Project aim. Offer a complete list of games available for purchase on Steam which have external DRM associated with them in addition to or in lieu of the various forms of Steam's native DRM. Instructions. Refer to the section for information on adding games to this article. Included with the games are the DRM schemes involved, the issues and hindrances you might encounter due to this DRM, and what you can do to prevent DRM from interfering with your gaming experience. Discussion. Discuss the project on the.

• Please Perform The Release Check By Launching The Arcania.exe

I have downloaded the Arcania patch #4. However everytime i try to install the patch, it says 'please perform the release check by launching the ArcaniA.exe'. Arcania gothic 4: 'Please perform the release check by launching the ArcaniA.exe'.

Other information. Original thread on this topic, all discussion has henceforth been moved to this wiki article. A comparable list of Steam games which do not feature any sort of DRM.

DISCLAIMER: There are many games that have their own in-game store. There are also many games with DLC managed not by Steam but by the publishers themselves.

These are NOT included in this list because, as previously stated, the products on these lists are available for purchase on Steam. Using non-Steam products on Steam products must be done at your own risk. Main contacts. Protection ID might not recognise the DRM used. Account-based DRM DRM associated with accounts is weaker than most but still present, requiring online activation via CD key to access online services such as multiplayer and profile stats. These games require you to activate the game through their servers and use their accounts to activate the game, and many require these accounts to access the game.

Please Perform The Release Check By Launching The Arcania.exe

For single-player games, account-based DRM often does not affect the game to any real degree, as you can play them with an offline profile without activation. Because of this, many consider single-player account-based DRM to not be DRM at all because it does not require any contact beyond having the packages installed; no Internet connection is required.

Games falling into this “single-player only” category will be marked as such. Codemasters RaceNet. Currently available for. Name Link Notes EA Accounts EA Accounts exist for two purposes: To activate and run the game. This requires a constant Internet connection, even in single-player modes. The benefit to this, however, is that DLC, if it exists, is more easily managed than below. To access online features, including DLC.

In this case, the EA account is not required to access single-player (in some cases, it may be required to activate the game). For DLC, however, the game will require an account either way. This list will be categorized as such, as well as games that use EA Classic accounts. Single-player games in the latter category will be specially marked, either as an option or exclusively single-player. Constant Connection Required Name Link Notes Structured like an MMO despite having single-player. No longer sold or supported as of August 23, 2013. Activation, Online Services, DLC Name Link Notes Includes expansion.

No longer playable as of October 31, 2013 due to servers being shut down. Includes expansion.

Includes expansion. Single-player only. Single-player only.

Optional (both base game and DLC). Close login prompt(s) to skip EA Account. Logging in unlocks promotional items. Single-player only. Single-player only. No activation or account needed for single-player Includes all expansions (Most recent: Showtime).

Includes and expansions. Single-player only. EA Classic Account Name Link Notes GameSpy. GameSpy is not DRM; however, since some multiplayer features are dependent on GameSpy for these games, they are listed here. Name Link Notes Use to replace the deprecated master server.

You can choose Steam or GameSpy for multiplayer before launching game (Steam is the default option). The game is included with, and deprecated, in favor of. Supported by for both game and expansion. Use the to replace the deprecated master servers. Games for Windows Live. If you bind an SSA product key to an account that is not in a supported region you will lose the key (and, consequently, access to the game). Name Link Notes No longer playable due to the servers being shut down on July 1, 2014.

(non-GOTY) ZDPP Title. Non-GOTY owners get GOTY version for free which has Steamworks DRM instead of SecuROM and GFWL. ZDPP Title; does not support but can be played offline.

Owners have received for free which has no GFWL. The original DiRT 3 remains in players' accounts and still uses GFWL. (non-Free To Play) ZDPP Title.

Online activation required only for multiplayer. Steam version works, but is no longer supported. You can use version with same Microsoft account in-game. Legacy (Per-Title 5x5) titles. Activation limit between 10-20 (usually 15) for online profiles; Microsoft support can help reset the limit but will not reset a second time; after that you will need to buy the game again. Name Link Notes (non-GOTY) Single-player only; owners get free upgrade to the which has Steamworks DRM instead of GFWL and SecuROM. Single-player only, can be completely ignored (no profile/activation needed).

Can be disabled with the mod or by running the game with the modding tool (you do not need to install a mod that actually uses it). CD keys no longer generate.

Single-player only, can be completely ignored (no profile/activation needed). Can be disabled with the mod or by running the game with the modding tool (you do not need to install a mod that actually uses it).

CD keys no longer generate. Unlike Fallout 3 or other GFWL titles it can be shared via family sharing. Can be disabled with the mod. Can be disabled with the mod. A is available (de facto Steamworks because of VAC protection) but note that it lacks the extra content of the Colonies Edition. An updated, Steamworks version, is available. Kalypso Launcher.

