 +
|-
 +
|DiRT 3
 +
|[http://store.steampowered.com/app/44320/ Link]
 +
|Activation limit unknown
 +
|-
 +
|Fable III
 +
|[http://store.steampowered.com/app/6720/ Link]
 +
|5 activations per month
 +
|-
 +
|F.E.A.R. 1 Complete
 +
|[http://store.steampowered.com/app/21090/ Link]
 +
|Only multiplayer is active. To avoid this, download the updated multiplayer [http://projectorigin.warnerbros.com/fearcombat here].
 +
|-
 +
|Flock
 +
|[http://store.steampowered.com/app/21640/ Link]
 +
|Unlimited activations
 +
|-
 +
|FUEL
 +
|[http://store.steampowered.com/app/12800/ Link]
 +
|Unlimited activations
 +
|-
 +
|Grand Theft Auto IV: Complete Edition
 +
|[http://store.steampowered.com/app/901583/ Link]
 +
|Used in GTA IV and its expansions as noted below
 +
|-
 +
|Grand Theft Auto IV
 +
|[http://store.steampowered.com/app/12210/ Link]
 +
|Unlimited activations
 +
|-
 +
|Grand Theft Auto IV: Episodes from Liberty City
 +
|[http://store.steampowered.com/app/12220/ Link]
 +
|15 machine limit
 +
|-
 +
|Major League Baseball 2K9
 +
|[http://store.steampowered.com/app/8840/ Link]
 +
|Used for CD check only
 +
|-
 +
|Mass Effect
 +
|[http://store.steampowered.com/app/17460/ Link]
 +
|Found on the DLC installers only, SecuROM removable post-installation. 3 machine limit.
 +
|-
 +
|Medal of Honor
 +
|[http://store.steampowered.com/app/47790/ Link]
 +
|Single-player portion only, 5 machine limit, 1 activation added every 60 days.
 +
|-
 +
|Neopets Puzzle Adventure
 +
|[http://store.steampowered.com/app/21620/ Link]
 +
|5 machine limit
 +
|-
 +
|The Sims Medieval
 +
|[http://store.steampowered.com/app/102820/ Link]
 +
|5 machine limit using new "Content Protection" by "Sony DADC Austria AG". [http://store.steampowered.com/news/5984/ News Link]
 +
|-
 +
|Test Drive Unlimited 2
 +
|[http://store.steampowered.com/app/9930/ Link]
 +
|4 machine limit
 +
|}
  
−
[[Game of Thrones]] - 5 machine limit
+
=== Notes on Activations ===
  
−
[[Of Orcs and Men]] - 10 machine limit
+
To revoke SecuROM activations, look for your SecuROM game [https://support.securom.com/pop_titles.html here]. The revoke tool should be listed on the game's page, if it exists. If the game is not listed, [https://support.securom.com/contact.html contact support].
  
−
[[Postal 3]] - Machine limit unknown
+
Anyone running an EA game with SecuROM "released after May 2008" who would like to de-authorize machines should have a look at the [http://activate.ea.com/deauthorize/ EA Game Authorization Management page].
  
−
[[The Testament of Sherlock Holmes]] - 5 machine limit
+
== StarForce/ACTControl ==
  
−
== TAGES ==
+
=== StarForce ===
−
[[Dawn of Discovery]] - Activation limit removed in patch
 
  
−
[[Anno 1404]]/[[Dawn of Discovery: Venice Expansion]] - 3 machine limit
+
{|class="wikitable" style="width: 100%"
 +
|-
 +
! scope="col" | Name
 +
! scope="col" | Store Page
 +
! scope="col" | Notes
 +
|-
 +
|DCS A-10C Warthog
 +
|[http://store.steampowered.com/app/61010/ Link]
 +
|10 machine limit. After 10 activations, 1 more is generated in a month.
 +
|-
 +
|Wargame: European Escalation
 +
|[http://store.steampowered.com/app/58610/ Link]
 +
|5 machine limit
 +
|}
  
−
[[Chronicles of Riddick: Assault on Dark Athena]] - 3 machine limit, 1 activation added every 30 days
+
=== ACTControl ===
  
