The big list of third-party DRM on Steam
From PCGamingWiki, the wiki about fixing PC games
(Redirected from The Big List of 3rd Party DRM on Steam)
Project aim
- Offer a complete list of games available for purchase on Steam which have external DRM associated with them in addition to or in lieu of the various forms of Steam's native DRM.
Instructions
- Refer to the How to contribute section for information on adding games to this article.
- Included with the games are the DRM schemes involved, the issues and hindrances you might encounter due to this DRM, and what you can do to prevent DRM from interfering with your gaming experience.
Discussion
- Discuss the project on the Talk page.
Other information
- "Unofficial List of Steam Games with DRM" Steam Users' Forums thread - Original thread on this topic, all discussion has henceforth been moved to this wiki article.
- The Big List of DRM-Free Games on Steam - A comparable list of Steam games which do not feature any sort of DRM.
- DISCLAIMER: There are many games that have their own in-game store. There are also many games with DLC managed not by Steam but by the publishers themselves. These are NOT included in this list because, as previously stated, the products on these lists are available for purchase on Steam. Using non-Steam products on Steam products must be done at your own risk.
Main contacts
How to contribute
- This list covers many games already but it is still missing some games and may have outdated information.
- Please reference your additions so others can easily verify their accuracy.
- Games that never had third-party DRM are omitted from this list; this includes sequels to the games listed here.
Check the game's forums for DRM discussion
| Check forums for DRM details |
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Investigate DRM for your games
- If you're unsure about the specific DRM used, ask on the project talk page so others can help.
| Game prompts for making/logging into an account (Account-based DRM) |
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| Game prompts for CD/product key but not an account (Hardware-based DRM) |
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Account-based DRM
DRM associated with accounts is weaker than most but still present, requiring online activation via a serial key or other identifiers to access online services such as multiplayer and profile stats. These games require activation through their servers and usage of their account system to do so, many even require these accounts to access the game at all.
- For single-player games, account-based DRM often does not affect the game to any real degree, as they can be played with an offline profile without activation. Games falling into this “single-player only” category will be marked as such.
Codemasters RaceNet
- Used for multiplayer and community features in newer Codemasters racing games after Codemasters switched from Games for Windows Live to Steamworks for DRM.
- Completely optional; if you don't play online you can simply ignore it. More about it here.
- Currently available for Family Sharing.
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.
Origin/EA App
- Origin/EA App are digital distribution, DRM, multiplayer and communications service created by EA.
- Unless otherwise noted, these games require Steam and Origin/EA App to be running in the background to work. These games do not have any client-side interaction with Steam and all services such as DLC, activation and online services are managed by the Origin/EA App clients.
- Excluded from Family Sharing.
- This section is automated; refer to the individual game pages to add or update entries.
Constant Connection Required
| Name | Link | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Apex Legends | Store | |
| Command & Conquer 4: Tiberian Twilight | Store | |
| Darkspore | Hub | Structured like an MMO despite having single-player. No longer sold or supported as of August 23, 2013.[1] |
Activation, online services, DLC
EA Classic Account
| Name | Link | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Battlefield 2 | Hub |
GameSpy
- GameSpy online services were shut down on May 31, 2014 (June 30, 2014 for Electronic Arts titles).[5][6]
- Most GameSpy games can be played online through alternate methods; see the game pages for details.
- GameSpy is not DRM; however, since some multiplayer features are dependent on GameSpy for these games, they are listed here.
Games for Windows Live
- Excluded from Family Sharing (all GFWL types)
- There are two kinds of GFWL activation, Server-Side Activation (SSA) and Legacy (Per-Title 5x5). See the sections below for further details.
- Both Server-Side Activation (SSA) and Legacy (Per-Title 5x5) titles can also utilize Zero Day Piracy Protection (ZDPP) to prevent access to games before the release date. Protected titles are marked as such.
- Not supported worldwide; outside the Xbox LIVE Countries and Regions you can only use a local profile, meaning no multiplayer or achievements.[7]
Server-Side Activation (SSA) titles
- Server-Side Activation (SSA) binds the product key permanently to your Microsoft account, similar to Steam. These games have no activation limits.
- If you bind an SSA product key to an account that is not in a supported region you will lose the key (and, consequently, access to the game).
| Name | Link | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Age of Empires Online | Hub | No longer playable due to the servers being shut down on July 1, 2014.[8] |
| Batman: Arkham City (non-GOTY) | Hub | ZDPP Title. Non-GOTY owners get GOTY version for free[9] which has Steamworks DRM instead of SecuROM and GFWL.[10] |
| Blacklight: Tango Down | Store | Region locked. |
| Bulletstorm | Hub | ZDPP Title; does not support local profiles but can be played offline. |
| Colin McRae: DiRT 2 | Hub | |
| DiRT 3 | Hub | Owners have received DiRT 3 Complete Edition for free which has no GFWL. The original DiRT 3 remains in players' accounts and still uses GFWL.[11] |
| F1 2010 | Hub | |
| F1 2011 | Store | Purchase disabled. |
| Fable III | Hub | |
| Gotham City Impostors (non-Free To Play) | Hub | |
| Lost Planet 2 | Store | ZDPP Title. Online activation required only for multiplayer. Purchase disabled temporarily. |
| Microsoft Flight | Hub | Steam version works, but is no longer supported. You can use Games for Windows Marketplace version with same Microsoft account in-game.[12] |
| Mortal Kombat Kollection | Hub | |
| Operation Flashpoint: Red River | Store | Purchase disabled. |
| Resident Evil: Operation Raccoon City | Store | Purchase disabled temporarily. |
| Section 8 | Hub | |
| Section 8: Prejudice | Store | Purchase disabled. |
| Street Fighter X Tekken | Store | Purchase disabled temporarily. |
| Test Drive: Ferrari Racing Legends | Store | Region-locked. |
| Tron: Evolution | Hub | |
| Virtua Tennis 4 | Store | Purchase disabled. |
Legacy (Per-Title 5x5) titles
- Simple product key check; requires internet access for online profile but does not attach the key to your Microsoft account.
- Activation limit between 10-20 (usually 15) for online profiles; Microsoft support can help reset the limit but will not reset a second time; after that you will need to buy the game again.
| Name | Link | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 007: Quantum of Solace | Hub | |
| Batman: Arkham Asylum (non-GOTY) | Hub | Single-player only; owners get free upgrade to the Game of the Year Edition which has Steamworks DRM instead of GFWL and SecuROM.[9] |
| Battlestations Pacific | Store | |
| The Club | Store | |
| Fallout 3 | Store | Single-player only, can be completely ignored (no profile/activation needed). Can be disabled with the Games for Windows LIVE Disabler mod or by running the game with the modding tool FOSE (you do not need to install a mod that actually uses it). CD keys no longer generate. |
| Fuel | Hub | |
| Juiced 2: Hot Import Nights | Hub | |
| Kane & Lynch: Dead Men | Store | Purchase disabled temporarily. |
| Lost Planet: Extreme Condition Colonies Edition | Store | A non-GFWL version is available (de facto Steamworks because of VAC protection) but note that it lacks the extra content of the Colonies Edition. Purchase disabled temporarily. |
| Star Wars: The Clone Wars - Republic Heroes | Store | |
| Stormrise | Hub | |
| Street Fighter IV | Store | An updated, Steamworks version, Ultra Street Fighter IV is available. Purchase disabled temporarily. |
| Universe at War: Earth Assault | Hub | |
| Vancouver 2010 | Store | Purchase disabled. |
Xbox Live Account
- Currently available for Family Sharing.
All this games only required a Free Xbox Live account or Microsoft account for playing.
Kalypso Launcher
- You can install and play these games without any kind of internet connection (see About Kalypso Launcher).[13]
| Name | Link | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Airline Tycoon 2 | Store | |
| Anna - Extended Edition | Store | Linux version does not require launcher and does not even require Steam to play. |
| Dark | Store | |
| Demonicon | Store | Login prompts can be cancelled to play the game without an account.[14][15] |
| Disciples III: Resurrection | Store | |
| DUNGEONS - Steam Special Edition | Store | |
| Dungeons - The Dark Lord | Store | |
| The First Templar - Steam Special Edition | Store | |
| Omerta - City of Gangsters | Store | |
| Patrician IV - Steam Special Edition | Store | |
| Pole Position 2012 | Hub | No longer available for purchase. |
| Rise of Venice | Store | |
| Tropico 4 - Steam Special Edition | Store |
ManiaPlanet
- Every new Nadeo game requires ManiaPlanet account. More about account can be read here.
| Name | Link | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| ShootMania: Storm | Store | |
| TrackMania 2: Canyon | Store | |
| TrackMania 2: Stadium | Store | |
| TrackMania 2: Valley | Store |
Rockstar Games Launcher
- Excluded from Family Sharing.
