I'd previously assumed (and prayed) Grand Theft Auto IV on the PC wouldn't include any Digital Rights Management (DRM) methods, but alas, there are several, one being the big bad SecuROM. Oh, I can hear the pirates clamoring already...

In any case, can't stand the stuff, but I do appreciate that Rockstar has been kind enough to be completely open with users, responding to their questions and releasing a Q&A of sorts to the public, detailing what exactly they're implementing and why. I appreciate it, but it's not enough. To analogize, it's kind of like walking into a store and having the manager eyeing you the entire time, then when you actually buy something, he chats you up all nice-like. Not cool, Rockstar, not cool. This is a title I was planning on buying, but I just can't do it anymore. How do you guys feel about this? For? Against? Utter indifference?

In short, aside from SecuROM, a disk check is in place and one-time online activation is required -- if you don't have a connection of your own, they've rigged it so you can go to another computer and activate it. What if you don't know someone nearby with a connection? Imagine having to run to the library to activate a game you just spent $60 on. Yeesh.

On the bright side, there are no install limits, something they say is a response to the major issue gamers have with it. So...why remove that but not SecuROM (which has probably gotten a lot more attention)? Personally I'd rather have install limits and no SecuROM than the other way around, and I think most others would prefer the same (if given a choice between the two). Sounds like they're only doing it to recover sales, not because they care about their customers. C'est la capitalisme. They also say they "reward loyal, paying customers and will offer incentives and downloadable content that will only be available to registered users of the game, running non-hacked copies, via Rockstar Games Social Club." Why not reward loyal, paying customers with trust? I'd also rather that. That'd be real nice, thanks.

I recommend heading to the source for the full thing -- the questions especially are actually quite hilarious. For example: "In the seemingly inevitable event that some dirty pirate manages to crack GTA IV PC and make it available, what are the advantages and disadvantages to using a legitimate copy over a pirated one?" Bravo, gamers.

(Comic from Penny Arcade).