EA Returns To Serial Code-Only Security With Sims 3

Posted by Gwyddia on March 31, 2009

They can be taught. Apparently learning something from the Spore and Mass Effect DRM debacles, Electronic Arts, publisher of The Sims franchise, announced this week that they will be returning to serial code-only copy protection for their upcoming triple-A PC title, The Sims 3.

EA’s decision comes at a time where draconian DRM schemes come under great suspicion. Many industry sources have suggested that the company cut deeply into their own profits by including strict SecureROM limitations on the PC version of Spore. It is widely believed that, as a result of the DRM on that title, Spore became the most quickly (and perhaps massively) illegally downloaded game in history. At the same time Valve and Stardock are making money hand over fist with their DRM-free models.

While not quite a mea culpa, EA’s official statement goes a long way toward assuaging potential players’ fears about any unwanted DRM on their shiny new Sims game. Here’s hoping the sales of the Sims 3 are strong enough to persuade EA continue to see the light.

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