- This section is automated; refer to the individual game pages to add or update entries.
Bethesda.net
These games require a Bethesda.net account only for online services.
| Name | Link | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Deathloop | Store | Bethesda.net account required for activation and online services. |
| Doom Eternal | Store | Bethesda.net account required for activation and online services. |
| Fallout 76 | Store | Bethesda.net account required for activation and online services. Multiplayer-only, hence requires a constant Internet connection. |
| RAGE 2 | Store | An optional Bethesda.net account can be used to unlock community features. |
| Wolfenstein: Youngblood | Store | Bethesda.net account required for online services. |
Paradox Plaza
These games require a Paradox Plaza account only for online services.
| Name | Link | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Age of Wonders: Planetfall | Store | Paradox account required for multiplayer and online services. |
| Age of Wonders 4 | Store | Paradox account required for multiplayer and online services. |
| BattleTech | Store | Paradox account required for multiplayer and online services. |
| Cities: Skylines | Store | A Paradox account is entirely optional, but registering gives the "Paradox Plaza" bonus in-game item. |
| Europa Universalis IV | Store | Paradox account required for multiplayer and online services. |
| Leviathan: Warships | Store | Paradox account required for multiplayer and online services. |
| Hearts of Iron IV | Store | Paradox account required for multiplayer and online services. |
| Star Trek: Infinite | Store | Paradox account required for multiplayer, online services and DLC activation. |
| Stellaris | Store | Paradox account required for multiplayer, online services and DLC activation. |
| Surviving Mars | Store | Paradox account required for multiplayer and online services. |
| Tyranny | Store | A Paradox account is entirely optional, but registering gives the "Paradox Plaza" bonus in-game item. |
| Victoria 3 | Store | Paradox account required for multiplayer and online services. |
Stardock Account
Stardock distributed their games via Impulse. After they sold it to GameStop in March 2011, Stardock introduced account system for their games to distribute patches and for the official support on forums. Their older games are de facto DRM free after registration, and those games are noted. You can download them any time from your Stardock account. In 2012, Stardock switched to Steamworks because of multiplayer. Those games can't be downloaded from Stardock, only from Steam.
| Name | Link | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Demigod | Store | After registration, game is de facto DRM free. |
| Fallen Enchantress | Store | After registration, game is de facto DRM free. |
| Fallen Enchantress: Legendary Heroes | Store | |
| Galactic Civilizations II: Ultimate Edition | Store | Only needed for Twilight of the Arnor [GC2TwilightOfTheArnor.exe] expansion pack. After registration, expansion is de facto DRM free. Base game (GalCiv2.exe) and Dark Avatar expansion (GC2DarkAvatar.exe) are DRM free (registration is not needed at all). If you register game, it can be only launched via GC2TwilightOfTheArnor.exe.
|
| The Political Machine 2012 | Store | Purchase disabled |
| Sins of a Solar Empire: Rebellion | Store | |
| Sins of a Solar Empire: Trinity | Store | After registration, base game and both expansions (Entrenchment and Diplomacy) are de facto DRM free. |
2K Accounts
2k 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 and In-game purchases. In this case, the 2K 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 2K Sports accounts. Single-player games in the latter category will be specially marked, either as an option or exclusively single-player.
| Name | Link | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Civilization 6 | Store | Added after May 2021 update, required 2K Launcher and 2K account. |
| BioShock Remastered | Store | Added after August 2022 updated, required 2K Launcher and 2K Account. |
| BioShock 2 Remastered | Store | Added after August 2022 updated, required 2K Launcher and 2K Account. |
| BioShock Infinite | Store | Added after August 2022 updated, required 2K Launcher and 2K Account. |
| Mafia: Definitive Edition | Store | Added after May 2021 update, required 2K Launcher and 2K account. |
| Mafia II: Definitive Edition | Store | Added after May 2021 update, required 2K Launcher and 2K account. |
| Mafia III | Store | Added after May 2021 update, required 2K Launcher and 2K account. |
| Marvel's Midnight Suns | Store | Required 2K account and launcher for activation and online features. |
| NBA 2K23 | Store | Required 2K Sports account for activation and online features. |
| NBA 2K24 | Store | Required 2K Sports account for activation and online features. |
| XCOM 2 | Store | Added after May 2021 update, required 2K Launcher and 2K account. |
| XCOM: Chimera Squad | Store | Added after May 2021 update, required 2K Launcher and 2K account. |
Ubisoft Connect
- Formerly Uplay, Ubisoft Connect is a digital distribution, DRM, multiplayer and communications service created by Ubisoft.
- 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.
- This section is automated; refer to the individual game pages to add or update entries.
Other account-based DRM
- This list does not include free-to-play (F2P) games, which almost always require a separate account, and every one of them has in-game stores. F2P games are found here.
| Name | Link | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Age of Wonders III | Store | Triumph account required for multiplayer and online services. It is separate from Paradox accounts, and is managed from the game's launcher. |
| AirBuccaneers | Store | You need AirBuccaneers account to play game. More info here. |
| Airline Tycoon 2 | Store | Account and log-in required to play (single-player included). |
| AI War: Fleet Command | Store | Base game and DLC require entering the included CD keys to leave trial mode.[16] |
| APOX | Store | Proprietary server connection. There is no authentication, but a constant Internet connection is required for anything other than campaign, skirmish and tutorial. |
| Audiosurf | Store | Account required for leaderboard feature. |
| Battle Worlds: Kronos | Store | Online play requires a King Art account. |
| Bloody Trapland | Store | Requires an account to play (registered in-game with the CD key).[17][18] |
| Blur | Hub | Online features require registering an account in-game.[19] |
| Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War | Store | Require an Activision account, and a constant internet connection for all game modes. |
| Call of Duty: Modern Warfare | Store | Require an Activision account, and a constant internet connection for all game modes. |
| Call of Duty: Modern Warfare II | Store | Require a valid phone number attached to the platform account, an Activision account, Call of Duty HQ launcher and a constant internet connection for all game modes. |
| Call of Duty: Modern Warfare III | Store | Require a valid phone number attached to the platform account, an Activision account, Call of Duty HQ launcher and a constant internet connection for all game modes. |
| Call of Duty: Vanguard | Store | Require an Activision account, and a constant internet connection for all game modes. |
| Caladrius Blaze | Store | Must be online via Steam when starting game. More here. |
| Cargo Commander | Store | Must be connected to Steam to generate new levels. |
| Creativerse | Store | Requires a constant internet connection for all game modes.[20] |
| Crysis 2 | Hub | Online play requires a MyCrysis account. |
| Crysis 2 - Maximum Edition | Store | Online play requires a MyCrysis account. |
| Darkfall Unholy Wars | Store | This game is MMO but AV account is optional and is for the support, official forums and for character deletion. If you do, then you should only register through the patcher which will link your Steam account with AV account. |
| Damned | Store | Must activate key with a 9heads Account and log in every time to play.[21][22] |
| Delta Force: Xtreme 2 | Store | Must create an account and "activate"; through the game to play. |
| Diablo IV | Store | Require a Battle.net account and a constant internet connection for all game modes |
| The Elder Scrolls Online | Store | Requires an Elder Scrolls Online account. |
| Elite: Dangerous | Store | Requires an account[23] and server communication (cannot be played offline).[24][25][26] |
| Final Fantasy VII | Store | Uses Square Enix online store for activation. You must create a Square Enix account and log in before you can play. |
| Final Fantasy VIII | Store | Uses Square Enix online store for activation. You must create a Square Enix account and log in before you can play. |
| Frozen Synapse | Store | Must create an account and "activate" through the game for online features. |
| Galaxy on Fire 2 Full HD | Store | Must be online via Steam when starting game. More here. |
| Galcon Fusion | Store | Requires a Galcom.com account; to register right-click on the game in the Steam client and choose Manage Game Account.[27] |
| Gemini Wars | Store | Requires registering an account and logging in in order to play (all game modes).[28] |
| Groove Coaster | Store | The game must be started while Steam is in online mode at least once every 7 days. It cannot be played offline if the 7-day limit is expired.[29] |
| The Hunter: Primal | Store | Requires a constant internet connection for all game modes.[30] |
| I, Gladiator | Store | Multiplayer requires an account.[31] |
| IL-2 Sturmovik: Battle of Stalingrad | Store | Requires login and activation with an IL-2 Sturmovik account.[32] |
| Ironclad Tactics | Store | Tries to connect to a server even for single player; can be overridden by setting "force offline mode" in options.[33] |
| Interstellar Marines | Store | You can optionally open an account at interstellarmarines.com for connecting your Steam account and your Interstellar Marines website account. |
| Kingdom Wars | Store | This game is MMORTS so you need to open a separate account. |
| Metal Drift | Store | Must create an account to play. There is no offline mode; you must log in to your account every time you start the game. |
