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Free Copy of the Sims 2 Contains SecuROM

Posted by Unknown on from the get-your-free-rootkits dept.

dotarray (1747900) writes By now, everybody should know that if something looks too good to be true, it probably is. Let's apply that to EA, shall we? The publisher is giving away copies of The Sims 2: Ultimate Collection, for free... and not mentioning that it includes the controversial SecuROM anti-piracy software. Nobody likes SecuROM.

3 of 234 comments (clear)

  1. Re:Anybody know? by Talderas · · Score: 3, Informative

    No. ESPESCIALLY for free games. Why add copy protection to free stuff anyway? It's free to begin with! No one needs or wants to "pirate" it. Unless of course you need a "pirated" copy of the game to keep the negative SecuROM effects from your system.

    Because everyone and their mother didn't pay attention to what actually happened. EA provides The Sims 2 through Origin at a cost. They are currently giving copies of the game away, through Origin, if you use a redemption code which is only valid through July 31st. After that date, you will have to go back to paying for the game if you want to acquire it. You could also acquire the game right now without the redemption code, you'll just have to pay for it. So the game isn't permanently free, it's temporarily free, and it's using the exact same distribution method and version that the not-free version of The Sims 2 uses.

    --
    "Lack of speed can be overcome. In the worst case by patience." --Znork
  2. Re:Could be worse by TheP4st · · Score: 5, Informative

    you got it for free if you had the promo code so can't really bitch about the DRM in it.

    If I have not been (clearly) informed of it's presence and implications by the publisher I certainly can and so should any person that consider themselves the owner of their machine when it is DRM that is known to:
    - Generate false positives on authentic discs.
    - Create files and reg keys that you cannot access/remove as admin.
    - Snoop on your software usage 24/7.
    - Conflict with debugging software and in some instances even require debuggers to be un-installed in order for you to play the game.
    - Remain installed after you have un-installed the game.

    --
    "I have downloaded hundreds and hundreds of records, why would I care if somebody downloads ours?" Robin Pecknold
  3. Re:Which Anti-Virus Suites detect that Trojan Hors by TheP4st · · Score: 3, Informative

    It can be removed but not without quite a bit of hassle. http://www.reclaimyourgame.com...

    --
    "I have downloaded hundreds and hundreds of records, why would I care if somebody downloads ours?" Robin Pecknold