Not a fan of aggressive anti-piracy measures? Then you'd better cross Grand Theft Auto IV off of your holiday wish list.
IGN is reporting that the PC version of Rockstar's successful sandbox title will be coupled with SecuROM, the unpopular digital rights management system.
Unlike most other SecuROM-crippled titles, you'll be able to install the retail copy of Grand Theft Auto IV on as many machines as you'd like, though you'll still need to keep the CD in the drive. An internet connection will be required to activate the game – if your gaming rig doesn't have an internet connection, you'll be able to activate your copy from another computer that does, with help from a support site.
And yes, traces of SecuROM – files and registry entries – will remain on your computer even after you've uninstalled GTA IV
This is normally the part where I say "If you hate DRM, just buy it from Steam," but all versions, including the digitally distributed ones, will include SecuROM for activation purposes.
While the removal of activation limits are a sign that we may actually own the things we buy after all, the mere presence of SecuROM is a major bummer for many users.
I was eagerly awaiting the PC version of GTA IV, but now I'm seriously considering the console version. Where do you guys stand?
Image courtesy Rockstar
