Batman: Arkham Asylum GOTY - DRM?

[Grumbleduke]

I noted that Batman: Arkham Asylum GOTY (http://store.steampowered.com/app/901433/) is now available on Steam (and the original no longer is here) and the page currently makes no mention of any additional DRM bundled with it.

I was tempted to buy the game when it first released (or rather, in subsequent sales) but was put off by the SecuRom elements. I was wondering if anyone knew whether the GOTY version was similarly restricted or if this had changed.

[I don't really want a pro- or anti-drm debate - just a factual discussion.]

[Kailieann]

The game is hard-coded to use the SecuROM files. I doubt they would go to the trouble of removing them just for the GOTY Edition, especially since it's the same thing with a few extra map packs.

So yeah, same deal. You enter your CD Key, click verify, and never see it again unless you need to reinstall, and your activation limit is automatically reset every month.

[woodbyte]

I too would like an official confirmation on this issue.

I'm eager to support Rocksteady Studios for making this excellent game, but not until I'm sure it uses Steam's DRM only.

[Scared]

Your URL gives a "not available in this region" error (and I have the store set to US region) and when I search for batman in the US and AU store I only get the standard edition.

It seems you have found something they didn't want you to see.

[Some furf]

Nope, it's right there on the store front, newest release.

From England, at least.

[Aitkenj]

I noticed this myself it dosn't even have GFWL listed either. Sounds too good to be true.

[Justin7]

If it doesn't have GFWL/Securom and more maps I will really regret buying the standard version in the sale a while ago.

[Kailieann]

I noticed this myself it dosn't even have GFWL listed either. Sounds too good to be true.

No, it sounds like Steam is being lazy with their store pages again. This is nothing new.

I'm eager to support Rocksteady Studios for making this excellent game, but not until I'm sure it uses Steam's DRM only.

Never gonna happen. Buy a console version.

Nope, it's right there on the store front, newest release.

From England, at least.

Yes, the GOTY Edition is only available in Europe.

[Grumbleduke]

Never gonna happen. Buy a console version.
I'm complaining about having unnecessary restrictions placed on my enjoyment of a game and you're suggesting I get the console version?

Anyways, the GotY edition is a European/Japanese/Australian thing (we now can no longer get the original version) and it should be appearing in North America on 11th May.

[Kailieann]

I'm complaining about having unnecessary restrictions placed on my enjoyment of a game and you're suggesting I get the console version?

My comment was in no way directed at you.
I was telling the person who is "eager to support Rocksteady Studios for making this excellent game" but doesn't want to deal with SecuROM (which, in the case of this game, barely qualifies as an annoyance, let alone a "restriction"), that the only way they'll be able to support the developers without having SecuROM is by buying a console version.

Unlike games that have had SecuROM removed in the past, the PC version of Arkham Asylum -- as in, the game itself -- relies on the presence of SecuROM files in order to work properly. It is extremely unlikely that the developers will ever bother to re-program the game to work around this, especially given how unobtrusive and generally well-received the SecuROM implementation for this game is.

As such, the only way to get a SecuROM-free copy of the game and still ensure that money gets to the developers is to buy a non-PC version.

[Aitkenj]

No, it sounds like Steam is being lazy with their store pages again. This is nothing new.

I don't recall asking why or stating this as fact.

The op is asking if the goty edition has additional drm. He doesn't want debate, he wants a yes or no answer as do I and a few other folks. The steam page currently states it does not, unless you have bought it or have a confirmed source that proves it does could you please stop trolling.

[Kailieann]

The op is asking if the goty edition has additional drm. He doesn't want debate, he wants a yes or no answer as do I and a few other folks. The steam page currently states it does not, unless you have bought it or have a confirmed source that proves it does could you please stop trolling.

As I stated in the first post, the 'yes or no answer' is yes.