Excluded from. Name Link Notes Does not use the Social Club client. Online features require an account. Log-in is required only for multiplayer.

Log-in not required for singleplayer. Log-in is required only for multiplayer.

Log-in not required for singleplayer. Social Club client and account required for 'activation, online play, and periodic entitlement verification'. Social Club client required for activation.

Online features require an account. Social Club client required for activation. Online features require an account. Requires both Social Club client and an account for activation and online features. Stardock Account Stardock distributed their games via Impulse. After they sold it to GameStop in March 2011, Stardock introduced for their games to distribute patches and for the official support on forums. Their older games are de facto DRM free after registration, and those games are noted.

You can download them any time from your Stardock account. In 2012, Stardock switched to Steamworks because of multiplayer. Those games can't be downloaded from Stardock, only from Steam.

Name Link Notes After registration, game is de facto DRM free. After registration, game is de facto DRM free. Only needed for Twilight of the Arnor GC2TwilightOfTheArnor.exe expansion pack.

After registration, expansion is de facto DRM free. Base game ( GalCiv2.exe) and Dark Avatar expansion ( GC2DarkAvatar.exe) are DRM free (registration is not needed at all). If you register game, it can be only launched via GC2TwilightOfTheArnor.exe. After registration, base game and both expansions (Entrenchment and Diplomacy) are de facto DRM free. This list does not include Free to Play (F2P) games, which almost always require a separate account, and every one of them has in game store. F2P games are found.

Name Link Notes LAN and online modes require a. You need AirBuccaneers account to play game. Account and log-in required to play (single-player included). Base game and DLC require entering the included CD keys to leave trial mode. Proprietary server connection. There is no authentication, but a constant Internet connection is required for anything other than campaign, skirmish and tutorial.

Account required for leaderboard feature. Online play requires a King Art account. Requires an account to play (registered in-game with the CD key). Online features require registering an account in-game. Must be online via Steam when starting game. Must be connected to Steam to generate new levels. Requires a constant internet connection for all game modes.

Online play requires a MyCrysis account. Online play requires a MyCrysis account. This game is MMO but AV account is optional and is for the support, official forums and for character deletion.

If you do, then you should only register through the patcher which will link your Steam account with AV account. Must activate key with a 9heads Account and log in every time to play. Must create an account and 'activate'; through the game to play. Requires an account and server communication (cannot be played offline). Uses Square Enix online store for activation. You must create a Square Enix account and log in before you can play. Uses Square Enix online store for activation.

You must create a Square Enix account and log in before you can play. Must create an account and 'activate' through the game for online features. Must be online via Steam when starting game. Requires a; to register right-click on the game in the Steam client and choose Manage Game Account. Requires registering an account and logging in in order to play (all game modes).

The game must be started while Steam is in online mode at least once every 7 days. It cannot be played offline if the 7-day limit is expired.

Requires a constant internet connection for all game modes. Multiplayer requires an account.

Requires login and activation with an. Tries to connect to a server even for single player; can be overridden by setting 'force offline mode' in options. You can optionally open an account at for connecting your Steam account and your Interstellar Marines website account.

This game is MMORTS so you need to open a separate account. Multiplayer requires the creation of an account which is handled by Paradox servers. Must create an account to play. There is no offline mode; you must log in to your account every time you start the game. Prompts for to unlock bonus content. Requires a account but does not use the Uplay client.

Activation through Beatnik servers, requires log-in to play. Online play requires a Planet Explorers account (optional for single player). Is needed for online play. There are multiple reports like that you need to be online when starting game. It's not clear if you have to be online all the time. Is needed for online play. Requires an internet connection to launch (Steam offline mode does not work).

Requires an internet connection to launch (Steam offline mode does not work). Must be online via Steam when starting game. You can optionally open an account at for additional features. You can optionally open an account at for additional features.

Must activate game by making a account (internet connection required); see. THQ account required for community features. Must be online via Steam when starting game. Developers claim it's bug, but it's not fixed. Requires a constant internet connection for all game modes. Requires a Free Reign Entertainment account. Must be online via Steam when starting the game.

Developers say this will be removed in a future update. Always-online DRM. The game cannot be played if Steam is in offline mode. You need an account to play game. Runic account is needed for online play.

Trackmania account required for online features. Trackmania account required for online features.

Account required for leaderboards. Requires an account for online multiplayer. Single player no longer requires Reality Pump activation.

Requires an account on the developer's site. Requires a constant internet connection for all game modes. When you start the game, you are asked to connect to Eugen.net game server. Eugen.net handles multiplayer system, as well as friend list.

When you start the game, you are asked to connect to Eugen.net game server. Eugen.net handles multiplayer system, as well as friend list.