| Middle-earth: Shadow of Mordor | Store | Prompts for WBPlay account to unlock bonus content.[34] |
| The Mighty Quest for Epic Loot | Hub | Requires a Uplay account but does not use the Uplay client.[35] |
| Overwatch 2 | Store | Require a Battle.net account, all non Overwatch 1 players need a valid phone number attached to Battle.net account to play and a constant internet connection for all game modes. |
| Plain Sight | Store | Activation through Beatnik servers, requires log-in to play. |
| Planet Explorers | Store | Online play requires a Planet Explorers account (optional for single player).[36] |
| Pro Evolution Soccer 2013 | Hub | KONAMI ID is needed for online play. There are multiple reports like this one that you need to be online when starting game. It's not clear if you have to be online all the time. |
| Pro Evolution Soccer 2014 | Hub | KONAMI ID is needed for online play. |
| Pro Evolution Soccer 2015 | Hub | Requires an internet connection to launch (Steam offline mode does not work).[37][38] |
| Pro Evolution Soccer 2016 | Hub | Requires an internet connection to launch (Steam offline mode does not work).[39] |
| Raiden IV: OverKill | Store | Must be online via Steam when starting game. More here. |
| Resident Evil 6 | Store | You can optionally open an account at Resident Evil.net for additional features. |
| Resident Evil: Revelations | Store | You can optionally open an account at Resident Evil.net for additional features. |
| Rise of Flight: The First Great Air War | Store | Must activate game by making a Rise of Flight account (internet connection required); see step-by-step instructions.[40] |
| Rocket League | Store | Epic Games account is required since September 16, 2020. |
| Sang-Froid - Tales of Werewolves | Store | Must be online via Steam when starting game. Developers claim it's bug, but it's not fixed. Discussion here. |
| Shadowrun Chronicles - Boston Lockdown | Store | Requires a constant internet connection for all game modes.[41] |
| Shattered Skies | Store | Requires a Free Reign Entertainment account. |
| Sky Nations | Store | Requires a Sky Nations Account. |
| Starlight Inception | Store | Must be online via Steam when starting the game. Developers say this will be removed in a future update.[42] |
| Space Invaders Extreme | Store | Always-online DRM. The game cannot be played if Steam is in offline mode.[43] |
| Stellar Impact | Store | An account is needed to play the game. |
| Street Fighter 6 | Store | Online features require a Capcom ID account. |
| Sword Coast Legends | Store | Requires a Sword Coast Legends Account. |
| Torchlight II | Store | Runic account is needed for online play. More info here. |
| TrackMania Nations Forever | Store | Trackmania account required for online features. |
| TrackMania United Forever | Store | Trackmania account required for online features. |
| Turba | Store | Account required for leaderboards. |
| Two Worlds Epic Edition | Store | Requires an account for online multiplayer. Single player no longer requires Reality Pump activation.[44] |
| Victory: The Age of Racing | Store | Requires an account on the developer's site. Requires a constant internet connection for all game modes.[45] |
| Wargame: European Escalation | Store | When you start the game, you are asked to connect to Eugen.net game server. Eugen.net handles multiplayer system, as well as friend list. |
| Wargame: Airland Battle | Store | When you start the game, you are asked to connect to Eugen.net game server. Eugen.net handles multiplayer system, as well as friend list. |
| Wings of Prey | Store | Requires a YuPlay account for multiplayer. |
| World of Diving | Store | Requires a World of Diving account.[46] |
Hardware-based DRM
Hardware-based DRM uses components of the PC such as the MAC address of network adapter(s) and serial number(s) of hard drive(s) to create a hash or signature which is used for identification of the PC in the DRM activation process. When a game which incorporates this type of DRM is run, it checks that the current components of the PC match the hash/signature which was created and stored during the previously completed activation. The tolerance for matching this hash varies by game, but in general if a significant component or components of the PC which comprise the hash have changed, the DRM will require a new activation to play the game. If an activation limit exists and is reached, the game will refuse to play. In most cases where this type of DRM is used, there will be methods to either revoke activations or reset the limit so a new activation is performed. These will be noted at the bottom of their respective sections below.
Denuvo Anti-Tamper
- Windows-only executable obfuscation DRM made by some previous employees of Sony DADC DigitalWorks.[47] OS X and Linux versions of these games do not use this DRM.
- Uses online activation;[48] the game's support page can be used for manual authentication on systems without internet access.[49]
- This section is automated; refer to the individual game pages to add or update entries.
VMProtect
- Prevents code from executing on virtual machine and non-standard architecture.
- Suspected of negatively affecting protected program's performance due to usage of virtualization methods.
- Some iterations of Denuvo Anti-Tamper also reportedly used VMProtect.
- This section is automated; refer to the individual game pages to add or update entries.
Arxan Anti-Tamper
- Used to strengthen the account-based DRM of a game, considered an alternative to Denuvo Anti-Tamper.
- This section is automated; refer to the individual game pages to add or update entries.
Reality Pump
- DRM specific to Reality Pump titles.
- Previously listed as "Aktivierung" for some games.[50]
- This section is automated; refer to the individual game pages to add or update entries.
| Game | Link | Developer | Publisher | First release | Systems |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3SwitcheD | Store | Reality Pump Studios | TopWare Interactive | March 29, 2012 |  |
| Chicken Shoot Gold | Store | ToonTRAXX Studios | TopWare Interactive | November 1, 2003 | |
| Earth 2160 | Store | Reality Pump Studios | Zuxxez Entertainment, Deep Silver, Midway Games | June 3, 2005 | |
| Heli Heroes | Store | Reality Pump Studios | TopWare Interactive | January 30, 2002 | |
| Iron Sky: Invasion | Store | Reality Pump Studios | TopWare Interactive | December 13, 2012 | |
| Two Worlds II | Store | Reality Pump Studios | TopWare Interactive | November 9, 2010 | |
| Two Worlds II Castle Defense | Store | Reality Pump Studios | TopWare Interactive | May 17, 2011 | |
| World War II: Panzer Claws | Store | Reality Pump Studios, In Images | Eidos Interactive, TopWare Interactive | November 15, 2002 | |
| World War III: Black Gold | Store | Reality Pump Studios | TopWare Interactive | October 16, 2001 | |
SecuROM
- To revoke SecuROM activations, see popular titles; for EA games with SecuROM "released after May 2008" use the EA Game Authorization Management Tool.
- Activations can usually be revoked by using the
/revokecommand-line switch when running the game's main executable or launcher. If that does not work, contact support. - Use the Removal Tool to remove SecuROM activation information (after revoking the activations, if applicable).
| Name | Link | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Age of Booty | Store | Machine limit is raised from 5 to 20 according to the developer.[51] |
| Alone in the Dark | Store | Activation limit is not known.[52] |
| Batman: Arkham Asylum (non-GOTY) | Hub | 4 activations per month. A revoke tool is available in your Steam Tools section. Non-GOTY owners get GOTY version for free[9] which has Steamworks DRM instead of SecuROM and GFWL.[10] |
| Batman: Arkham City (non-GOTY) | Hub | 5 machine limit, 10 activations per machine. Non-GOTY owners get GOTY version for free[9] which has Steamworks DRM instead of SecuROM and GFWL.[10] |
| Blood Bowl | Store | Local key check only. No activation or Internet connection required.[53] |
| Blood Bowl: Dark Elves Edition | Hub | 5 machine limit. |
| Cities XL 2011 | Hub | 5 machine limit. |
| Colin McRae: DiRT 2 | Hub | Used for CD check only. |
| Crysis | Store | 50 machine limit. |
| Crysis: Warhead | Store | 50 machine limit. |
| Dark Void | Store | Machine limit is raised from 5 to 20 according to the developer.[51] |
| Dark Void Zero | Store | Machine limit is raised from 5 to 20 according to the developer.[51] Store page has not been updated. |
| DiRT 3 | Hub | Activation limit unknown. Owners have received DiRT 3 Complete Edition which does not use SecuROM. |
| Fable III | Hub | 5 activations per month. |
| Flock! | Store | Machine limit is raised from 5 to 20 according to the developer.[51] |
| FUEL | Hub | Unlimited activations. |
| Grand Theft Auto IV | Store | Unlimited activations. |
| Grand Theft Auto IV: Complete Edition | Store | Used in GTA IV and its expansions. |
| Grand Theft Auto: Episodes from Liberty City | Store | The previous wording of "15 machine limit" is no longer on the store page, presumably because now it's unlimited. |
| Major League Baseball 2K9 | Hub | Used for CD check only. |
| Medal of Honor | Store | Single-player portion only, 5 machine limit, 1 activation added every 60 days. |
| Neopets: Puzzle Adventure | Hub | 5 machine limit. |
| The Sims Medieval | Hub | 5 machine limit using new "Content Protection" by "Sony DADC Austria AG".[54] |
| Test Drive Unlimited 2 | Hub | 4 machine limit. |
| Tron: Evolution | Hub | Activation limit unknown. |
StarForce/ACTControl
StarForce ProActive
- StarForce ProActive is contained to the folder of the game using it. It does not make registry entries or install drivers. Activation/deactivation instructions
| Name | Link | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| DCS: A-10C Warthog | Hub | 10 machine limit. After 10 activations, 1 more is generated in a month.[55] |
| DCS: Black Shark | Hub | 8 activations and 10 deactivations.[56] FAQ does not mention whether activations regenerate. |
| DCS World (all DLC) | Store | DRM on each individual DLC instead of base game.[57] Each DLC has a 10 machine activation limit and 10 deactivations. After no activations remain, 1 more is generated in a month. |
ACTControl
- ACTControl is a fork of StarForce AAA Protection. It is unknown if this is either a genuine fork or a replacement of StarForce.
