PC Grand Theft Auto IV Features SecuROM DRM

arcticstoat writes "Game developer Rockstar has revealed that the forthcoming PC version of Grand Theft Auto IV will feature the controversial SecuROM 7 DRM system. Unlike some of EA's recent titles, such as Spore and Mass Effect, GTA IV won't limit the number of times that you can install the game, although SecuROM will be impossible to remove without leaving 'some traces' on your PC. Anyone hoping to avoid SecuROM by downloading the game form Steam will also be disappointed, as Rockstar says that all versions of the game will feature SecuROM, including digital versions online. On the plus side, Rockstar says that it's 'working with SecuROM to post information on our support pages regarding how to remove these inactive traces of the program for users who wish to do so.' Has Rockstar gotten a better balance between draconian DRM and fair copy protection here?"

Hmmm

[Xeth]

Rockstar says that all versions of the game will feature SecuROM, including digital versions online

Not quite all, I imagine.

Not a hint of irony

[ohxten]

There is no hint of irony here. None at ALL.

Re:Hmmm

[Strep]

Possibly, as Preparation H is definitely better than Preparation G.

Re:no

[Bill Cuntzler]

as they continue to push this crap.

In "IV" form no less. These game companies will to ANYTHING to get you hooked.

The Logic ...

[PPH]

... of incorporating DRM into any product with "Grand Theft" in the title somehow escapes me.

OH Joy!

[sjames]

So they still intend to make a mess with their install but they'll graciously provide instructions on how to clean up after them.

They should try walking their dog in someone else's yard. When the inevitable happens, offer to loan the angry homeowner a shovel and just see how happy that makes him.

Re:Feel good security

[fm6]

your manager comes to you and says "zomg! piratez! they r eatin ma soupz!"

My manager hardly even talks like that. On the other hand, my cat. . .

Re:The Logic ...

[Anonymous Coward]

So does the concept of "fiction", apparently.

Re:Slashdot Effect

[cheater512]

Slashdotting a email server? I like. :D

Re:Xbox 360 Ruined GTA IV

[Blue Stone]

>>The game is garbage. It was heavily gimped to fit on the 7 gigabyte 360 DVD format

>The PC version requires 18gb of disk space.

7GB for the game, and 11GB for the copy protection.

Re:no

[nugneant]

God bless the benevolent corporation. May They continue to shine Their light down upon us. Thou shalt not steal. Thieving infidels be cursed. Buy a product everyday. Peace®.

Re:no

[HiVizDiver]

Of course I should care. But I'm also a realist. I know that if I want to play Day of the Tentacle (or worse, some *truly* obscure game from a zillion years ago), I'm going to have to jump through some hoops for it. Just like if I want to drive a '54 Ford. I can't reasonably expect to find parts for it anymore without some effort - and Ford is still in business (for now). There's idealism, and there's realism. I try not to kid myself into thinking my $50 buys me anything other than a disc, a box, a manual (usually), and maybe a year's worth of support, should I need it.

I'm not defending the use of DRM. What I am saying is that we, as the consumer, can make choices - exactly what you're saying. When you make choices, they are usually done with a reasonable amount of information - that includes the choice to buy a game with DRM, and face the possibility that it might not work a few years down the road. That said, I haven't bought a game yet (other than a few things on Steam) where, if the company goes under, I feel I'll be screwed over and not able to play the game. But so far, that isn't BECAUSE of the DRM, it's because whatever games those might be don't interest me. *shrug*

Hell, what point was I trying to make? Getting old sucks... ;)