Requires a account for multiplayer. Hardware-based DRM Hardware-based DRM uses components of the PC such as the MAC address of network adapter(s) and serial number(s) of hard drive(s) to create a hash or signature which is used for identification of the PC in the DRM activation process.

When a game which incorporates this type of DRM is run, it checks that the current components of the PC match the hash/signature which was created and stored during the previously completed activation. The tolerance for matching this hash varies by game, but in general if a significant component or components of the PC which comprise the hash have changed, the DRM will require a new activation to play the game. If an activation limit exists and is reached, the game will refuse to play. In most cases where this type of DRM is used, there will be methods to either revoke activations or reset the limit so a new activation is performed. These will be noted at the bottom of their respective sections below.

Denuvo Anti-Tamper. Use the to remove SecuROM activation information (after revoking the activations, if applicable). Name Link Notes Machine limit is raised from 5 to 20 according to the developer. Activation limit is not known.

(non-GOTY) 4 activations per month. A revoke tool is available in your Steam Tools section.

Non-GOTY owners get GOTY version for free which has Steamworks DRM instead of SecuROM and GFWL. (non-GOTY) 5 machine limit, 10 activations per machine. Non-GOTY owners get GOTY version for free which has Steamworks DRM instead of SecuROM and GFWL. Local key check only. No activation or Internet connection required.

5 machine limit. 5 machine limit. Used for CD check only. 50 machine limit. 50 machine limit. Machine limit is raised from 5 to 20 according to the developer.

Machine limit is raised from 5 to 20 according to the developer. Store page has not been updated. Activation limit unknown. Owners have received which does not use SecuROM. 5 activations per month. Machine limit is raised from 5 to 20 according to the developer. Unlimited activations.

Unlimited activations. Used in GTA IV and its expansions. The previous wording of '15 machine limit' is no longer on the store page, presumably because now it's unlimited. Used for CD check only. Single-player portion only, 5 machine limit, 1 activation added every 60 days. 5 machine limit. 5 machine limit using new 'Content Protection' by 'Sony DADC Austria AG'.

4 machine limit. Activation limit unknown. StarForce/ACTControl StarForce ProActive. To revoke activations for other games use the executable in the installation folder (usually called activation.exe); see for further details. Name Link Notes 5 machine limit.

3 machine limit. 5 machine limit. Has SolidShield, but it does not appear to impose restrictions. 5 machine limit.

5 machine limit. Other Hardware-based DRM Name Link Notes DEGRADE (ex-FADE) is an invisible, ingame, check of CD key. No activation limit.

5 machine limit. Uniloc, 5 machine limit.

Online activation with serial key, 3 machine limit. GameShield IronWrap & Patcher. Machine limit explicitly not available per Rockstar policy, but is likely unlimited on Steam. GameShield IronWrap & Patcher. Machine limit explicitly not available per Rockstar policy.

Likely 15 activation limit and verifying install via Steam counts toward activation limit. Activated through RedLynx servers. Activation limit exists, but is unknown and can be reset. Proprietary activation method though CD key. 5 machine limit. To reset your activation limit,. Inert DRM Some games on Steam contain remnants of DRM that has been removed (e.g.

Or ) or DRM files which are not used unless you attach a DRM expansion pack or DLC to the game. The DRM files do nothing, install nothing and are completely inert unless otherwise noted.

SecuROM Name Link Notes SecuROM. Installs files that can be safely removed without the Removal Tool. SecuROM patched out of main executable; SecuROM paul.dll remains but does nothing and the game still works if it is deleted. Crysis Wars is inert. Crysis: Warhead itself is still active. SecuROM 7 on single player executable.

Appears to be inactive. SecuROM removed for 1.4.9.70 patch; owners got a free copy of on October 29, 2012 which is DRM free.

SecuROM removed in 1.03 update despite store page's notes, but some files still remain. SecuROM is activated on launching (the now defunct) multiplayer. The singleplayer parts of the game contain no third party DRM. SecuROM patched out of main executable; SecuROM paul.dll remains but does nothing and the game still works if it is deleted.

SecuROM paul.dll is included but appears to be unused (game still works if it is deleted). SecuROM was removed via 1.1 patch for retail.

Steam version has inert files. Game is DRM free and you can use CD key for the free DRM free backup on and for the bonus content. StarForce/ACTControl Name Link Notes StarForce StarForce StarForce TAGES/SolidShield Name Link Notes SolidShield SolidShield TAGES. Delete TAGES files in Redist and bin subfolders to prevent installation. Use to remove if already installed. TAGES TAGES Other Inert DRM Name Link Notes Uniloc removed in patch 1.1.

Some unused files remain. Russian Steam version has inactive remnants of some sort of DRM in files mrazikdir.res, mrazikvdir.res, and mrazikcd1an.res. Games for Windows Live was removed from launching menu, although the files and dependencies are still downloaded and installed.

