BioShock PC activation fails to impress

PC News | Not quite rapture.

BioShock has received an impressive critical reception (currently at 97% on both Gamerankings and Metacritic). However, after being released in the US 2 days ago, unhappy consumers have poured into 2k’s support forums with a high number of technical complaints regarding the PC version of the game. Chief amongst these have been complaints regarding the copy protection software used by BioShock; SecuROM.

While SecuROM is not as invasive as the controversial StarForce, it has been known to cause problems that interfere with the normal operation of Windows. However, the main criticism of the activation has been that the game only allows 2 installation attempts. While users can release their old keys by uninstalling the game, this does not help people who have had to re-install the game after a system failure. Anyone who is locked out of the game as a result is forced to call a support phone line to obtain a new key.

In addition to these problems, many users have been reporting errors when attempting to connect to the servers required during the activation process, most likely due to the high load. During the US launch, there were reports on 2K’s forum that it was taking some people up to 5 hours to connect. More recently, the entire activation system seems to have been brought to its knees with no one able to connect at all to any of the activation servers for the past 8 hours. 2K's offical website is also currently offline. The outage seems to have started around midnight in the US and there has yet to be an official explanation for the failure. At this point, no one who has bought a copy of the PC version of the game and has yet to activate it will be able to play it at all.

BioShock officially launches in Australia and Europe tomorrow.

Update: The problem with the activation servers seems to have been resolved as of 10:30pm AEST. There has still been no official explanation for the outage.

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37 Comments

Zaul

4 years ago

That's one game I wont be buying, **** Securom.

Jim Dash

4 years ago

Were they not expecting their game to sell like hotcakes? Far out 2k, come on.

Hopefully this will be worked out by tomorrow for those Aussies that are getting it.

Oh, and anyone with a copy already for PC had this issue?

James

4 years ago

Servers seem to have just gone back up.

Passa

4 years ago

Yay for more media attention. I hope they remove it in a patch or something or shut down the servers.

Personally I think it'd stink to have to use a crack with a legal game.

EDIT:

Quote

In addition to these problems, many users have been reporting errors when attempting to connect to the servers required during the activation process, most likely due to the high load. During the US launch, there were reports on 2K’s forum that it was taking some people up to 5 hours to connect. More recently, the entire activation system seems to have been brought to its knees with no one able to connect at all to any of the activation servers for the past 78 hours. 2K's offical website is also currently offline. The outage seems to have started around midnight in the US and there has yet to be an official explanation for the failure. At this point, no one who has bought a copy of the PC version of the game and has yet to activate it will be able to play it at all.

Yeah, this is the byproduct of creating useless extra dependencies for the game. This is different to the Steam crash at the HL2 release, Steam provides something else other than copy protection (theirs by the way is awesome, non intrusive, no CD needed.. thats the way to understand gamers).

So what happens if one day, the server goes down and 2K does not restore it? They 'downsize' their servers in 4-5 years? EA do that kind of thing after a few months, so would that come as a surprise if it happened?..

Onyx_Mirror

4 years ago

How often is it that a delayed release for us AU gamers is a good thing? At least with a few days since the rush we're likely to be able to register and activate our games.

Even so, this reveals fundamental. problems with the basic idea of server-based activation. I just re-installed System Shock 2 last month, to relive the experience in anticipation of its 'in-principle sequel' and it was every bit as good as I remember. With server based activation, however, there's every chance that I won't be able to do the same thing with Bioshock in ten years time. While Irrational (now 2K in name as well) have produced great games they don't have a history of ongoing development support for their games, being content with one patch for issues or leaving continuing development to the community.

Given that we probably can't count on any publisher releasing the code keys for it's activation scheme to the community that means that those of us who legitimately buy the software can only count on being able to install it for as long as 2K allow. At any time 2K can decide that they need the resources for another headline game, or Bioshock is not selling enough to justify the expense, or simply that they no longer wish to maintain the servers ... and I can no longer install the game.

Now I completely support the efforts of any publisher to maintain their intellectual property, and I'm sure that legally speaking the EULA for Bioshock will make it clear that people can only install the game for as long as 2K chooses to allow them to ... but making sure that legitimate purchasers will eventually be unable to use software they've duely paid for seems like a poor business strategy to me.

Obviously this isn't as bad as the whole StarForce debacle and it won't stop me from playing BioShock, but it's almost certain to make me sad in several years when I go to revisit one of the most remarkable games I've played and find I can't, despite having paid a fair price for it. It may well make me wonder whether it's worth paying full price for other 2K games, knowing that they'll only work for a given period of time.