−
[[Nail'd]] - 3 machine limit, 1 activation added back every 30 days. 5 revocations of these activations are allowed per month, and 1 is added back every 30 days.
+
ACTControl is a fork of StarForce AAA Protection. It is unknown if this is either a genuine fork or a replacement of StarForce. [http://actcontrol.net/ Information]
  
−
[[James Cameron's Avatar: The Game]] - 3 machine limit, 1 activation added back every 30 days
+
{|class="wikitable" style="width: 100%"
 +
|-
 +
! scope="col" | Name
 +
! scope="col" | Store Page
 +
! scope="col" | Notes
 +
|-
 +
|Confrontation
 +
|[http://store.steampowered.com/app/204560/ Link]
 +
|5 machine limit
 +
|-
 +
|Disciples III - Reincarnation
 +
|[http://store.steampowered.com/app/10270/ Link]
 +
|5 machine limit
 +
|-
 +
|Game of Thrones
 +
|[http://store.steampowered.com/app/208730/ Link]
 +
|5 machine limit
 +
|-
 +
|Of Orcs and Men
 +
|[http://store.steampowered.com/app/216910/ Link]
 +
|10 machine limit
 +
|-
 +
|Postal 3
 +
|[http://store.steampowered.com/app/10220/ Link]
 +
|Machine limit unknown
 +
|-
 +
|The Testament of Sherlock Holmes
 +
|[http://store.steampowered.com/app/205650/ Link]
 +
|5 machine limit. [http://forums.steampowered.com/forums/showthread.php?p=33771411#post33771411 Source]
 +
|}
  
−
[[Sherlock Holmes versus Jack the Ripper]] - Limits unknown
+
== TAGES/SolidShield ==
  
−
== SolidShield ==
+
=== TAGES ===
−
[[A Game of Thrones]] - 5 machine limit
 
  
−
[[Crysis 2]] - 5 machine limit
+
To remove the TAGES drivers from your computer, use [http://www.tagesprotection.com/main.htm?page=5.5.htm TagesSetup].
  
−
[[Dead Space 2]] - 5 machine limit
+
{|class="wikitable" style="width: 100%"
 +
|-
 +
! scope="col" | Name
 +
! scope="col" | Store Page
 +
! scope="col" | Notes
 +
|-
 +
|Dawn of Discovery
 +
|[http://store.steampowered.com/app/33210/ Link]
 +
|Activation limit removed in patch
 +
|-
 +
|Anno 1404/Dawn of Discovery: Venice Expansion
 +
|[http://store.steampowered.com/app/33340/ Link]
 +
|3 machine limit
 +
|-
 +
|Chronicles of Riddick: Assault on Dark Athena
 +
|[http://store.steampowered.com/app/9860/ Link]
 +
|3 machine limit, 1 activation added back every 30 days.
 +
|-
 +
|nail'd
 +
|[http://store.steampowered.com/app/901592/ Link]
 +
|3 machine limit, 1 activation added back every 30 days. 5 revocations of these activations are allowed per month, and 1 is added back every 30 days.
 +
|-
 +
|James Cameron's Avatar: The Game
 +
|[http://store.steampowered.com/app/33280/ Link]
 +
|3 machine limit, 1 activation added back every 30 days.
 +
|-
 +
|Sherlock Holmes versus Jack the Ripper
 +
|[http://store.steampowered.com/app/11190/ Link]
 +
|Limits unknown
 +
|}
  
−
[[Shift 2 Unleashed]] - 5 machine limit
+
=== SolidShield ===
  
−
== Other ==
+
SolidShield is Tages’ new DRM technology. It is presumed that this is their replacement for TAGES.
−
[[Doom Rails]] - Themida 5 activation limit
 
  
−
[[Earth 2160]] - 3 machine activation limit
+
{|class="wikitable" style="width: 100%"
 +
|-
 +
! scope="col" | Name
 +
! scope="col" | Store Page
 +
! scope="col" | Notes
 +
|-
 +
|A Game of Thrones – Genesis
 +
|[http://store.steampowered.com/app/58550/ Link]
 +
|5 machine limit
 +
|-
 +
|Crysis 2 (Store page unavailable)
 +
|[http://store.steampowered.com/app/99830/ Link]
 +
|5 machine limit
 +
|-
 +
|Dead Space 2
 +
|[http://store.steampowered.com/app/47780/ Link]
 +
|5 machine limit
 +
|-
 +
|Shift 2 Unleashed
 +
|[http://store.steampowered.com/app/47920/ Link]
 +
|5 machine limit
 +
|}
  