- Games can be activated/deactivated with
ACPC.EXEin the installation folder or with the online activation page.
| Name | Link | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Disciples III: Reincarnation | Store | 5 machine limit for Toolkit editor only. The main game does not require activation or an Internet connection. |
| Postal 3 | Store | 2 machine limit. Removed on October 13, 2023, mirroring a (now outdated) build from the ZOOM Platform store.[58][59] |
| Pro Cycling Manager 2012 | Hub | 5 machine limit |
| Pro Cycling Manager 2013 | Hub | 5 machine limit |
TAGES/SolidShield
TAGES
- TAGES does not support revoking activations;[60] activations automatically regenerate on a timer, usually one every 30 days.
- Use TagesSetup to remove the TAGES drivers from your computer.
| Name | Link | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| The Chronicles of Riddick: Assault on Dark Athena | Hub | 3 machine limit, 1 activation added back every 30 days.[61] |
| nail'd | Store | 3 machine limit, 1 activation added back every 30 days. 5 revocations allowed per month. |
| James Cameron's Avatar: The Game | Hub | 3 machine limit, 1 activation added back every 30 days. |
SolidShield
- SolidShield is TAGES' new DRM technology. It is presumed that this is their replacement for TAGES.
- To revoke activations for EA games with SolidShield "released after May 2008" use the EA Game Authorization Management Tool.
- To revoke activations for other games use the executable in the installation folder (usually called
activation.exe); see Activation and revocation client for further details.
| Name | Link | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| A Game of Thrones - Genesis | Store | 5 machine limit. |
| Anno 2070 | Store | 3 machine limit.[62][63] |
| Crysis 2 | Hub | 5 machine limit. Maximum Edition has SolidShield, but it does not appear to impose restrictions. |
| Dead Space 2 | Store | 5 machine limit. |
| Need for Speed: Shift 2 Unleashed | Store | 5 machine limit. |
Other Hardware-based DRM
| Name | Link | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Arma 3 | Store | DEGRADE (ex-FADE) is an invisible, ingame, check of CD key. No activation limit. |
| Doom Rails | Store | Themida. 5 machine limit. |
| Football Manager 2009 | Hub | Uniloc, 5 machine limit. |
| Fritz Chess 14 | Store | Online activation with serial key, 3 machine limit.[64][65] |
| L.A. Noire: The Complete Edition | Store | GameShield IronWrap & Patcher. Machine limit explicitly not available per Rockstar policy, but is likely unlimited on Steam.[66] |
| Max Payne 3 | Store | GameShield IronWrap & Patcher. Machine limit explicitly not available per Rockstar policy. Likely 15 activation limit and verifying install via Steam counts toward activation limit. |
| Monster Trucks Nitro | Store | Activated through RedLynx servers. Activation limit exists, but is unknown and can be reset.[67] |
| Spectromancer | Store | Proprietary activation method though CD key. 5 machine limit. To reset your activation limit, contact support. |
| Street Fighter V | Store | It uses a third-party DRM, known as CrackProof. |
| Street Fighter 6 (Closed Beta) | Store | Found to include the third-party DRM The Enigma Protector. |
| TramSim Munich - The Tram Simulator | Store | It implements a third-party DRM, which is known as aderow. |
| TramSim Vienna - The Tram Simulator | Store | It implements a third-party DRM, which is known as aderow. 5 machine limit. |
| CityDriver | Store | It implements a third-party DRM, which is known as aderow.[68] |
Inert DRM
Some games on Steam contain remnants of DRM that has been removed (e.g. S.T.A.L.K.E.R.: Clear Sky or Dead Space) or DRM files which are not used unless you attach a DRM expansion pack or DLC to the game. The DRM files do nothing, install nothing and are completely inert unless otherwise noted.
SecuROM
| Name | Link | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Arcania: Gothic 4 | Store | SecuROM. Installs files that can be safely removed without the Removal Tool.[69] |
| Batman: Arkham Asylum Game of the Year Edition | Store | SecuROM patched out of main executable; SecuROM paul.dll remains but does nothing and the game still works if it is deleted.[70]
|
| Cities XL 2012 | Hub | |
| Cloudpunk | Steam | ADEROW Anti-Tamper DRM was removed on 25 May 2021.[71] |
| Crysis: Warhead | Store | Crysis Wars is inert. Crysis: Warhead itself is still active. |
| Dead Space | Store | |
| Dark Messiah of Might & Magic | Store | SecuROM 7 on single player executable.[72] Appears to be inactive.[73] |
| Divinity II: The Dragon Knight Saga | Hub | SecuROM removed for 1.4.9.70 patch; owners got a free copy of Developer's Cut on October 29, 2012 which is DRM free.[74] |
| Dungeons & Dragons: Daggerdale | Store | |
| Far Cry 2: Fortune's Edition | Store | SecuROM removed in 1.03 update despite store page's notes, but some files still remain. |
| F.E.A.R. | Store | SecuROM is activated on launching (the now defunct) multiplayer. The singleplayer parts of the game contain no third party DRM. |
| Gothic II: Gold Edition | Store | |
| Hospital Tycoon | Store | |
| Kohan: Ahriman's Gift | Store | |
| Legendary | Store | SecuROM patched out of main executable; SecuROM paul.dll remains but does nothing and the game still works if it is deleted.
|
| Men of War | Store | |
| The Misadventures of P.B. Winterbottom | Store | |
| Overlord | Store | |
| Partisans 1941 | Store | ADEROW Anti-Tamper DRM was removed on 2 November 2021.[75] |
| SpellForce – Platinum Edition | Store | |
| Split Second | Store | SecuROM paul.dll is included but appears to be unused (game still works if it is deleted).[76]
|
| Star Wars: Republic Commando | Store | |
| The Witcher 2: Assassins of Kings | Store | SecuROM was removed via 1.1 patch for retail. Steam version has inert files. Game is DRM free and you can use CD key for the free DRM free backup on GOG.com and for the bonus content. |
StarForce/ACTControl
| Name | Link | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Still Life | Store | StarForce |
| Syberia | Store | StarForce |
| Syberia II | Store | StarForce |
TAGES/SolidShield
| Name | Link | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Gothic 3 | Store | SolidShield |
| Jack Keane | Store | SolidShield |
| Risen | Store | TAGES. Delete TAGES files in Redist and bin subfolders to prevent installation.[77] Use TagesSetup to remove if already installed.
|
| Silverfall | Store | TAGES |
| S.T.A.L.K.E.R.: Clear Sky | Store | TAGES |
Other Inert DRM
| Name | Link | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Alpha Protocol | Store | Uniloc removed in patch 1.1.[78] Some unused files remain. |
| Fairy Tale About Father Frost, Ivan and Nastya | Store | Russian Steam version has inactive remnants of some sort of DRM in files mrazik_dir.res, mrazik_vdir.res, and mrazik_cd1_an.res.
|
| Toy Soldiers | Store | Games for Windows Live was removed from launching menu, although the files and dependencies are still downloaded and installed. CD keys no longer generate and the game can be now shared via family sharing. The GFWL version can be launched by running Game.exe in the installation folder.[79][80]
|
Removed DRM
- These games had DRM in retail form, or had it on digital storefronts in the past, but it has been entirely removed; these are listed below to help cautious shoppers.