Passa

4 years ago

Quote

After four minutes on hold, I was told that the only way they'd unlock it is if I take a photo of the disc and the manual and email it to them. Wow… even Microsoft doesn’t make you do that.

From http://www.pcgamer.com/

Good PR 2K, good PR..

EDIT:

Quote

Since my post from last night was deleted I will say it again, this new SecuRom variant does not just install a service, it installs an unvited visitor at the kernel root; in the common vernacular this is generally referred to as a rootkit.

People are reporting on the 2K support forums that the BioShock installer actually includes a rootkit with SecuROM, and the rootkit is even included in the demo. Joy.

A13x

4 years ago

Noticed the SecuROM addition to my system whilst digging around files after installing the demo. I upgrade constantly, and have had several system failures where I have been required to replace my mainboard, so this issue is worrying, I am really sick of activations that expire, as whenever I upgrade it means numerous phone calls having to explain why I should be entitled to use the software which I have paid for.

This makes things as hard or harder for the paying consumer than it is for those who do things illegally. Though I will be picking up the collectors edition PC version tomorrow, I am on the edge of buying it off Steam instead, as that way I can use it on whichever of my machines I am on, and after system failures with no problems whatsoever.

EDIT: Couldn't hold off and bought it on Steam, I'll be keeping the collectors edition sealed and packed away methinks. I'll be able to play it all day before work without having to worry about any activation problems or having to make 3 bus trips tomorrow.

Jaws

4 years ago

I got my copy on Tuesday and activated it that night without any problems whatsoever. It even connected and installed a patch effortlessly. I do dislike the fact that the game requires online authentication to install. As Onyx_Mirror has stated; what happens when we want to install this game years from now yet cant because the server is closed for good? Im hoping 2K would somehow address this with a hotfix down the line..

Apart from that, im not sure exactly to what extent the alleged SecuROM rootkit goes and whether it's all just hearsay, but no problems to report on my end.

I suppose my best advice is to get in early and activate as soon as possible as all of Australia will be trying to do so all at once.

poweroffarts

4 years ago

Onyx_Mirror wrote

Now I completely support the efforts of any publisher to maintain their intellectual property, and I'm sure that legally speaking the EULA for Bioshock will make it clear that people can only install the game for as long as 2K chooses to allow them to ... but making sure that legitimate purchasers will eventually be unable to use software they've duely paid for seems like a poor business strategy to me.
.

But not only that, is does kinda encourage people to use hacks.

Skiller

4 years ago

There shouldn't be too much worry about not being able to install later, it's a fairly simple matter to trap the packets going to and from the activation server then write an app to emulate the server locally and redirect the outgoing/incomming packets from the installer to the app. I don't even know why they bothered with it really, just makes it a pain in the ass for people (like me

) who actually buy the game.

This rootkit thing is a bit dodgey tho, hopefully someone finds a way to remove it, because chances are that I won't be buying ANY more 2K games any more if it stays, the same way I refuse to buy any starforce games after having my burner die from installing trackmania demo (even though I really want the full game now

Fetidchimp

4 years ago

My favourite part of these 'technical issues', $2.48 a minute to call them to find out why the game you just forked out $100 for is not working. That practice should be knocked on the head.

Dracusis

4 years ago

Make a good game, release a demo before the retail and people won't think twice about paying for it, unless you start treating all of your customers like they have criminal records and strapping locater beckons to our ankles.

They need to look at the sales charts for games like Oblivion, still in the top
10 for almost every PC games vendor 18 months after it's been released yet it has no copy protection at all.

I truly hope the massive outcry about this makes future companies think twice, and the more media coverage the better, thank you PALGN!

Fetidchimp

4 years ago

^

This is what bothers me, these companies really wouldn't have any solid data on how many people copy games, just estimates. So they then base all these crap copy protections on the presumption that we are all out there copying games, which I for one could not be bothered doing. Sure there would still be heaps of people doing it, but I don't think there is anywhere near the number that they think there are.

ittekimasu

4 years ago

while i'm not too sure, on how these are working atm, my understanding is that you can install this piece of software twice, and thats where people are angry. but if you uninstall it, it also sends in to the server which allows you to install it again.

don't know if that makes sense, or don't know if its already mentioned. But either way, its pretty harsh on the gamer community, especially if you have to format every so months to get all the crap you couldn't reach with the cursor.

Infested Jibbs

4 years ago

I don't know why they pour so much money into these elaborate anti-piracy programs, and in doing so piss all their customers off, when they know it will be hacked and cracked mere hours after hitting retail shelfs.

XP was hacked and cracked before the avg joe could buy it.Wouldn't all this wasted money be better spent on ...........well........anything?