−
[[Football Manager 2009]] - Uniloc, 5 machine limit
+
=== Notes on Activations ===
  
−
[[Gatling Gears]] - EA Access, 5 activation limit per 24 hours
+
TAGES does not, and will not, have a revoke tool. Be careful!
  
−
[[L.A. Noire: The Complete Edition]] - GameShield Ironwrap & Patcher. Machine limit explicitly not available per Rockstar policy, but is likely unlimited on Steam.
+
== Other Hardware-based DRM ==
  
−
[[Max Payne 3]] - GameShield Ironwrap & Patcher. Machine limit explicitly not available per Rockstar policy.
+
{|class="wikitable" style="width: 100%"
 +
|-
 +
! scope="col" | Name
 +
! scope="col" | Store Page
 +
! scope="col" | Notes
 +
|-
 +
|Doom Rails
 +
|[http://store.steampowered.com/app/41400/ Link]
 +
|[http://www.oreans.com/themida.php Themida]. 5 machine limit.
 +
|-
 +
|Earth 2160
 +
|[http://store.steampowered.com/app/1900/ Link]
 +
|3 machine activation limit
 +
|-
 +
|Football Manager 2009
 +
|[http://store.steampowered.com/app/10540/ Link]
 +
|Uniloc, 5 machine limit
 +
|-
 +
|Gatling Gears
 +
|[http://store.steampowered.com/app/102810/ Link]
 +
|EA Access. 5 activation limit per 24 hours.
 +
|-
 +
|L.A. Noire: The Complete Edition
 +
|[http://store.steampowered.com/app/110800/ Link]
 +
|GameShield Ironwrap & Patcher. Machine limit explicitly not available per Rockstar policy, but is likely unlimited on Steam. [http://forums.steampowered.com/forums/showpost.php?p=31406160&postcount=1532 Source]
 +
|-
 +
|Max Payne 3
 +
|[http://store.steampowered.com/app/204100/ Link]
 +
|GameShield Ironwrap & Patcher. Machine limit explicitly not available per Rockstar policy.
 +
|-
 +
|Monster Trucks Nitro
 +
|[http://store.steampowered.com/app/16620/ Link]
 +
|Activated through RedLynx servers. Activation limit exists, but is unknown and can be reset ([http://forums.steampowered.com/forums/showthread.php?t=984048 Thread]).
 +
|-
 +
|Spectromancer
 +
|[http://store.steampowered.com/app/22500/ Link]
 +
|Proprietary activation method though CD key. 5 machine limit.
 +
|-
 +
|Two Worlds Epic Edition
 +
|[http://store.steampowered.com/app/1930/ Link]
 +
|Proprietary activation limit (limit unknown). If limit is reached, [http://www.southpeakgames.com/support/pc/Two+Worlds+Epic+Edition/ contact support].
 +
|-
 +
|Two Worlds II
 +
|[http://store.steampowered.com/app/7520/ Link]
 +
|Proprietary "Aktivierung" system, 3 machine limit
 +
|-
 +
|Two Worlds II Castle Defense
 +
|[http://store.steampowered.com/app/7530/ Link]
 +
|Proprietary "Aktivierung" system, 3 machine limit
 +
|}
  
−
[[Monster Trucks Nitro]] - Activated through RedLynx servers. Activation limit exists, but is unknown and can be reset ([http://forums.steampowered.com/forums/showthread.php?t=984048 Thread].
+
=== Notes on Activations ===
  
−
[[Spectromancer]] - Proprietary activation method though CD key. 5 machine limit.
+
* IvanDoomer says he can confirm Earth 2160's DRM has a 3 machine activation limit. Instructions to reset the activation limit are [http://board.zuxxez.com/showthread.php?t=33007 here]. It can also be reset via phone support (phone number in-game).
 +
* To reset your activation limit for Spectromancer, contact support [mailto:support@spectromancer.com here].
  
