Some might say I was calling for blood when I talked about the anti-piracy measures being implemented with Mass Effect and Spore, well now I can take back my outrage and let you all know about some good news.

EA have changed tact and the anti-piracy measures announced the other day are not going to be part of Spore and Mass Effect when they come out later this year. While both will still be using SecuROM and require an initial online activation the 10-day re-activation has been done away with.

Great news (with more infomation following) as it shows that EA have listened to the many complaints that were raised following the initial announcement and have changed tact to better cater to many users. Also this stops us feeling like we are being punished for legally buying games!

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Spore, Mass Effect, I am sorry, but you have just been struck of my buying list if this Shacknews report is true. The Shacknews report links to this thread on the BioWare forums where BioWare technical producer Derek French reveals some very interesting, but worrying information regarding copy-protection measures for the PC versions of Mass Effect and Spore.

While his full post follows after the jump I will give the lowdown on what he says.
- You can install Mass Effect as normal – internet activation required

- From this point on you don’t need the Mass Effect PC DVD in the PC to play

- SecuROM will check the validity of the CD Key after 5 days of Mass Effect being installed

- After this check you have 10 days of playing guaranteed.

- Upon starting Mass Effect SecuROM will attemp to check the CD Key

- If SecuROM isn’t able to check within these 10 days then the CD Key will have to be re-checked before playing again

- If the CD Check is bad then the game will be locked until you get in touch with EA Tech Support

- This system is being used on Spore as well

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Great news for everyone waiting for Mass Effect on the PC, it is not a port of the 360 version…it is a conversion! At least that is the word that emerges from a Eurogamer interview.

The first thing to establish about Mass Effect on PC is that it’s not a port. “This is a conversion,” explained BioWare demonstrator Chris Priestly. “BioWare hates ports.”

Which really is great news for all us PC gamers who have yet to play Mass Effect. This conversion is also set to feature a new inventory system along with higher resolution gaming, and maybe some other stuff.

Go read that damn interview!

As I take a break from my University work, I stumble across some welcome news that Mass Effect will be coming to the PC this May, thanks to CVG for the low-down.

Optimized for the PC, Mass Effect for the PC incorporates the following features:

* Optimized controls designed specifically for the PC.
* High resolution visuals – Mass Effect for the PC features highly detailed textures, characters and environments.
* Fully customizable controls – PC gamers can re-map the control scheme any way they like.
* Run & Gun Control – Players can assign biotic powers or skills to ‘hot keys’ allowing them to play Mass Effect with a heavier focus on action.
* New decryption mini-game.
* New inventory screen GUI and functionality – The enhanced inventory system makes it easier for players to equip and modify their weapons and armor.

I am quite impressed at the rapid turnaround for this title, and really as long as the system requirements don’t get near Assassin’s Creed – ‘The PC Killing Cut’ levels then I will be happy. I want to see what all the ‘Sex-box’ scandal is all about with my own eyes!

[CVG]

I haven’t had time to cover this for a few days but there has been a whole heap of new stuff that has come to light regarding the Fox News and Mass Effect debacle. We have had G4TV talk on the issue, Cooper Lawrence retract her statement and now we have the Entertainment Consumer Association weighing in on the issue.

Hal Halpin, president of the ECA has called for Fox News to apologize for the false reporting carried out regarding Mass Effect. Hal has written to the producer of the controversial Fox piece.

Your show’s reporting was irresponsible and incorrect. Your own “expert” Cooper Lawrence has subsequently disclaimed her misstatements… In the future, we ask that you book real gamer and industry experts on your show…

GamesPolitics.

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After the recent FOX News coverage on Mass Effect (info here.) EA have responded with a letter asking for FOX to apologize for the segment on Mass Effect. The letter was shared with Kotaku and makes for a good read. I am very pleased that EA have taken action against the blatantly false FOX coverage, and that they haven’t pressed legal action, just asked for an apology is a good move. Read the letter after the break.

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