- All games which used SafeDisc DRM have had that copy protection layer removed, as it is incompatible with Steam. Hence, such games are not listed here unless there was another DRM combined with it, as they are assumed affected.
| Name | Link | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| All games from Telltale Games | Store | SecuROM on retail and some other digital distributors. Exceptions are The Walking Dead and Poker Night series (Steamworks). |
| Ace Combat: Assault Horizon - Enhanced Edition | Store | Games for Windows - LIVE removed in April 1, 2014 update.[81] |
| Age of Empires: Definitive Edition | Store | Originally only released on the Microsoft Store with Arxan Anti-Tamper DRM, which was removed in the Steam re-release. |
| Age of Empires III: Complete Collection | Store | SmarteSECURE on retail, removed in patches 1.14/1.06/1.03. Individual serial keys replaced with single key for the entire collection. After the first launch, the games do not require the Steam client to run. |
| Angry Birds Space | Store | Proprietary activation system on the Angry Birds shop and retail. |
| Anno 1404/Dawn of Discovery | Store | TAGES removed by applying latest retail patch. Steam version without TAGES as of April 24, 2014.[82] |
| Anno 1404/Dawn of Discovery: Venice Expansion | Store | TAGES removed by applying latest retail patch. Steam version without TAGES as of April 24, 2014.[82] |
| Anomaly Warzone Earth | Store | SecuROM removed via patch. |
| Arma: Armed Assault | Store | SecuROM removed via patch. Game is DRM free. |
| Arma 2 | Store | SecuROM and FADE removed via patch. Game is DRM-free. |
| Arma 2: Operation Arrowhead | Store | SecuROM removed via patch. Game is DRM-free. |
| Arcanum: Of Steamworks & Magick Obscura | Store | SecuROM v4 on retail, DRM-free in all digital releases. |
| Assassin's Creed Brotherhood | Store | SolidShield on other digital distributors. |
| Balan Wonderworld | Store | Denuvo Anti-Tamper DRM was removed on September 22, 2021.[83][84] |
| Batman: Arkham Asylum GOTY | Store | Games for Windows - LIVE and SecuROM removed.[10] Non-GOTY owners get GOTY upgrade for free.[9] Retail/GFWL keys added to Steam DB for activation. |
| Batman: Arkham City GOTY | Store | Games for Windows - LIVE and SecuROM removed.[10] Non-GOTY owners get GOTY upgrade for free.[9] Retail/GFWL keys added to Steam DB for activation. |
| Battle vs. Chess | Store | Games for Windows - LIVE on retail (EU only). US edition of the game – Check vs Mate – does not have Games for Windows - LIVE. |
| Battlefield: Bad Company 2 | Store | SecuROM on launch (also disc check for retail). SecuROM later removed with patches (522175 for Steam version and 795745 for retail)[85][86] |
| Bionic Commando | Store | SecuROM on retail. |
| Bionic Commando Rearmed | Store | SecuROM on retail. |
| BioShock | Store | SecuROM on retail and from other digital distributors. SecuROM removed from the Steam version of the game in an update after its initial release due to outcry from customers. It was replaced with Steam's "stub" form of DRM. |
| BioShock 2 | Store | SecuROM and GFWL removed on October 3, 2013.[87] |
| Blade Kitten | Store | SecuROM on retail. |
| BlazBlue: Calamity Trigger | Store | Games for Windows - LIVE on retail. |
| Borderlands | Store | SecuROM on other versions. Removed from base game and all DLC.[88] |
| Brothers in Arms: Earned in Blood | Store | StarForce on retail. |
| Brothers in Arms: Hell's Highway | Store | SecuROM on retail. |
| City Patrol: Police | Store | Valeroa Anti-Tamper was removed on May 25, 2020.[89] |
| Codename: Panzers - Cold War | Store | Tages on other versions. Tages removed from Steam version in latest patch.[90] |
| Command & Conquer 3: Tiberium Wars | Store | SecuROM v7 on retail. Serial key still required. |
| Command & Conquer 3: Kane's Wrath | Store | SecuROM v7 on retail. Serial key still required. |
| Command & Conquer: Red Alert 3 | Store | SecuROM v7 and activation limit on retail, removed from the Steam version via patch. Serial key still required. |
| Command & Conquer: Red Alert 3 - Uprising | Store | SecuROM v7 on retail. |
| Company of Heroes | Store | SecuROM v7 on retail, with Relic account originally needed for multiplayer. Both removed in the "New Steam Version" in 2014. |
| Company of Heroes: Opposing Fronts | Store | SecuROM v7 on retail, with Relic account originally needed for multiplayer. Both removed in the "New Steam Version" in 2014. |
| Company of Heroes: Tales of Valor | Store | SecuROM v7 on retail, with Relic account originally needed for multiplayer. Both removed in the "New Steam Version" in 2014. |
| Confrontation | Store | ACTControl is removed. There is still key for online play.[91] |
| Constructor HD | Store | Denuvo Anti-Tamper DRM was removed on November 23, 2018.[92] |
| Crazy Taxi | Store | StarForce on retail Dreamcast Collection.[93] |
| Crysis 2 - Maximum Edition | Store | SolidShield on original Crysis 2 release and on Origin.[94] The Steam version of the game contains Steam's "stub" form of DRM in addition to SolidShield, although the SolidShield wrapping seems inert. |
| Dark Souls: Prepare to Die Edition | Store | Games for Windows - LIVE replaced with Steamworks for the Steam version.[95] |
| Dark Void | Store | Games for Windows - LIVE on Games on Demand (Games for Windows marketplace) version only (no longer available to purchase). |
| Darkstar One | Store | TAGES/ProtectDISC/StarForce on retail (depending on region). |
| Dead Man's Diary | Store | aderow Anti-Tamper DRM was removed on Update 1.4, on July 27, 2022.[96] |
| Dead Rising 2 | Store | Games for Windows - LIVE replaced with Steamworks for the Steam version on March 17, 2015.[97] |
| Dead Rising 2: Off the Record | Store | Games for Windows - LIVE replaced with Steamworks for the Steam version on March 17, 2015.[97] |
| Deadly Premonition: The Director's Cut | Store | SecuROM on GamersGate version; Steam version has only Steam DRM.[98] |
| Deus Ex: Invisible War | Store | SecuROM disc check on retail. SecuROM\Locale registry subfolder is a harmless error remnant; no SecuROM data is written.[99]
|
| DiRT 3 Complete Edition | Store | Games for Windows - LIVE and SecuROM on original version. |
| Doom (2016) | Store | Denuvo Anti-Tamper DRM was removed with Update #5.[100] |
| Dragon Age II (retired) | Hub | SecuROM on retail. |
| Dragon Age II | Store | |
| Dragon Quest Builders 2 | Store | Denuvo Anti-Tamper DRM was removed on June 2, 2020.[101] |
| Divinity II: Developer's Cut | Store | Game is DRM-free. Free upgrade for owners of Divinity II: Ego Draconis or Divinity II: The Dragon Knight Saga.[74] |
| Dreamfall: The Longest Journey | Store | StarForce removed via patch. |
| Drone Swarm | Store | Denuvo Anti-Tamper DRM was removed on April 24, 2023.[102] |
| Dungeon Siege II | Store | SmarteSECURE on retail. |
| Fallout 3: Game of the Year Edition | Store | Games for Windows - LIVE removed via patch.[103] |
| Fishing Sim World: Pro Tour | Store | Denuvo Anti-Tamper DRM was removed on January 9, 2023.[104] |
| FlatOut: Ultimate Carnage | Store | Games for Windows - LIVE removed via patch.[105]Games for Windows - LIVE version available in the gfwl beta branch.
