EA clarifies Red Alert 3 DRM

Copy protection has been configured to be more lenient than previous EALA RTS titles.

EA has moved to calm concerns that the DRM used in upcoming real-time strategy title Red Alert 3 will in some way hinder enjoyment of the title.

"I've been hearing your concerns about the DRM situation and wanted to get back to you with some information about our plans," read a post on the game's official forum. "In the case of Red Alert 3 (and all PC titles coming out of EA), we will use SecuROM - the same copy protection that the EALA RTS group has used on our last three titles. This time around, however, the copy protection will be configured to be more lenient than we've supported in the past."

To try and be as open with gamers as possible the post also offers a helpful list of facts relating to the copy protection.

- 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.

The post concludes: "I think it would be a shame if people decided to not play a great game simply because it came with DRM, but I understand that this is a very personal decision for many of you and I respect that. As you might imagine, I'm a lot less respectful of those people who take the position that they will illegally download a game simply because it has DRM."

Command & Conquer: Red Alert 3 is scheduled for release for PC and Xbox 360 this October.

Does DRM put you off buying PC titles? Let us know in the comments section below.