The Steam store page does not "state that the game does not have DRM", it simply lacks information. This is a very common occurrence. So common that there is a user-maintained thread (http://forums.steampowered.com/forums/showthread.php?t=966005) dedicated to figuring out which games do and do not have additional DRM, because the Steam store cannot be considered reliable, especially with newly-released products like the Batman:AA GOTY Edition.

Your question has been answered three times. The reason behind it has been explained in detail twice. Unless you actually have anything constructive to add, please stop trolling.

[Scared]

the Steam store cannot be considered reliable, especially with newly-released products like the Batman:AA GOTY Edition.

Or even games that have been released for a while. Bioshock 2 still doesn't list SecuROM (unlimited activations) and the game has been out for months.

Anyways, the GotY edition is a European/Japanese/Australian thing (we now can no longer get the original version)

Not available for AU Steam at this point.

[Grumbleduke]

Or even games that have been released for a while. Bioshock 2 still doesn't list SecuROM (unlimited activations) and the game has been out for months.
Hmm, it does where I am - under system requirements.
Other Requirements: Initial installation requires one-time internet connection; Ability to save game, earn achievements, receive title updates and online play requires log-in to Games for Windows LIVE; software installations required including Microsoft Visual C++2008 Runtime Libraries, Games for Windows LIVE client, Games for Windows LIVE Client Patch, Sony DADC SecuROM, Microsoft DirectX.
Which is a good thing otherwise I was going to buy it and would have been very annoyed - SecuRom can take hours to remove properly.


Not available for AU Steam at this point.
My mistake - that info was taken from here (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Batman:_Arkham_Asylum#Development_and_marketing) so it may be that it was released on Steam only in Europe.

[gimpymoo]

The DRM is not intrusive anyway.

For years people were saying "We dont want to use a disc, we want to download our games".

Steam comes along and it is like "well, weve changed our minds, what we really want is..............."

Pirates....... Arrrrgggghhh

[z3razerviper]

The DRM is not intrusive anyway.

For years people were saying "We dont want to use a disc, we want to download our games".

Steam comes along and it is like "well, weve changed our minds, what we really want is..............."

Pirates....... Arrrrgggghhh

Steam games do not need any extra drm. 3 DRM layers on batman is just stupid.

[acare84]

I am from Turkey. GOTY is not available on Steam but it is available retail. Turkey is in Europe too Steam. :)

[dot123]

I am from Turkey. GOTY is not available on Steam but it is available retail. Turkey is in Europe too Steam. :)

well, that depends where u are in turkey. some parts are in europe, but the main part is asian.

[Blaukool]

well, that depends where u are in turkey. some parts are in europe, but the main part is asian.

This days Europe is often used as a synonym for the European Union(Its not correct but common), of which Turkey is not a part...

[dafrety]

The DRM is not intrusive anyway.

For years people were saying "We dont want to use a disc, we want to download our games".

Steam comes along and it is like "well, weve changed our minds, what we really want is..............."

Pirates....... Arrrrgggghhh
It has nothing to do with pirates, and to assume so is daft. It has everything to do with the fact that we are interested in buying a game on Steam, and the fact that, guess what, Steam is already DRM. There is no reason to include SecuROM, and certainly no reason to put activation limits on the game.

[Hekynn]

Nice I'm still waiting for a good weekend sale on this one. Already have PS3 version but still like to have PC version when the Tv is taken over by parents lol.

[james_2k]

lol securom takes hours to remove.

its on my machine and probably still runs 200% faster than yours!

[Bagel CB]

Is this right? Just a 4 machine activation limit? Screw that. I ain't buying this crap.

[goodBEan]

lol securom takes hours to remove.

its on my machine and probably still runs 200% faster than yours!

Securom is still there, No buy for me then.

Considering this and the fact I would be more comfortable with a 360 controller, I might as well get it for xbox360.

[Quatrix]

Paranoia.

[jellinn]

Is this right? Just a 4 machine activation limit? Screw that. I ain't buying this crap.

i believe its 4 machine activation PER MONTH and they reset on their own every month.

