In an interview with Rock, Paper, Shotgun published today, Ubisoft revealed that it will no longer use always-on DRM for its PC games. In fact, the developer has not used always-on DRM for its PC games for some time.
The exact quote, from Stephanie Perotti (Ubisoft’s worldwide director for online games), is as follows:
“We have listened to feedback, and since June last year our policy for all of PC games is that we only require a one-time online activation when you first install the game, and from then you are free to play the game offline.”
That’s right. PC games from Ubisoft only require a one-time online activation upon installation. You do not need to be connected to the internet to play single player, there are no activation limits, and there is no limit to the number of PCs you can install your game on. Perotti clarifies the new policy:
“Whenever you want to reach any online service, multiplayer, you will have to be connected, and obviously for online games you will also need to be online to play. But if you want to enjoy Assassin’s Creed III single player, you will be able to do that without being connected. And you will be able to activate the game on as many machines as you want.”
To read the full interview, go here.
This is what I like to hear, a company that listens and makes changes according to the fans’ wishes. After all, they’re the ones buying your product.
This is amazing. Ubisoft has typically been pretty good at listening to their customers, but I never would have expected such a huge turnaround from them as far as DRM goes. Good to see a step in the right direction.