Red Alert 3 is using online activation

[Blazkowicz]

I would like to inform you, EA decided to use online activation of SecuROM for upcoming Red Alert 3.

- We will authenticate your game online when you install and launch it the first time.

- We will never re-authenticate an installation online after the first launch. In other words, no reaching out to a central server post-install to see if you’re “allowed” to play.

- You will be able to install and play on up to five computers.

- This system means you don't have to play with the disc in your computer. Personally, I think this is a huge improvement over our previous copy protection requirements, which have always required a disk to play.

- Life happens. I know it’s unlikely, but for those unlucky few who install the game and have their machines nuked (virus, OS reinstall, major hardware upgrade, etc.) five times, EA Customer Service will be on hand to supply any additional authorizations that are warranted. This will be done on a case-by-case basis by contacting customer support.

-You can, of course, play offline without impediment or penalty.

Quote taken of their support forum

[Reef]

This generally means that the copy protection only annoys the honest customers who bought the game. Pirates will be playing a cracked version without any restrictions, probably before the game is officially released (just like Spore).

Games like this are meant to be played online, so a decent CD-key system and DVD check should be sufficient.

[Blazkowicz]

At least we have up to 5 simultaneously activations and not just up to 3 like in other activation games.

[bismax]

Sounds like buying the game is like lending it.

[Blazkowicz]

Already a patch out before the actual game is out (Version 1.1 patch) ^^

[orin]

At least we have up to 5 simultaneously activations and not just up to 3 like in other activation games.

As EA's staff said on a statement on their own forum, uninstalling the game WILL NOT refund the 5x installation limits.

Support Forums : So what's the deal with copy protection ...

Thus you're limited to five computers, say some of us computer people upgrade once a year, the game will be totally worthless in a few years time .. worthless as in you can't sell it.

[cypeak]

simple solution: don't buy it!
you can't buy it, support this kind of customer fraud and complain about games using such "crap" afterwards.. (excuse my language..)
you can choose - don't give them reason to argument that "the custommers accepted it"...

[Sblade]

They canґt do anything without screwing up

Hey! donґt complain at all! Red Alert 3 comes with an Extra minigame:

EA tells users to "try guessing" missing security key. EA screws once again

/sarcasm