[Nordmann]

I bought Battlefield Bad Company 2 the other day, and I have to say, their DRM is certainly much better than Ubi's. Upon installation, you are given the option of using either disc or online authentication. The former is the standard put the disc in to play the game format, while the latter simply checks that you are running a legal version (only once I believe). After which the game can be started without the disc.

The online option has an install limit of 10 machines, but crucially, is refunded each time the game is uninstalled. This means that there are in fact no restrictions on how, where and when you can play your game. If your net goes down, you simply install using the offline option (disc required), and run the game as you would any other.

Multiplayer requires an EA account, simply because this aspect of the game involves stats, ranks, and unlocks. But it is simple, easy to use, and again, isn't a requirement for single-player.

So you see, while software protection may be necessary, there are less intrusive options available. Ubi on the other hand, chose something which was always doomed to failure, and which only achieves the alienation of their paying customers.