−
[[Two Worlds Epic Edition]] - Proprietary activation limit (limit unknown). If limit is reached, [http://www.southpeakgames.com/support/pc/Two+Worlds+Epic+Edition contact support].
 
  
−
[[Two Worlds II]] Proprietary Aktivierung system, 3 machine limit
 
  
−
[[Two Worlds II Castle Defense]] Proprietary Aktivierung system, 3 machine limit
+
// TODO: Inert, Removed

Revision as of 02:47, 13 April 2013

This is a clean port by flibit of the SteamDRM source to a wiki format. (With apologies to everyone who worked on the revisions before this)

This is pretty much a cut and dry port, with no features related to the actual wiki. That'll be easy with the full source ported, though.

Account-based DRM

DRM associated with accounts is weaker than most but still present, requiring online activation via CD key to access online services such as multiplayer and profile stats. These games require you to activate the game through their servers and use their accounts to activate the game, and many require these accounts to access the game. For single-player games, account-based DRM often does not affect the game to any real degree, as you can play them with an offline profile without activation. Because of this, many consider single-player account-based DRM to not be DRM at all because it does not require any contact beyond having the packages installed; no Internet connection is required. Games falling into this “single-player only” category will be marked as such.

EA Accounts

EA Accounts exist for two purposes:

To activate and run the game. This requires a constant Internet connection, even in single-player modes. The benefit to this, however, is that DLC, if it exists, is more easily managed than below.

To access online features, including DLC. In this case, the EA account is not required to access single-player (in some cases, it may be required to activate the game). For DLC, however, the game will require an account either way.

This list will be categorized as such, as well as games that use EA Classic accounts. Single-player games in the latter category will be specially marked, either as an option or exclusively single-player.

Constant Connection Required

Name Store Page Notes
Command & Conquer 4 Link
Darkspore Link Technically structured like an MMO despite having single-player.

Activation, Online Services, DLC

Name Store Page Notes
Alice: Madness Returns Link
Battlefield: Bad Company 2 Link Also includes Vietnam
Burnout Paradise: The Ultimate Box Link
Command & Conquer 3 Link Also includes Kane's Wrath
Command & Conquer: Red Alert 3 Link
Command & Conquer: Red Alert 3 - Uprising Link
Dead Space 2 Link
Dragon Age: Origins Link Also includes Awakening. Single-player only.
Dragon Age 2 (Store page unavailable) Link Single-player only
Mass Effect 2 Link Single-player only
FIFA Manager 09 Link
FIFA Manager 10 Link
FIFA Manager 11 Link
Gatling Gears Link 5 activation limit per 24 hours
Medal of Honor Link
Medal of Honor: Airborne Link
Mirror's Edge Link Single-player only
Need For Speed: Hot Pursuit Link
Need For Speed: Shift Link
Need For Speed: Undercover Link
Shift 2 Unleashed Link
The Sims 3 Link Includes all expansions (Most recent: Showtime)
SPORE Link Also includes Creepy & Cute + Galactic Adventures. Single-player only.
Warp Link

EA Classic Account

Name Store Page Notes
Battlefield 2 Link

Gamespy

Gamespy is not necessarily a DRM scheme; it is more of a multiplayer service (matchmaking, servers, etc.). However, since multiplayer is dependent on a third-party service for these games, we will be listing them here.

Name Store Page Notes
Borderlands Link
Crysis Link
Crysis: Warhead Link
F.E.A.R.2: Project Origin Link
FlatOut 2 Link
Hunted: The Demon's Forge Link
Legendary Link
Medieval II: Total War Link
The Scourge Project: Episodes 1 and 2 Link
Sid Meier's Civilization® 4 Link Includes whole Civ4 series
Spellforce – Platinum Edition Link
Star Wars: Battlefront II Link
Titan Quest Link Includes Immortal Throne
Unreal Tournament 3 Black Link
Warhammer® 40,000: Dawn of War® - Gold Edition Link Includes Dark Crusade and Soulstorm

Games for Windows Live

There are two kinds of GFWL activation:

Current method: Server-Side Activation, or SSA. This binds the CD key permanently to your GFWL account, similarly to Steam. Thanks to this feature, the games do not carry activation limits! On top of this, a new GFWL feature has been added: Zero Day Piracy Protection (or ZDPP). This is their attempt to prevent pre-release copies from being played, and it can only be applied to SSA games.

