Mass Effect for PC

Mass Effect uses SecuROM and requires an online activation for the first time that you play it. Each copy of Mass Effect comes with a CD Key which is used for this activation and for registration here at the BioWare Community. Mass Effect does not require the DVD to be in the drive in order to play, it is only for installation.

After the first activation, SecuROM requires that it re-check with the server within ten days (in case the CD Key has become public/warez'd and gets banned). Just so that the 10 day thing doesn't become abrupt, SecuROM tries its first re-check with 5 days remaining in the 10 day window. If it can't contact the server before the 10 days are up, nothing bad happens and the game still runs. After 10 days a re-check is required before the game can run.

They made a FAQ about the copy protection, heres a quote of the most relevant stuff

Q: Why does MEPC need to reactivate every 10 days?

A: MEPC needs to authenticate every 10 days to ensure that the CD key used for the game is valid. This is designed to reduce piracy and protect valid CD keys.

Q: What happens if I want to play MEPC but do not have an internet connection?

A: You cannot play MEPC without an internet connection. MEPC must authenticate when it is initially run and every 10 days thereafter.

Q: What happens if I install and activate MEPC with an internet connection, but then do not have an internet connection after 10 days? Can I still play MEPC?

A: No. After 10 days the system needs to re-authenticate via the internet. If you do not have an internet connection you will not be able to play until you are reconnected to the internet and able to re-authenticate.

You can only install this 3x on the same PC and then it is no good. remember Bioshock this is worse.

Also what happens if the servers go offline for a few days a week for good. Well you dont get to play this Single Player game at home, You will have a coster to sit your drinks on.

DONT BUY THIS GAME!!!! IF YOU PREORDER IT CANCEL ASAP. YOU HAVE BEEN WARNED.

Also if you like join the forum and pst your opinion about this issue.

Read from BioWares Mass Effect forums about this issue.

Mass Effect Copy Protection protest

I was going to buy this game until I seen the CP they are going to use. To bad they had to get dumber after the Bioshock fiasco.

I dont mind Copy Protection if its just entering a key code but this is extreme. I will be buying The Witcher instead now.

To be honest I dont see why they even use CP it does not work all it does is make us the buyer of said game have troubles while the pirate version (FREE) has no problems. Are they trying to push people into getting a pirated version of there software. Most likely not but who has a brain in that company? To go from the frying pan to the fire is not better it is much worse.

Well it's too bad that companies think they have to go to such extreme measures to deal with piracy. Once code is released anyone with program knowledge can open and see what they need to change something. The only way to make sure your code and program stay safe is to not distribute it to the world. All this does is push people who would buy the game away and make the pirated version even more appealing IMO.