|
| Game of Thrones | Store | ACTControl on other digital versions.[106][107] |
| Gatling Gears | Store | EA DRM Removed.[108] |
| Gotham City Impostors Free to Play | Store | Games for Windows - LIVE removed on Free to Play version. Owners of DLC from the paid version got free DLC for the Free To Play version (see Migration to Steam). |
| Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas | Store | SecuROM listed in Steam system requirements but not present in game files.[109] Steam DRM removed with September 7 patch[110] |
| Grand Theft Auto: Vice City | Store | SecuROM on retail version.[111] |
| Grotesque Tactics: Evil Heroes | Store | SecuROM on retail. |
| Ground Control: Anthology | Store | SecuROM on retail, DRM-free in all digital releases. |
| GT Legends | Store | StarForce on retail. Relaunched SimBin digital version (Steam exclusive) is DRM-free. |
| GTR - FIA GT Racing Game | Store | StarForce on retail. Relaunched SimBin digital version (Steam exclusive) is DRM-free. |
| GTR 2 - FIA GT Racing Game | Store | SecuROM on retail. Relaunched SimBin digital version (Steam exclusive) is DRM-free. |
| Half-Life: Blue Shift | Store | SecuROM on retail. |
| Hamilton's Great Adventure | Store | SecuROM on GamersGate. |
| Heroes of Might & Magic V | Store | SecuROM v7 on retail, but was removed with the last patch. TAGES on GamersGate. |
| Heroes of Might & Magic V: Hammers of Fate | Store | SecuROM v7 on retail. TAGES on GamersGate. |
| Hitman: Blood Money | Store | SecuROM on retail and GamersGate. |
| IL-2 Sturmovik: Cliffs of Dover | Store | SolidShield removed via patch. |
| Insanely Twisted Shadow Planet | Store | Games for Windows - LIVE replaced by Steamworks in an update.[112] |
| Inside | Store | Denuvo removed in an update.[113] |
| Iron Brigade | Store | Games for Windows - LIVE was removed in the Steam Matchmaking update.[114] |
| Kingdoms of Amalur: Reckoning | Store | All non-Steam versions require Origin; Steam version uses Steamworks instead. Prompts for EA Account; close prompt(s) to skip.[4] |
| King's Bounty: Armored Princess | Store | SecuROM on retail and some other digital distributors. |
| King's Bounty: Crossworlds | Store | StarForce on retail and some other digital distributors. |
| King's Bounty: The Legend | Store | StarForce or SecuROM on retail (depends on market). |
| King's Bounty II | Store | Denuvo Anti-Tamper DRM was removed on February 17, 2022. Since released entirely DRM-free on GOG.com. |
| Life Is Strange: Before the Storm | Store | Denuvo Anti-Tamper DRM was removed on October 19, 2017.[115] |
| Manhunt | Store | SecuROM on retail and other digital distributors. |
| Mass Effect | Store | SecuROM on retail. |
| Medieval II: Total War | Store | Includes Kingdoms expansion. SecuROM on retail and some other digital distributors. |
| Men of War: Assault Squad | Store | SecuROM on retail and some other digital distributors. |
| Men of War: Condemned Heroes | Store | SecuROM on retail and some other digital distributors. |
| Men of War: Vietnam | Store | SecuROM on retail and some other digital distributors. |
| Miner Wars 2081 | Store | Always online requirement removed from single-player campaign.[116] |
| Ms. Splosion Man | Store | Games for Windows - LIVE replaced with Steamworks in an update.[117] LIVE version is still available through the Betas tab.[118] |
| Need for Speed: Hot Pursuit | Store | SolidShield on retail and Origin. |
| Neverwinter Nights 2: Platinum | Hub | SecuROM removed in patch/hotfix 1.23.1765. |
| Of Orcs and Men | Store | ACTControl removed via patch.[119] |
| Osmos | Store | Games for Windows - LIVE on Games on Demand (Games for Windows marketplace) version only (no longer available to purchase). |
| Port Royale 2 | Store | VOB/ProtectCD on retail. |
| Prince of Persia: The Two Thrones | Store | StarForce on retail. TAGES on GamersGate. |
| Raji: An Ancient Epic | Store | It had a third-party DRM, called Super.com, which was removed on October 19, 2020,[120] because it negatively affected the performance of the game. |
| Rayman Origins | Store | TAGES on other digital distributors. Steam and retail versions are DRM free. |
| Red Faction: Guerrilla | Store | Games for Windows - LIVE removed in Steamworks update on December 3, 2014.[121] Legacy LIVE version is still available through the Betas tab. |
| Resident Evil 2 (2019) | Store | Denuvo Anti-Tamper was removed on December 18, 2019.[122] |
| Resident Evil 3 (2020) | Store | Denuvo Anti-Tamper was removed on October 1, 2020.[123] |
| Resident Evil 5 | Store | Games for Windows - LIVE removed in Steamworks update on March 26, 2015.[124] |
| Resident Evil 7: Biohazard | Store | Denuvo Anti-Tamper was removed on January 28, 2019.[125] |
| Rig 'n' Roll | Store | StarForce on retail. |
| Rise of the Tomb Raider | Store | Denuvo Anti-Tamper was removed on November 23, 2021.[126] |
| Rise of the Triad (2013) | Store | Multiplayer requirement of creation of an account on the ROTT Multiplayer network was removed in the 1.2 patch. |
| Rocksmith 2014 | Store | Denuvo Anti-Tamper DRM was removed on September 10, 2022.[127] |
| RollerCoaster Tycoon 3: Platinum! | Store | SecuROM v5/v7 on retail. DRM-free on Steam. |
| Rome: Total War: Gold | Store | Includes Alexander expansion. SecuROM on retail and some other digital distributors. |
| Sacred: Gold | Store | VOB/ProtectCD or StarForce v3 on retail (depending on region). |
| Sacred 2: Gold | Store | SecuROM on original Sacred 2 release. Gold version is DRM-free except on Steam where it contains Steam's "Stub" form of DRM. |
| Secret Files Tunguska | Store | TAGES on retail. |
| Secret Files 2: Puritas Cordis | Store | TAGES removed via patch. |
| Sega Bass Fishing | Store | StarForce on retail Dreamcast Collection.[93] |
| Shadow of the Tomb Raider | Store | Denuvo Anti-Tamper was removed on October 18, 2021.[128] |
| Shank | Store | SolidShield removed via patch. |
| Sherlock Holmes: The Awakened - Remastered | Store | SolidShield removed via patch. |
| Sherlock Holmes versus Jack the Ripper | Store | TAGES removed via patch. |
| Sid Meier's Civilization IV | Store | Includes Warlords and Beyond the Sword expansions. SafeDisc v4 removed via patch 3.19 for Beyond the Sword and was absent from the retail Complete Edition. |
| Sid Meier's Civilization IV: Colonization | Store | SecuROM removed with patch 1.01. |
| Silent Hunter III | Store | StarForce on retail. TAGES on GamersGate. |
| The Sims 3 | Store | Includes all expansions (most recent: Showtime). SecuROM, disc check only on retail, 5 machine limit on other digital distributions. |
| Sonic Adventure DX | Store | StarForce on retail Dreamcast Collection.[93] |
| Sonic Mania | Store | Denuvo Anti-Tamper DRM was removed on March 12, 2019.[129] |
| Space Channel 5: Part 2 | Store | StarForce on retail Dreamcast Collection.[93] |
| Spore | Store | SecuROM and activation limit on retail. |
| Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic | Store | SecuROM on retail.. |
| Stronghold Crusader HD | Store | SafeDisc v2 on retail of original release, SecuROM v7 on retail of Extreme release. DRM-free in all releases as of HD update. |
| Tales of Symphonia | Store | Used to use VMProtect DRM,[130] which was removed via patch on February 29, 2016.[131] |
| The Testament of Sherlock Holmes | Store | ACTControl removed via patch. |
| Thief: Deadly Shadows | Store | SecuROM disc check on retail. SecuROM\Locale registry subfolder is a harmless error remnant; no SecuROM data is written.[99]
|
| Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell: Chaos Theory | Store | StarForce on retail release, removed from the Steam version via patch. The Steam version of the game now uses Steam's "stub" form of DRM. It is not DRM-free. |
| Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell: Double Agent | Store | SecuROM removed in patch 1.02a. |
| TrackMania Nations Forever | Store | StarForce removed in the "Forever" update.[132] |
| TrackMania United Forever | Store | StarForce removed in the "Forever" update.[132] |
| Two Point Hospital | Store | Denuvo Anti-Tamper was removed in hotfix v1.02 on September 4, 2018.[133] |
| Ultra Street Fighter IV | Store | Games for Windows - LIVE removed from Steam version on May 30, 2014.[134] Originally titled Super Street Fighter IV: Arcade Edition. |
| Wargame: European Escalation | Store | ACTControl removed via patch.[135] |
| Warhammer 40,000: Dawn of War | Store | SecuROM v5 and serial key on retail. Steam release originally required a serial key only, but the requirement was removed in the 2014 Steamworks update. |
| Warhammer 40,000: Dawn of War - Winter Assault | Store | SecuROM v5 and serial key on retail. Steam release originally required a serial key only, but the requirement was removed in the 2014 Steamworks update. |