Legacy method: A simple CD key check. This still requires an Internet connection, but it does not tie the key to your account. This has an activation limit between 10-20 (usually 15), similar to the usual Microsoft products (such as Office). If you hit the limit, contact Microsoft support. With proper evidence they will give you a new key, but you are only allowed one more key. After that, you will need to buy the game again.

It should also be noted that GFWL is not supported worldwide. In the event that you bind an SSA key to an account that is not in a supported region, you will lose the key (and, consequently, access to the game).

SSA Titled (ZDPP specially marked)

Name Store Page Notes
Ace Combat Assault Horizon - Enhanced Edition Link
Age of Empires Online Link
Batman: Arkham City Link ZDPP Title
Blacklight: Tango Down Link
Bulletstorm Link ZDPP Title. An online profile is required to run, but the game can be played offline.
Colin McRae DiRT 2 Link
Dark Souls: Prepare To Die Edition Link Likely an SSA Title
Dead Rising 2 Link ZDPP Title
Dead Rising 2: Off the Record Link ZDPP Title
DiRT 3 Link Likely an SSA Title
F1 2010 Link
F1 2011 Link Likely an SSA Title
Fable III Link
Insanely Twisted Shadow Planet Link Likely an SSA Title
Iron Brigade Link Likely an SSA Title
Lost Planet 2 Link ZDPP Title
Microsoft Flight Link
Mortal Kombat Kollection Link Likely an SSA Title
Operation Flashpoint: Red River Link Likely an SSA Title
Resident Evil: Operation Raccoon City Link
Section 8 Link
Section 8: Prejudice Link
Street Fighter X Tekken Link
Super Street Fighter IV Arcade Edition Link
Toy Soldiers Link Likely an SSA Title. Can choose between GFWL and Steamworks.
Virtua Tennis 4 Link

Legacy Titles

Name Store Page Notes
Batman: Arkham Asylum Link Single-player only
Battlestations Pacific Link
Bioshock 2 Link
The Club Link
Fallout 3 Link Includes All Five DLC Packs. Single-player only, can be completely ignored (no profile/activation needed).
Flatout: Ultimate Carnage Link
FUEL Link
Grand Theft Auto IV: Complete Edition Link
Grand Theft Auto 4 Link Includes Episodes
Warhammer 40K: Dawn of War 2 Link Includes Chaos Rising
Juiced 2: Hot Import Nights Link
Kane & Lynch: Dead Men Link
Lost Planet: Colonies Edition Link
Quantum of Solace Link
Red Faction Guerrilla Link
Resident Evil 5 Link
Star Wars: Clone Wars: Republic Heroes Link
Stormrise Link
Street Fighter 4 Link
Universe at War: Earth Assault Link
Vancouver 2010 Link

Kalypso Launcher

About Kalypso Launcher

Name Store Page Notes
Airline Tycoon 2 Link
Anna Link
Disciples III - Resurrection Link
DUNGEONS - Steam Special Edition Link
The First Templar - Steam Special Edition Link
Patrician 4 - Steam Special Edition Link
Tropico 4: Steam Special Edition Link

Rockstar Social Club

Name Store Page Notes
Grand Theft Auto IV: Complete Edition Link
Grand Theft Auto IV Link
Grand Theft Auto IV: Episodes from Liberty City Link
L.A. Noire: The Complete Edition Link Used for online/community features only.
Max Payne 3 Link

Stardock Account

Name Store Page Notes
Demigod Link
Fallen Enchantress Link
Galactic Civilizations II: Ultimate Edition Link
The Political Machine 2012 Link
Sins of a Solar Empire: Rebellion Link
Sins of a Solar Empire: Trinity Link

Ubisoft DRM

Unless otherwise noted, you should be able to access an offline mode after registering and updating the game. Without updating, the game may require a constant connection at all times.