[Bagel CB]

The Steam page for the original game said "per month," but GOTY says just 4.

[DarkPGR]

The game has ULIMITED ACTIVATIONS, unlike the standard edition which had a 15 activations limit.

You can activate the game as many times as you want (5 per month tops, but I doubt anyone has enough free time on a single month to need more than that). Once the product key is registered, it will be associated to your Gamertag, just like with Steam games and them being associated to your Steam account. So no problems there for any Steam user.

[Babylon Mister]

Let me explain this for once and all.
Some of us do not buy games that contain securom or any other 3rd party DRM.

We don't care if you don't understand.
We don't care if you don't agree.
We don't care if you if you think it is a non-issue.
We don't care if you think it is silly.

I hope I have made my point clear. All we want to know is if a 3rd party DRM system comes with the game. Period.
If it is there, I don't buy it.
I don't have to explain to you why. If you don't get it, then just accept it and move on.

[DarkPGR]

Let me explain this for once and all.
Some of us do not buy games that contain securom or any other 3rd party DRM.

We don't care if you don't understand.
We don't care if you don't agree.
We don't care if you if you think it is a non-issue.
We don't care if you think it is silly.

I hope I have made my point clear. All we want to know is if a 3rd party DRM system comes with the game. Period.
If it is there, I don't buy it.
I don't have to explain to you why. If you don't get it, then just accept it and move on.

And you are on the Steam forums! Double standards FTW! lol

[JubalHHarshaw]

Let me explain this for once and all.
Some of us do not buy games that contain securom or any other 3rd party DRM.

We don't care if you don't understand.
We don't care if you don't agree.
We don't care if you if you think it is a non-issue.
We don't care if you think it is silly.

I hope I have made my point clear. All we want to know is if a 3rd party DRM system comes with the game. Period.
If it is there, I don't buy it.
I don't have to explain to you why. If you don't get it, then just accept it and move on.

Exactly how I feel. Lost sale here too.

There are so many trolls posting in these lost sale statements.

Some of them may be the vanilla trolls. They must see a shrink, and since I don't even know them, I really don't care about their mental diseases.

Some of them work for the publishers, developers or even for the DRM companies.
Those don't understand that their trolling just show to everybody that they fear our statements. They wouldn't, they should see these lost sale posts as their last chance to sell their games to us, we are not the enemy, we are the guys with the wallets that will not open for activation limits.

And now for the guys involved with production or distribution. You must know that a lot of people think like us, they are the silent majority that don't buy activation limits but don't care to share their thoughts.
I don't know these numbers, but from what I hear in chats with my Steam friends I would bet they are big.

I also think that the only company that can know for sure that percentage is Steam, they have the biggest base of game buyers in the world, actually about 30 million isn't it? Maybe if they make a poll they could show to everybody how many people do not buy games with activations limits, GFWL, etc, and stop once and for all these "lost sale" posts cause everybody will know how many people buy games with activations limits, how many don't buy and how many buy only if they want that game badly. But even if they make that poll, people at distributors and DRM companies will say that "Gabe is trying to sell his own DRM".

Well, to the developers, you should also know well that the numbers that DRM programmers and publishers show to you could be seen in the same way (and probably are biased), they probably tell you that games with activation limits sell more than those that don't have it, maybe they are right, maybe they are wrong, but they will always tell you that cause the distributors must have a way to explain to you why your game is not selling and you are not receiving your share (and of course what they are doing to correct that) and the DRM companies just want to sell their products for you.

Also, the opinion of the big networks that sell games in boxes is biased cause they are losing a huge share of the market for digital distributors, and of course their argument is that digital distribution makes piracy easier, but that's not true, most of the games that appear at pirate sites are from boxed versions, just follow the main piracy sites and you'll see that for yourselves. But again, the truth do not serve their interests, so they lie to you.

