I’ve read they changed it to “Connection recquired at game launch” but then you don’t need it. Not sure if this means one time or every time. Also not sure if this is the truth or merely what Ubisoft said prior to release. They’ve been known to say one thing and then do something else entirely.
Can’t find any recent information, everything I read was from August last year.
Steam says:
Internet: An Internet connection is required to activate the game during initial installation
Multiplayer: Permanent broadband Internet connection is required (128+ kbps)
but then also…
3rd-party DRM: Ubisoft Online Service Platform
I think they removed the always on DRM but possibly have a boot online auth check? (Steam makes it sound like they removed any auth beyond the install check, which would be really good). The major problem with Ubi’s terrible DRM push is that it leaves all this uncertainty about a game and if it is possible to purchase today without supporting draconian DRM. I was just looking at Anno 2070 and I *think* it’s now got no always-on DRM but I’m not 100% certain (turns out it definitely still has a 3 activation only TAGES install limit with no ability to uninstall and recover an activations so that makes it unsuitable for purchase as I have two gaming capable PCs and do occasional upgrades so in a few years I would reach the point where I couldn’t legally install the game any more).
I’ve read they changed it to “Connection recquired at game launch” but then you don’t need it. Not sure if this means one time or every time. Also not sure if this is the truth or merely what Ubisoft said prior to release. They’ve been known to say one thing and then do something else entirely.
Can’t find any recent information, everything I read was from August last year.
Steam says:
Internet: An Internet connection is required to activate the game during initial installation
Multiplayer: Permanent broadband Internet connection is required (128+ kbps)
but then also…
3rd-party DRM: Ubisoft Online Service Platform
I think they removed the always on DRM but possibly have a boot online auth check? (Steam makes it sound like they removed any auth beyond the install check, which would be really good). The major problem with Ubi’s terrible DRM push is that it leaves all this uncertainty about a game and if it is possible to purchase today without supporting draconian DRM. I was just looking at Anno 2070 and I *think* it’s now got no always-on DRM but I’m not 100% certain (turns out it definitely still has a 3 activation only TAGES install limit with no ability to uninstall and recover an activations so that makes it unsuitable for purchase as I have two gaming capable PCs and do occasional upgrades so in a few years I would reach the point where I couldn’t legally install the game any more).