Confusion Surrounds Ubisoft Internet-Connected DRM Efforts On PC

Ubisoft is sending gamers mixed signals regarding a controversial DRM scheme that requires a persistent internet connection to play some of its PC games, with conflicting statements that seem to contradict reality. Despite an earlier promise not to include such a DRM scheme in the delayed PC release of From Dust, Rock Paper Shotgun reports that the recently released single-player game does check for an internet connection when launched (a fact that has been confirmed by Gamasutra). Ubisoft has updated the original forum post that said the DRM scheme would not be in From Dust, promising to check the details and post an official statement on the matter soon. Meanwhile, another Ubisoft forum post has been updated to clarify that Driver: San Francisco will not require an always-on internet connection to play, despite a July tweet promising such DRM would be included in the game. The title will still require a one-time internet check when the game is played for the first time, however. Responding to an outcry over Ubisoft's DRM plans last month, the company cited "a clear reduction in piracy of our titles which required a persistent online connection" in defending the practice. Ubisoft's first began requiring a persistent internet connection to confirm the authenticity of most of its PC releases in early 2010, though the company removed the check in those games earlier this year, after consistent complaints from fans. [UPDATE: A new Ubisoft forum post addresses the "confusion" surrounding the issue by clarifying that an internet connection is required whenever From Dust is started. However, "After you have signed in and the game is running, you no longer need the internet connection for that session and can disconnect and play offline you so wish."]