Spore, Mass Effect to require online validation every 10 days

Posted on Wednesday, May 07 2008 @ 22:38 CEST by Thomas De Maesschalck
ShackNews writes Spore and Mass Effect will have a pesky anti-piracy feature that will require online validation every ten days in order for the games to continue working. BioWare technical producer Derek French says they'll use the scheme for the PC version of Mass Effect and that Maxis' Spore will also make use of it.
"After the first activation, SecuROM requires that [Mass Effect PC] re-check with the server within ten days (in case the CD Key has become public/warez'd and gets banned)," said French in a post on the BioWare forums.

If customers do not come online after ten days, the game will cease to function.

"After 10 days a re-check is required before the game can run," added French. "..An internet connection is not required to install, just to activate the first time, and every 10 days after."

The check is run when users activate the game's executable file, with the first re-check coming within "5 days remaining in the 10 day window."
I wonder why they even bother, just like all other anti-piracy features this will be cracked on no-time.



About the Author

Thomas De Maesschalck

Thomas has been messing with computer since early childhood and firmly believes the Internet is the best thing since sliced bread. Enjoys playing with new tech, is fascinated by science, and passionate about financial markets. When not behind a computer, he can be found with running shoes on or lifting heavy weights in the weight room.



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