EDIT-mere hour's after this post, game has been confimed as successfully cracked and is riding the torrent to millions of homes as we speak, for free.While law abiding lil billy must endure this **** before the game eve starts.

Perhaps ionstalling the game is some sort of out-of game training, or perhaps the games first boss?

Passa

4 years ago

A13x wrote

I am on the edge of buying it off Steam instead, as that way I can use it on whichever of my machines I am on, and after system failures with no problems whatsoever.

EDIT: Couldn't hold off and bought it on Steam, I'll be keeping the collectors edition sealed and packed away methinks. I'll be able to play it all day before work without having to worry about any activation problems or having to make 3 bus trips tomorrow.

I hate to break your heart but the activation limit is on the Steam version too..

Skiller

4 years ago

Fetidchimp wrote

You can get fairly good stats, most torrent trackers have total number of downloads publicly viewable, and those are probably often in the tens of thousands or even hundreds of thousands. The BIG problem is that these companies are thick as **** at the management/marketing/PR level and see each download as a lost sale when in fact it's probably only between 1 and 5% of those downloaders that would have bought the game, and theres probably a similar percentage of those downloaders that will buy the game purely because they enjoyed the pirate version so much, so in reality there aren't any where near as many lost sales as they think.

ObsoletE

4 years ago

were the activation servers supposed to be down?

a friend of mine picked up his PC Copy last night, and came on WoW because he was waiting until 9pm (Perth time) because the activation servers aren't live until then.

this, to me, sounds like that was the way it was intended.

the 2 times thing is a little annoying though, but given how community spirited Irrational/2K have been throughout the entire process, it would surprise me if they removed the server without releasing some after-market program to run the install through, to bypass the activation or something.

A13x

4 years ago

Passa wrote

A13x wrote

I hate to break your heart but the activation limit is on the Steam version too..

I didn't have to input any codes and there was no visible activation screen so not exactly sure about that.

James

4 years ago

ObsoletE wrote

were the activation servers supposed to be down?

They were down for all US customers too. Even the official website was down.

ObsoletE

4 years ago

James wrote

ObsoletE wrote

were the activation servers supposed to be down?

They were down for all US customers too. Even the official website was down.

fair enough - i just wondered since he knew roughly when they were going back up and we played WoW while he waited. just seems odd if it were some un-scheduled out time.

jugdish

4 years ago

so this is palgn i come here as an eb manager informing palgn user of the issues related to the game

an get my thread reported by philly

an locked by
Cerebral
PALGN Moderator

i wont bother to report anythign further then including how u can get a full refund as we no longer have a 7day refund policy for pc games with limited use keys

gg palgn
sorry we tried to help your members

least atomic , whirlpool an ocau where more understanding an thankful for our help

Cerebral

4 years ago

Personally I would have thought my post in your thread would be interpreted as "Yeah we know, here's the relevant thread if you want to continue discussion", not "Get the f*** off the forums".

Luke

4 years ago

jugdish wrote

so this is PALGN i come here as an eb manager informing PALGN user of the issues related to the game

an get my thread reported by philly

an locked by
Cerebral
PALGN Moderator

i wont bother to report anythign further then including how u can get a full refund as we no longer have a 7day refund policy for pc games with limited use keys

gg PALGN
sorry we tried to help your members

least atomic , whirlpool an ocau where more understanding an thankful for our help

Nobody said PALGN wasn't grateful for your help it's just we like to have the one thread on one topic. Hence why it was closed, as you would see if you looked at your original thread.

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BioShock

Pre-order or buy:
PALGN recommends: www.Play-Asia.com

Australian Release Date:
  24/08/2007 (Confirmed)
Publisher:
  Take 2 Interactive
Genre:
  Survival/Horror
Year Made:
  2006
Players:
  1
System Requirements:
Minimum Requirements:
Windows XP (with Service Pack 2) or Windows Vista
Pentium 4 2.4GHz Single Core processor
1GB RAM
Direct X 9.0c compliant video card with 128MB RAM (NVIDIA 6600 or better/ATI X1300 or better, excluding ATI X1550)
Sound Card: 100% direct X 9.0c compatible sound card
Hard disc space: 8GB free space
Recommended Requirements:

Intel Core 2 Duo processor
2GB RAM
Direct X 9.0c compliant video card with 512MB RAM (NVIDIA GeForce 7900 GT or better)
Sound BlasterÃ‚Â® X-FiÃ¢Â¢ series (Optimized for use with Creative Labs EAX ADVANCED HD 4.0 or EAX ADVANCED HD 5.0 compatible sound cards with BioShock E
AX patch)

Read more...