Some of these games may have trouble with the UPlay launcher. Check here to make sure your game is updating properly.

Name Store Page Notes
Anno 2070 Link
Assassin's Creed 2 Link
Assassin's Creed Brotherhood Link Offline mode available without registering/updating the game. Use parameter -playoffline.
Assassin's Creed Revelations Link
Assassin's Creed 3 Link
Driver San Francisco Link
Far Cry 3 Link
From Dust Link
Might & Magic Heroes VI Link Required for activation and online features.
Prince of Persia: The Forgotten Sands Link
The Settlers 7 Link Connection required at ALL times.
Silent Hunter 5 Link
Tom Clancy's Ghost Recon: Future Soldier™ Link
Tom Clancy's H.A.W.X. 2 Link Connection required at ALL times.
Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell: Conviction Link

Other Account-based DRM

Name Store Page Notes
Airline Tycoon 2 Link Account and log-in required to play (single-player included).
APOX Link Proprietary server connection. There is no authentication, but a constant Internet connection is required for anything other than campaign, skirmish and tutorial.
AudioSurf Link Account required for leaderboard feature
Company of Heroes Link Relic Online. CD key activation required, log-in required to play. Offline workaround found here. Transitioning to Steamworks on April 8.
Company of Heroes: Opposing Fronts Link Relic Online. CD key activation required, log-in required to play. Offline workaround found here. Transitioning to Steamworks on April 8.
Company of Heroes: Tales of Valor Link Relic Online. CD key activation required, log-in required to play. Offline workaround found here. Transitioning to Steamworks on April 8.
Crysis 2 (Store page unavailable) Link Online play requires a MyCrysis account
Crysis 2 - Maximum Edition Link Online play requires a MyCrysis account
Delta Force: Xtreme 2 Link Must create an account and "activate"; through the game to play.
Frozen Synapse Link Must create an account and "activate" through the game for online features.
Metal Drift Link Must create an account to play
Plain Sight Link Activation through Beatnik servers, requires log-in to play
Saints Row: The Third Link THQ account required for community features
Trackmania Nations Forever Link Trackmania account required for online features
Trackmania United Forever Link Trackmania account required for online features
Turba Link Account required for leaderboards
Wings of Prey Link Requires a YuPlay account for multiplayer

Hardware-based DRM

Hardware-based DRM uses the PC itself in the activation process. The DRM, when installed, will usually check the system specs, operating system, image mounting software, etc. When any of these things are modified, the activation considers the PC to be a different one and will require another activation. If an activation limit exists and is reached, the game will refuse to install or play. In some cases, there will be methods to either revoke activations or reset the limit. These will be noted at the bottom of their respective blocks.

SecuROM

To remove SecuROM from your computer, use the Removal Tool.

Name Store Page Notes
Age of Booty Link Unlimited activations
Batman: Arkham Asylum Link Non-GotY Edition: 4 activations per month. A revoke tool is available in your Steam Tools section. GotY Edition: 4 machine limit. Revoke using /revoke parameter.
Batman: Arkham City Link 5 machine limit, 10 activations per machine
BioShock 2 Link Unlimited activations
Blood Bowl: Dark Elves Edition Link 5 machine limit
Blood Bowl: Legendary Edition Link 5 machine limit
Borderlands DLC Pack Link Used for 2 of the 4 included DLC packs (shown below).
Borderlands: Game of the Year Link Used for 2 of the 4 included DLC packs (shown below).
Borderlands: The Zombie Island of Dr. Ned Link 5 machine limit.
Borderlands: Mad Moxxi’s Underdome Riot Link 5 machine limit
Cities XL 2011 Link 5 machine limit
Colin McRae DiRT 2 Link Used for CD check only
Crysis Link 50 machine limit
Crysis Warhead Link 50 machine limit
Dark Void Zero Link 5 machine limit
DiRT 3 Link Activation limit unknown
Fable III Link 5 activations per month
F.E.A.R. 1 Complete Link Only multiplayer is active. To avoid this, download the updated multiplayer here.
Flock Link Unlimited activations
FUEL Link Unlimited activations
Grand Theft Auto IV: Complete Edition Link Used in GTA IV and its expansions as noted below
Grand Theft Auto IV Link Unlimited activations
Grand Theft Auto IV: Episodes from Liberty City Link 15 machine limit
Major League Baseball 2K9 Link Used for CD check only
Mass Effect Link Found on the DLC installers only, SecuROM removable post-installation. 3 machine limit.
Medal of Honor Link Single-player portion only, 5 machine limit, 1 activation added every 60 days.
Neopets Puzzle Adventure Link 5 machine limit
The Sims Medieval Link 5 machine limit using new "Content Protection" by "Sony DADC Austria AG". News Link
Test Drive Unlimited 2 Link 4 machine limit

