DRM is not always disclosed on packaging and might be installed silently on computers, sometimes without user consent.

prevent cheating or delay piracy) is weighed against possible customer inconveniences (e.g. The consequences for customers can either be intentional or unintentional therefore DRM requires a balancing act on the part of studios where the intended purpose of the DRM (e.g. Activation effectively makes games unsuitable for resale or transfer.ĭue to its very nature DRM sparks controversy as the limitations/restrictions enforced can, and sometimes will, affect customers as well. Related to the registered keys problem, some software requires online activation, and used copies may fail activation if they have already been played. Another potential problem is buying a used game, and finding the multiplayer, online features, or even outright play of the game disabled due to actions of the previous owner.

In other cases, games such as Fable 3 and Bulletstorm can not effectively be bought used because they combine a one-time key with an account-based DRM to tie the one-time key to the account owned by the user. Games that require an installation key may not always have the key with them when bought used, preventing the use of the product. Used copies do not always include these materials, and online replacements may be difficult to find, rendering the game useless. Older games, such as Pool of Radiance, require a physical tool to progress in the game. Lost code wheels, manuals, or similar physical DRM.Some problems can occur when buying used games, due to DRM or copy protection. Used software is very susceptible to anti-piracy measures. For example, Civilization IV: Beyond The Sword was eventually patched to remove DRM and CD checks from the game, and the Civilization IV series was re-released as a DRM-free game soon after.

Patching the game in these cases is a legitimate way of running the game without DRM. Occasionally a developer will remove DRM from a game with a patch after a period of time. Many DRM companies provide a removal tool other programs can be uninstalled directly. If you uninstall all software related to the DRM, the DRM can typically be removed safely. Removing the DRM while these games are installed is therefore not recommended although in some cases, running the game might reinstall the DRM. The PCGamingWiki policy on bypassing copyright protection and fixes lists the restrictions that apply when it is necessary to cover bypasses for games in articles and files available on this site.ĭRM is often a critical component of a game, and a removal of the DRM might affect the functionality of the game sometimes even make the game unplayable.

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