I was going to buy Bioshock, but when it came out it only allowed three installs and there was no way to get more installations.
I am a bit of a freak computer user, I frequently am reformatting my computer to try out different software configurations. I currently have a Dual Boot Ubuntu / Windows setup going on. However sometimes I feel more in the mood for an Ubuntu / Vista, or what-have-you. As I get the desire to play a game, I re-install it, play it for a few days, then forget about it.
With Bioshock, I would need to ask the fucking company to play the game I bought. Whereas if I pirate the game, I can play the game on my own terms and not have to deal with the bullshit activation.
When it is easier to pirate a game than it is to BUY the game, then you have problems.
Who seriously thought that this kind of security would be a good idea and prevent piracy? If anything it encourages it.
Mass Effect is another game I had been looking forward too, but the first reports were that it needed to phone home every so often to check to see if it was legit. When people rightfully complained they toned it down a bit to Bioshock levels + a little extra.
You know how when you install a copy of windows to many times (due to reformats) you need to call them up to get it activated? When according to a FAQ I read you are going to need to do that with Mass Effect if you go past the number of installs, or if you reformat your computer without running their "Deactivation" utility.
So basically, their security measures which are supposed to increase their customers are just pissing off their customers. Seriously, is it any wonder their profits are plunging?
While yes, some security on disks is a good thing, putting draconian protections in place is not the answer.