http://gamepolitics.com/2010/05/06/sega-details-alpha-protocol-drm

"In a blog post this week Sega detailed what its DRM solution for its upcoming espionage themed action RPG, Alpha Protocol. The company wanted to reveal exactly what its DRM does and what limitations it puts on users to get out in front of any controversy over it.

While nobody enjoys DRM, Sega's solution and approach to protecting its game at least seems more reasonable than most. Here are some details on how it will work:

-alpha Protocol uses Uniloc: SoftAnchor.

-Uniloc: SoftAnchor requires an internet connection to activate, though you don't need to always be connected to play the game, and the web site offers a work-around if you don't have an internet connection on the PC you install it on.

-The PC version of Alpha Protocol uses an internet based licensing system, where, after installation, the user is required to enter a product registration code (license key) in order to begin playing the game.

-You do not have to have the disc in your drive to play the game.

-The game does not user SteamWorks, and the Steam version of the game will use Uniloc DRM.

-The game can be installed on up to 5 different computers at any one time using the license key the game comes with.

-There is a limit to the number of computers you can use Alpha Protocol on at any one time, but Sega says that the company is not restricting the number of computers you can install the game on over the life of the product.

-Sega will provide a version of the game without DRM using a future patch that it expects to make available 18-24 months after the game's release.

For more information about the DRM solution for this game, check out Sega's Blog post on it - where you will also find a link to a handy dandy FAQ with a number of answers to commonly asked questions."

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Well, at least Sega is being upfront with it? If you don't have an interent connection, you have to have the DRM make a file that you need to take to a computer that does have internet connection and upload the file to the DRM servers to activate an installation.

What do you think?

while many do not like DRM, while I also do not like it , but I also understand why the companies need it.

I think that's a very reasonable DRM protection for them to employ with out stepping on too many toes in my opinion it's prob. one of the least heavy handed DRM's that many Companies have employed in the past so atleast that's something.

So basically it has a a CDKey and that's about it. The only problem I may have with this is the Uniloc: SoftAnchor part. How does the software work and just what does it do? If it's not some form of stardock or securom shit then these DRM things are extremely fair.

Now if the game didn't look mediocre, it might sell a whole bunch.

I used Uniloc on Football Manager 2009 and it's a good system. It doesn't leave any shit on your computer or phones home or anything like that. Just enter your CD key and it will connect to the main server only once to authenticate it and after that you can play the game just fine.


Seems to be a reasonable DRM system to me.

Ubi should take notice of this

I agree. 

Sounds pretty reasonable, but do they imagine everybody will politely not pirate the game for 18-24 months?

They're still putting themselves and their legitimate customers through hassle for no real payoff to anybody.

The no CD part sounds really good!

Yup. I hate having to hunt for the disc of an older game when I feel an impulse to play but ended up not playing as hunting for the disc kill any kind of impulse.

Hmm so what's the point of making this DRM if it won't stop people from selling second hand games ? Anyway everything Obsidian makes is 100% keep for all eternity title for me so no problem here :D