| Warhammer 40,000: Dawn of War - Dark Crusade | Store | SecuROM v7 and serial key on retail. Steam release originally required a serial key only, but the requirement was removed in the 2014 Steamworks update. |
| Warhammer 40,000: Dawn of War - Soulstorm | Store | SecuROM v7 and serial key on retail. Steam release originally required a serial key only, but the requirement was removed in the 2014 Steamworks update. |
| Warhammer 40,000: Dawn of War II | Store | Games for Windows - LIVE removed in Steamworks update.[136] |
| Warhammer 40,000: Dawn of War II: Chaos Rising | Store | Games for Windows - LIVE removed in Steamworks update.[137] |
| Wings of Prey | Store | StarForce on retail, removed from Steam version via patch. |
| The Witcher: Enhanced Edition Director's Cut | Store | TAGES removed in patch 1.5. Game is DRM-free but you can use CD key for free DRM backup on GOG.com and for the bonus content. |
| World of Goo | Store | Games for Windows - LIVE on Games on Demand (Games for Windows marketplace) version only (no longer available to purchase). |
| X3: Reunion | Store | StarForce v3 removed from all versions in patch 2.5.[138][139] |
| X3: Terran Conflict | Store | TAGES removed from all versions in patch 2.5.[140][141] |
| X-Blades | Store | Reality Pump DRM was removed in an update.[142] |
| Zeit² | Store | SolidShield removed via patch. |
References
- ↑ Darkspore Forums • View topic - Darkspore Delist FAQ - last accessed on 9 June 2023
- ↑ EA Service Updates - last accessed on May 2023
- ↑ Does DLC need EA login? :: Kingdoms of Amalur: Reckoning™ General Discussions - last accessed on 9 June 2023
- ↑ 4.0 4.1 EA account required, or not? - Steam Users' Forums (retrieved)
- ↑ Pricing | GameSpy Technology
- ↑ Update on EA Titles Hosted on GameSpy - EA News - last accessed on May 2023
- ↑ Games for Windows Live and Supported Countries - Contact Support - Knowledge Base - Steam Support - last accessed on May 2023
- ↑ Blog | Age of Empires Online - The Rest of AOEO
- ↑ 9.0 9.1 9.2 9.3 9.4 9.5 Non-GOTY owners getting GOTY for FREE :: Batman: Arkham Asylum GOTY Edition General Discussions
- ↑ 10.0 10.1 10.2 10.3 10.4 SECUROM AND GFWL IS NOW GONE!!! :: Batman: Arkham Asylum GOTY Edition General Discussions
- ↑ DiRT 3 Complete Edition Available Now [Free upgrade for existing DiRT 3 owners] :: DiRT 3 Complete Edition General Discussions - last accessed on 9 June 2023
- ↑ Marketplace close microsoft flight down? :: Microsoft Flight Support - last accessed on May 2023
- ↑ Kalypso Launcher: Information and FAQ (EN) - last accessed on May 2023
- ↑ When a fight starts the game hangs :: Demonicon General Discussions - last accessed on May 2023
- ↑ kalypso launcher? :: Demonicon General Discussions - last accessed on May 2023
- ↑ Arcen Games Store | Arcen Games
- ↑ Steam Family Sharing not enabled? :: Bloody Trapland General Discussions - last accessed on May 2023
- ↑ Change name? :: Bloody Trapland General Discussions - last accessed on May 2023
- ↑ DRM ? :: Blur General Discussions - last accessed on May 2023
- ↑ Multiplayer Only? :: Creativerse General Discussions - last accessed on May 2023
- ↑ PROBLEM? CRASH? SOLUTIONS HERE! :: Damned General Discussions - last accessed on May 2023
- ↑ What kind of DRM is "9heads"? :: Damned General Discussions - last accessed on May 2023
- ↑ Still need account? :: Elite: Dangerous General Discussions - last accessed on May 2023
- ↑ Single player offline clarifications. :: Elite: Dangerous General Discussions - last accessed on May 2023
- ↑ Elite: Dangerous Newsletter #49 - last accessed on 9 June 2023
- ↑ No Single Player offline Mode then? - Page 9 - last accessed on May 2023
- ↑ Steam Users' Forums - View Single Post - Galcon Registration can kiss my ♥♥♥ (retrieved)
- ↑ We need to register Steam version too to play the game? :: Gemini Wars General Discussions - last accessed on May 2023
- ↑ Groove Coaster Steam support information & FAQ :: Groove Coaster for Steam General Discussions - last accessed on May 2023
- ↑ Why no Offline? :: theHunter: Primal General Discussions - last accessed on May 2023
- ↑ Dev's, reporting a bug in email system. :: I, Gladiator General Discussions - last accessed on May 2023
- ↑ IL-2 Sturmovik: Battle of Stalingrad on Steam
- ↑ Anyone been able to play it? :: Ironclad Tactics General Discussions - last accessed on May 2023
- ↑ Middle-earth: Shadow of Mordor - Official Site | Thank You
- ↑ Beware of Uplay :: The Mighty Quest For Epic Loot General Discussion - last accessed on May 2023
- ↑ Planet Explorers by Pathea Games — Kickstarter
- ↑ Offline Launch Please!! :: Pro Evolution Soccer 2015 General Discussions - last accessed on May 2023
- ↑ Offline Start :: Pro Evolution Soccer 2015 General Discussions - last accessed on May 2023
- ↑ Is this game really online-only? :: Pro Evolution Soccer 2016 General Discussions - last accessed on May 2023
- ↑ Rise of Flight: Channel Battles Edition on Steam - GUIDE :: Rise of Flight: Channel Battles Edition General Discussions - last accessed on May 2023
- ↑ FAQ | Shadowrun Chronicles
- ↑ Linux/Mac Support? :: Starlight Inception General Discussions - last accessed on May 2023
- ↑ Space Invaders Extreme Steam FAQ :: Space Invaders Extreme General Discussions - last accessed on May 2023
- ↑ Update for Windows, Mac and Linux versions available! - Steam Community :: Group Announcements :: Two Worlds: Epic Edition - last accessed on May 2023
- ↑ Internet Required? :: Victory: The Age of Racing General Discussion - last accessed on May 2023
- ↑ Chat function :: World of Diving General Discussions - last accessed on May 2023
- ↑ http://www.denuvo.com/#page-2
- ↑ Lords of the Fallen EULA - last accessed on May 2023
- ↑ Lords of the Fallen - Support Page - last accessed on May 2023
- ↑ Two Worlds II Castle Defense on Steam - last accessed on May 2023
- ↑ 51.0 51.1 51.2 51.3 DRM! :: Dark Void Zero General Discussions
- ↑ which copy protection has this version ? :: Alone in the Dark General Discussions - last accessed on May 2023
- ↑ SecuROM just cost Cyanide/Focus a sale
- ↑ News - The Sims Medieval Update Released - last accessed on May 2023
- ↑ StarForce AAA Technology on Warthog - ED Forums - last accessed on May 2023
- ↑ ED Forums - View Single Post - DCS: Black Shark User FAQ - last accessed on May 2023
- ↑ ED Forums - View Single Post - Deactivate module in DCS World - last accessed on May 2023
- ↑ Postal III - Postal III: 'No DRM' Update - Steam News - last accessed on 2023-10-19
- ↑ Running With Scissors on X - last accessed on 2023-10-13
- ↑ http://www.tagesprotection.com/activation.htm#revoke
- ↑ The Chronicles of Riddick™ Assault on Dark Athena on Steam - last accessed on 9 June 2023
- ↑ Twitter / UbisoftSupport: @LuckiestLion Yes, there is ... - last accessed on 9 June 2023
- ↑ Solid Shield during Install + UPlay and Other Notes. :: Anno 2070 General Discussions - last accessed on May 2023
- ↑ Follow-up to incorrect serial keys announcement - Steam Community :: Group Announcements :: Fritz Chess 14 - last accessed on May 2023
- ↑ DRM? :: Fritz Chess 14 General Discussions - last accessed on May 2023
- ↑ Unofficial List of Steam Games with DRM - Page 102 - Steam Users' Forums - last accessed on May 2023
- ↑ Says I used my key on too many computers and will not work. - Steam Users' Forums (retrieved)
- ↑ SteamDB - Depot 2064811 for CityDriver - Change #M:944070383678326449 - last accessed on 2024-01-31
- "Modified – CityDriver/Binaries/Win64/platformlink.dll (-2.50 KiB)"
- ↑ Unofficial List of Steam Games with DRM - Page 104 - Steam Users' Forums (retrieved)
- ↑ Unofficial List of Steam Games with DRM - Page 137 - Steam Users' Forums (retrieved)
- ↑ SteamDB - Depot 746851 (Cloudpunk Content) - History - Change #M:3831054745927743785 - last accessed on 2024-01-31
- "Removed – platformlink.dll (2.74 MiB)"
- ↑ Why does steam not mention secuROM? :: Dark Messiah of Might & Magic Single Player General Discussions - last accessed on May 2023
- ↑ Unofficial List of Steam Games with DRM - Page 135 - Steam Users' Forums (retrieved)
- ↑ 74.0 74.1 Divinity 2: Developer's Cut and Anthology on Steam - Larian Studios forums
- ↑ SteamDB - Depot 1227531 (Partisans 1941 win) - History - Change #M:8295985447710611353 - last accessed on 2024-01-31
- "Removed – Partisans/Binaries/Win64/platformlink.dll (2.58 MiB)"
- ↑ Really? SecuROM? :: Split/Second General Discussions - last accessed on May 2023
- ↑ Do this step before installing Risen :: Risen General Discussions - last accessed on May 2023
- ↑ Alpha Protocol PC Patched - last accessed on May 2023
- ↑ SteamDB change #1598418 - last accessed on 9 June 2023
- ↑ How do you load GFWL version? :: Toy Soldiers General Discussions - last accessed on May 2023
- ↑ Ace Combat Assault Horizon enhanced Edition title Update - Game for Windows Live functionalities replaced by Steamworks funtionalities. - last accessed on May 2023
- ↑ 82.0 82.1 NeoGAF - View Single Post - STEAM | April 2014 - Insert witty title here.