And just to finish I trust Steam and accept their DRM, as all other Steam users do. Maybe you should too and in the process, sell more games. Look to the indies that the big companies, along with piracy, hate and blame for their "low" sales and maybe you will finally understand what I'm talking about.

And no, I don't work for Steam, I'm just a hardcore gamer with lots of games installed in my HD, mostly bought through digital distribution, mainly Steam.

And no, I'm not a pirate, I don't have even a single pirated game installed in my computer, I just follow the big torrent sites to know when the DRMs are cracked so I can indorse my opinion.

[Void(null)]

Both Pro and Con. Please read Free Culture (http://www.free-culture.cc/freeculture.pdf) by Lawrence Lessig, and then continue the great DRM debate.

Edit: Yes there is a great deal of irony in that the author gives non commercial digital copies of his book away for free yet Penguin publishing claims he isn't allowed to do so. Just one of the many examples in his book of how the current copy law is failing content creators.


Note to Moderators: The PDF file is a direct link to Lawrence Lessig's own website, and Lessig has given his express permission for digital copies of his book to be distributed as long as proper credit is given.

If you are in doubt, visit his website:

http://www.free-culture.cc/

Click on the "Free Content" tab, then "Click to Download FREE CULTURE (PDF)"

[Nelsonator63]

Does it still have Windows Live on it?

[Mac Flavor]

I'm on board with the guy named after the Steely Dan song, and the guy named after the Heinlein character.

SecuROM = no sale. Don't trust it. Won't buy anything using it.

Not today.
Not next month.
Not next year.

If SecuROM is "hard-coded" into the game, as was stated at the top of the thread... then this is a game I'll never buy. That would be a shame; but there are plenty of other games in the digital ocean, and plenty of developers who don't ruin their games with excessive layers of DRM.

[eetcheez]

Lost sale here, too.
If I'm buying a game on Steam, Steam is the only DRM I find it acceptable for it to have.

The whole argument about SecuROM being "hard-coded" and "needed" for the game to run is bull when the pirated versions are running just fine without it.

If it's too much work for them to remove the DRM themselves, then they can just do as Rockstar does (http://www.rockpapershotgun.com/2010/05/12/max-embarassment-max-payne-2-steam/) and use one of the many "patches" around.

And you are on the Steam forums! Double standards FTW! lol
He clearly mentioned "3rd Party DRM". This very clearly means any extra layers of DRM aside from Steam itself.
He didn't say he would have objected to SecuROM on its own, even though I personally would. Double standard? Maybe, but that's the way it is.

[Rogersdead]

Does it still have Windows Live on it?

It's a Games for Windows Live title, this won't change.

[ch0pper]

Game looks good, but install limit and GFWL are the 2 reasons I will never buy such a product, not after getting toasted with resident evil 5 (from steam).

[spyrochaete]

I'm okay with Securom but I won't stand for limited activations. No sale at any price.

[DarkPGR]

the "limited" activations is 4 PER MONTH. once the month is over, you get 4 more activations, is that simple! If you uninstall the game after installing it, you get an activation back anyways.

Other than that restriction from SecuROM, there are no limits whatsoever.

[spyrochaete]

the "limited" activations is 4 PER MONTH. once the month is over, you get 4 more activations, is that simple! If you uninstall the game after installing it, you get an activation back anyways.

#1, if it's that simple then why does it say something completely different on the store page?

#2, I'm buying many new PC parts over the next few weeks. I'm not willing to uninstall and reinstall every time I change a part to avoid getting locked out of my legally-owned game. That's insulting.

[Rogersdead]

#1, if it's that simple then why does it say something completely different on the store page?

#2, I'm buying many new PC parts over the next few weeks. I'm not willing to uninstall and reinstall every time I change a part to avoid getting locked out of my legally-owned game. That's insulting.