Notes on Activations

To revoke SecuROM activations, look for your SecuROM game here. The revoke tool should be listed on the game's page, if it exists. If the game is not listed, contact support.

Anyone running an EA game with SecuROM "released after May 2008" who would like to de-authorize machines should have a look at the EA Game Authorization Management page.

StarForce/ACTControl

StarForce

Name Store Page Notes
DCS A-10C Warthog Link 10 machine limit. After 10 activations, 1 more is generated in a month.
Wargame: European Escalation Link 5 machine limit

ACTControl

ACTControl is a fork of StarForce AAA Protection. It is unknown if this is either a genuine fork or a replacement of StarForce. Information

Name Store Page Notes
Confrontation Link 5 machine limit
Disciples III - Reincarnation Link 5 machine limit
Game of Thrones Link 5 machine limit
Of Orcs and Men Link 10 machine limit
Postal 3 Link Machine limit unknown
The Testament of Sherlock Holmes Link 5 machine limit. Source

TAGES/SolidShield

TAGES

To remove the TAGES drivers from your computer, use TagesSetup.

Name Store Page Notes
Dawn of Discovery Link Activation limit removed in patch
Anno 1404/Dawn of Discovery: Venice Expansion Link 3 machine limit
Chronicles of Riddick: Assault on Dark Athena Link 3 machine limit, 1 activation added back every 30 days.
nail'd Link 3 machine limit, 1 activation added back every 30 days. 5 revocations of these activations are allowed per month, and 1 is added back every 30 days.
James Cameron's Avatar: The Game Link 3 machine limit, 1 activation added back every 30 days.
Sherlock Holmes versus Jack the Ripper Link Limits unknown

SolidShield

SolidShield is Tages’ new DRM technology. It is presumed that this is their replacement for TAGES.

Name Store Page Notes
A Game of Thrones – Genesis Link 5 machine limit
Crysis 2 (Store page unavailable) Link 5 machine limit
Dead Space 2 Link 5 machine limit
Shift 2 Unleashed Link 5 machine limit

Notes on Activations

TAGES does not, and will not, have a revoke tool. Be careful!

Other Hardware-based DRM

Name Store Page Notes
Doom Rails Link Themida. 5 machine limit.
Earth 2160 Link 3 machine activation limit
Football Manager 2009 Link Uniloc, 5 machine limit
Gatling Gears Link EA Access. 5 activation limit per 24 hours.
L.A. Noire: The Complete Edition Link GameShield Ironwrap & Patcher. Machine limit explicitly not available per Rockstar policy, but is likely unlimited on Steam. Source
Max Payne 3 Link GameShield Ironwrap & Patcher. Machine limit explicitly not available per Rockstar policy.
Monster Trucks Nitro Link Activated through RedLynx servers. Activation limit exists, but is unknown and can be reset (Thread).
Spectromancer Link Proprietary activation method though CD key. 5 machine limit.
Two Worlds Epic Edition Link Proprietary activation limit (limit unknown). If limit is reached, contact support.
Two Worlds II Link Proprietary "Aktivierung" system, 3 machine limit
Two Worlds II Castle Defense Link Proprietary "Aktivierung" system, 3 machine limit

Notes on Activations

  • IvanDoomer says he can confirm Earth 2160's DRM has a 3 machine activation limit. Instructions to reset the activation limit are here. It can also be reset via phone support (phone number in-game).
  • To reset your activation limit for Spectromancer, contact support here.


// TODO: Inert, Removed