- ↑ SteamDB: Change #U:23483754 · BALAN WONDERWORLD · AppID: 1341050 - last accessed on 2021-09-22
- ↑ SteamDB: BALAN WONDERWORLD update for 22 September 2021 - last accessed on 2021-09-22
- ↑ Copy Protection for BFBC2 PC - Battlefield Blog (retrieved) - last accessed on May 2023
- ↑ Battlefield: Bad Company 2 Patch for PC to be Released on Wednesday - Battlefield Blog (retrieved) - last accessed on May 2023
- ↑ News - BioShock 2 Updated - last accessed on May 2023
- ↑ Borderlands update released - Steam Community :: Group Announcements :: Borderlands - last accessed on May 2023
- ↑ SteamDB: City Patrol: Police update for 25 May 2020 - last accessed on 2022-09-22
- ↑ Patch that disables Tages activation is live - Steam Community :: Group Announcements :: Codename: Panzers - Cold War - last accessed on May 2023
- ↑ Unofficial List of Steam Games with DRM - Page 117 - Steam Users' Forums (retrieved)
- ↑ Constructor - Black Friday Madness! + Proper Planning! Update - last accessed on May 2023
- ↑ 93.0 93.1 93.2 93.3 Dreamcast Collection PC..? - Page 2
- ↑ Crysis 2 Maximum Edition for PC Download | Origin
- ↑ HOW TO: Replace Games for Windows Live functionality with Steamworks functionality in Dark Souls™ Prepare To Die Edition for PC :: Dark Souls: Prepare to Die Edition General Discussions - last accessed on 9 June 2023
- ↑ SteamDB: Dead Man´s Diary update for 27 July 2022 - last accessed on 2022-11-13
- ↑ 97.0 97.1 Dead Rising 2 and Off the Record now on Steam, on sale
- ↑ Securom? Seriously guys? :: Deadly Premonition: The Director's Cut General Discussions - last accessed on May 2023
- ↑ 99.0 99.1 Help! Backing up my Steam backlog..., page 1 - Forum - GOG.com
- ↑ Denuvo Says Doom Dropped Their Anti-Piracy Tech Because It Got The Job Done - last accessed on May 2023
- ↑ SteamDB: DRAGON QUEST BUILDERS™ 2 update for 2 June 2020 - last accessed on 2022-11-20
- ↑ Drone Swarm update for 24 April 2023 | SteamDB
- ↑ Fallout 3: Game of the Year Edition - Fallout 3: Game of the Year - Update 1.7.0.4 - Steam News - last accessed on May 2023
- ↑ Fishing Sim World®: Pro Tour update for 9 January 2023 | SteamDB
- ↑ Announcing FlatOut: Ultimate Carnage Collector's Edition! - Steam News - last accessed on March 2024
- ↑ Manual - Page 4 - Steam Users' Forums (retrieved)
- ↑ DRM... still intact? :: Game of Thrones General Discussions - last accessed on May 2023
- ↑ EA DRM has been REMOVED!!! - last accessed on May 2023
- ↑ [False alarm] Suddenly... Securom DRM listed in requirements! WTF Rockstar? :: Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas General Discussions - last accessed on 9 June 2023
- ↑ Patch incoming? :: Steam Community Discussions - last accessed on May 2023
- ↑ Do the games in the classic pack have SecuRom? - Steam Users' Forums (retrieved)
- ↑ GFWL Removed from Insanely Twisted Shadow Planet on Steam - NeoGAF - last accessed on May 2023
- ↑ INSIDE patch notes November 23, 2016 - last accessed on May 2023
- ↑ Update: GFWL Gone, progress wiped :: Iron Brigade General Discussions - last accessed on May 2023
- ↑ Life is Strange: Before the Storm episode two is out now, without its Denuvo protection | PCGamesN
- ↑ Miner Wars - Changelog - last accessed on May 2023
- ↑ Steamworks update! - Steam Community :: Group Announcements :: Ms. Splosion Man - last accessed on May 2023
- ↑ Ms. Splosion Man Steamworks :: Ms. Splosion Man General Discussions - last accessed on May 2023
- ↑ 3rd Party DRM has been removed as of 7/2/13 :: Of Orcs And Men General Discussions - last accessed on May 2023
- ↑ SteamDB: Raji: An Ancient Epic update for 19 October 2020 - last accessed on 2022-09-22
- ↑ Red Faction Guerrilla Steam Edition LIVE - Steam Community :: Group Announcements :: Red Faction: Guerrilla Steam Edition - last accessed on May 2023
- ↑ Capcom has completely removed the Denuvo anti-tamper tech from Resident Evil 2 Remake - DSOGaming - last accessed on 2019-12-18
- ↑ SteamDB - Resident Evil 3, change #U:18917683 - last accessed on 2020-10-01
- "1 October 2020 – 02:25:05 UTC
Change #U:18917683
Removed 3rd-Party DRM – Denuvo Anti-tamper, 5 different PC within a day machine activation limit"
- "1 October 2020 – 02:25:05 UTC
- ↑ Resident Evil 5: Gold Edition available now on Steamworks - last accessed on May 2023
- ↑ RESIDENT EVIL 7 biohazard / BIOHAZARD 7 resident evil Displaying change #U:9973659 - last accessed on 2019-01-28
- ↑ steamdb.info - last accessed on May 2023
- ↑ SteamDB: Rocksmith® 2014 Edition - Remastered update for 10 September 2022 - last accessed on 2022-11-13
- ↑ https://steamdb.info/patchnotes/7533035/
- ↑ Sonic Mania · AppID: 584400 · Steam Database - last accessed on 9 June 2023
- ↑ Wait, this game has DRM? :: Tales of Symphonia General Discussions - last accessed on May 2023
- ↑ THANK YOU NAMCO BANDAI! :: Tales of Symphonia General Discussion - last accessed on March 1, 2016
- ↑ 132.0 132.1 TrackMania#Copy protection system
- ↑ Steam Community - Two Point Hospital - hotfix v1.02! - last accessed on 2018-09-05
- "• Replaced Denuvo anti-tamper with Steam DRM"
- ↑ SSFIVAE GFWL to Steamworks Transition - ComboFiend > Manage Blog
- ↑ Wargame - Airland Battle • View topic - About DRM: No acpc.exe under my wargame ee folder ? - last accessed on 9 June 2023
- ↑ Dawn of War II Patch Notes and Updates :: Warhammer® 40,000™: Dawn of War® II General Discussions - last accessed on 9 June 2023
- ↑ Dawn of War II - Chaos Rising Patch Notes/Updates :: Warhammer® 40,000™: Dawn of War® II - Chaos Rising™ General Discussions - last accessed on 9 June 2023
- ↑ egosoft.com :: View topic - X3: Terran Conflict 2.5 has arrived! - last accessed on May 2023
- ↑ Do the Steam versions of the X series of games have DRM? :: X3: Terran Conflict General Discussions - last accessed on May 2023
- ↑ egosoft.com :: View topic - X3: Terran Conflict 2.5 has arrived! - last accessed on May 2023
- ↑ Do the Steam versions of the X series of games have DRM? :: X3: Terran Conflict General Discussions - last accessed on May 2023
- ↑ No Activation - Steam Community :: Group Announcements :: X-Blades - last accessed on May 2023