Because the store page is wrong. Don't always trust what steam says, they make many mistakes on their store pages (Far Cry 2 states it has securom, but it was removed ages ago via a patch for eg)

If you goto securom site and read their FAQ they state ;

2.11 I get the error message: 'Too many activations on different PCs or too many reactivations on the same PC have been performed...', what do I do?

Please run the revoke tool (the program has to support this feature, please consult the software publisher regarding such a tool) on the PC where you have activated your program before. You can also visit our manual revoke website (https://support.securom.com/PAunlock/?c=1400) to revoke your activation manually.

This game contains no revoke tool. This means one of two things. The game has no activation limit as stated by the storepage )more than likely the same way as has been described within this thread) or steam are selling the game without the revoke tool when securom say it must be included.

Basically this means that you will never run out of activations with ANY game that uses securom. Aslong as you use the revoke tool each time you change hardware and need to re-install you will be fine. This is from the horses mouth.

[spyrochaete]

Thanks for the info, Rogersdead. I really don't like the idea of revoke tools but it's very good to hear that the game has no permanent activation limits. I heard this game is fantastic and at this price it might be a good test of whether I find this kind of DRM palatable, so maybe I'll take a chance on buying it after all.

+rep to you for backing up your arguments

--edit--

I bought the game and am downloading it now. If I have any issues while I swap out parts for my new PC I'll post a description here.

[Rogersdead]

Thanks for the info, Rogersdead. I really don't like the idea of revoke tools but it's very good to hear that the game has no permanent activation limits. I heard this game is fantastic and at this price it might be a good test of whether I find this kind of DRM palatable, so maybe I'll take a chance on buying it after all.

+rep to you for backing up your arguments

No problem. This IS a fantastic game from what i have played so far since buying yesterday and it's sad to see some people may be missing out simply because of the conflicting information regarding all of this DRM that's about these days. And i totally agree that sometimes it's hard who to trust for this reason alone.

EDIT ok well enjoy your new game (i'm sure you will of course) and i hope you have no problems with any drm, but like i said, according to securom themselves you should never have any problems tbh.

[Staccatto]

I just picked up my copy. Sure, the DRM sucks, but it could be far worse and intrusive (look at Ubisoft).

Downloading this beast of a game now. :)

[Amax]

This game contains no revoke tool.

I don't understand. Are you saying that it was removed with GOTY or what? Because I have the plain old BAA and the "Batman: Arkham Asylum - Licence Revoking Tool" (short name, isn't it?:D) is right there in the Tools list.

Edit: I have actually never used it though (never needed), don't know if it works.

[DarkPGR]

It works.

Since the GOTY has no activation limits whatsoever, I guess they removed the revoke tool since it isn't really needed.

[Rogersdead]

Yea according to securom ANY game that has an activation limit MUST also come with a revoke tool. The GOTY edition has no revoke tool so must have no activation limit, like already mentioned a few times in the thread by different people.

The vanilla game still has this limit and thus still has the revoke tool (as shown in your game list as mentioned)

[frij]

The DRM is not intrusive anyway.



LOL! I fear your idea of intrusive. I'm on update 2 so far of GfWL. Let's see:

Install game
Enter key
Install GfWL
Enter key again
Install update
Restart game (btw, computer may reboot)
Install update
Restart game

I didn't install Batman; I installed Escape GfWL Alive. This game isn't worth $20 with this pile of crap hooked to it.

[spyrochaete]

I didn't install Batman; I installed Escape GfWL Alive. This game isn't worth $20 with this pile of crap hooked to it.

I'm no fan of GFWL myself, but for those who want to avoid the frustration you had to put up with I recommend installing GFWL first, getting the latest version from the web, before installing the game. It'll save you several steps.

[JubalHHarshaw]

I'm no fan of GFWL myself, but for those who want to avoid the frustration you had to put up with I recommend installing GFWL first, getting the latest version from the web, before installing the game. It'll save you several steps.

