Ubi frees key titles from always-on DRM

Ubisoft has confirmed that it has removed its divisive DRM mechanic from some of its biggest PC titles.

Reports emerged yesterday that consumers are now able to play Assassin’s Creed II and Splinter Cell: Conviction without a constant internet connection authenticating the games with the publisher’s servers.

However, Ubisoft won’t be giving up on its controversial anti-piracy method any time soon, with a spokesperson telling Shacknews that the firm may still ship new titles with the always-on DRM if it deems it necessary.

The spokesperson also asserted that Ubisoft is judging games that currently employ this DRM on a case-by-case basis and would be able to patch it out if the need arises.

In these cases, as with Assassin’s Creed and Splinter Cell, the game will authenticate itself with the company’s servers each time it is launched, before allowing consumers to play offline.