For me the worst in GFWL is that it does not support my country, only 26 countries are supported by GFWL, the rest of the world is out. So we are out of every feature linked to GFWL. No DLC's, no updates, no nothing, we can't play online when the game have online play, etc. They should address that at MS and include every country in the world, they already make that for windows and office, why not for GFWL?

I know that there are ways to bypass that restriction, but I don't want to discuss that, I would prefer to make things in the right way.

[Filias]

Why is Batman using GFWL??? In my country I can´t officially play online and save game - I have to pretend, that I'm from UK. But I can of course spend 25EUR for this crap without warning.
And Steam not even mention that GFWL is in game!

P.S: On a Steam game page IS information about 4 activations limit.

[Rogersdead]

P.S: On a Steam game page IS information about 4 activations limit.

Yes, and has already been discussed in this thread.

[spyrochaete]

Just following up on a previous post. I bought my new PC parts and tried playing the game before and after reinstalling my OS. I had to reactivate the game on my new OS but had no issues with getting locked out or anything like that. I can play the game just fine. So far so good!

[Greatskeem]

Sorry for bumping this old thread, I need to know something concerning the save files, I can just back them up and put them back once I re-Install windows correct?

or

Is it Machine restricted?

Thanks.

[jdun]

Shame I was going to buy it when I saw securom. Securom will screw your computer up sooner or later. Do a google search on it.

[flibitijibibo]

Sorry for bumping this old thread, I need to know something concerning the save files, I can just back them up and put them back once I re-Install windows correct?

or

Is it Machine restricted?

Thanks.

The save files as far as I know are not restricted. I think they may even store saves on the GFWL account, but don't hold me to that.

Also, throw in another lost purchase due to SecuROM.

[destx]

Make that three. D:

[Emerald]

LOL! I fear your idea of intrusive. I'm on update 2 so far of GfWL. Let's see:

Install game
Enter key
Install GfWL
Enter key again
Install update
Restart game (btw, computer may reboot)
Install update
Restart game

I didn't install Batman; I installed Escape GfWL Alive. This game isn't worth $20 with this pile of crap hooked to it.


That's not intrusive, just annoying.

Intrusive would be like the old TAGES (or was it SecuROM?) that deleted any cd-copying programs from your PC and in rare cases disabled your CD-ROM, yes it disabled your god damn CD-ROM.


Or Sony's fabled DRM for music, which installed malware on your PC that while providing DRM, made your PC easier to get into as it opened up a ton of security holes in your firewall etc.

[jdun]

in·tru·sive
 
–adjective
1.
tending or apt to intrude; coming without invitation or welcome: intrusive memories of a lost love.
2.
characterized by or involving intrusion.
3.
intruding; thrusting in.

All DRM are intrusive. Like I posted before sooner or later program like Securom will screw your computer up.

[AlienHuntinYeti]

If you can't get this for a console I'd still recommend getting this game, DRM or not. I borrowed it from a friend for the XBox and HAD to pick it up while it was $7.50. This game is so friggin badass, I sincerely doubt they could have made it better.

[pallenda]

I'm personally less annoyed with the DRM here, then the need for a damn Windows game LIVE account.

Why game companies still force people to ahve that crap to be allowed to save progress is beyond me. I buy on steam to get rid of having all these accounts.

[TSAdmiral]

That is exactly what he is saying. The GotY edition does NOT feature a revoke tool. Does anyone know if the revoke tool located here (https://support.securom.com/pop_batmanaa.html), on the SecuROM site, works with the GotY edition? I'd prefer not to have to run a manual script everytime I uninstall.

[chrisdglong]

That is exactly what he is saying. The GotY edition does NOT feature a revoke tool. Does anyone know if the revoke tool located here (https://support.securom.com/pop_batmanaa.html), on the SecuROM site, works with the GotY edition? I'd prefer not to have to run a manual script everytime I uninstall.

I'm pretty sure you can just type "/revoke" after the command line after creating a shortcut on the desktop. That should revoke your license. https://support.securom.com/faq_pa.html