CD keys no longer generate and the game can be now shared via family sharing. The GFWL version can be launched by running Game.exe in the installation folder. Removed DRM. These games had DRM in retail form, or had it on digital storefronts in the past, but it has been entirely removed; these are listed below to help cautious shoppers. Name Link Notes SecuROM on retail and some other digital distributors.

Exceptions are The Walking Dead and Poker Night series (Steamworks). Removed in April 1, 2014 update. Proprietary activation system on the Angry Birds shop and retail. / TAGES removed by applying latest retail patch. Steam version without TAGES as of April 24, 2014. / Expansion TAGES removed by applying latest retail patch.

Steam version without TAGES as of April 24, 2014. SecuROM removed via patch. SecuROM removed via patch. Game is DRM free.

SecuROM and removed via patch. Game is DRM free. SecuROM removed via patch. Game is DRM free. SolidShield on other digital distributors.

GFWL and SecuROM removed. Non-GOTY owners get GOTY upgrade for free. Retail/GFWL keys added to Steam DB for activation. GFWL and SecuROM removed.

Non-GOTY owners get GOTY upgrade for free. Retail/GFWL keys added to Steam DB for activation. GFWL on retail (EU only).

US edition of the game – Check vs Mate – does not have GFWL. SecuROM on launch (also disc check for retail). SecuROM later removed with patches (522175 for Steam version and 795745 for retail) SecuROM on retail. SecuROM on retail. SecuROM on retail and from other digital distributors.

SecuROM removed from the Steam version of the game in an update after its initial release due to outcry from customers. It was replaced with Steam's 'stub' form of DRM. SecuROM and GFWL removed on October 3, 2013.

SecuROM on retail. SecuROM on other versions. Removed from base game and all DLC. StarForce on retail.

SecuROM on retail. Includes and expansions. SecuROM removed via patch. Retail version is DRM free. Tages on other versions. Tages removed from Steam version in latest patch.

SecuROM on retail, removed from the Steam version via patch. SecuROM on retail.

There is no more Relic account from 7 May as CoH series completely moved to Steamworks because of SEGA's purchase of Relic. There is no more Relic account from 7 May as CoH series completely moved to Steamworks because of SEGA's purchase of Relic. There is no more Relic account from 7 May as CoH series completely moved to Steamworks because of SEGA's purchase of Relic. ACTControl is removed. There is still key for online play.

StarForce on retail Dreamcast Collection. SolidShield on original Crysis 2 release and on Origin.

The Steam version of the game contains Steam's 'stub' form of DRM in addition to SolidShield, although the SolidShield wrapping seems inert. Replaced with Steamworks for the Steam version. GFWL on Games on Demand (Games for Windows marketplace) version only (no longer available to purchase). Replaced with Steamworks for the Steam version on March 17, 2015. Replaced with Steamworks for the Steam version on March 17, 2015. SecuROM on GamersGate version; Steam version has only Steam DRM. SecuROM disc check on retail.

SecuROM Locale registry subfolder is a harmless error remnant; no SecuROM data is written. Games for Windows - LIVE and SecuROM on original version. SecuROM on retail. Game is DRM free. Free upgrade for owners of. StarForce removed via patch.

ACTControl on other digital versions. EA DRM Removed. GFWL removed on Free To Play version. Owners of DLC from the paid version got free DLC for the Free To Play version (see ). SecuROM listed in Steam system requirements but not present in game files. Steam DRM removed with September 7 patch SecuROM on retail version.

SecuROM on retail. StarForce on retail. Relaunched SimBin digital version (Steam exclusive) is DRM free. StarForce on retail. Relaunched SimBin digital version (Steam exclusive) is DRM free.

SecuROM on retail. Relaunched SimBin digital version (Steam exclusive) is DRM free. SecuROM on GamersGate.

SecuROM on retail, but was removed with the last patch. TAGES on GamersGate.

SecuROM on retail. TAGES on GamersGate. SecuROM on retail and GamersGate. SolidShield removed via patch.

Games for Windows Live replaced by Steamworks in update. Denuvo removed in update. Was removed in the Steam Matchmaking update. All non-Steam versions require; Steam version uses Steamworks instead. Prompts for EA Account; close prompt(s) to skip. SecuROM on retail and some other digital distributors. StarForce on retail and some other digital distributors.

StarForce or SecuROM on retail (depends on market). Includes expansion.

SecuROM on retail and some other digital distributors. SecuROM on retail and some other digital distributors. SecuROM on retail and some other digital distributors. SecuROM on retail and some other digital distributors. SecuROM on retail and other digital distributors. SecuROM on retail.

Always online requirement removed from single-player campaign. Replaced with Steamworks. LIVE version is still available through the Betas tab. SolidShield on retail and Origin. SecuROM removed in patch/hotfix 1.23.1765. ACTControl removed via patch.

GFWL on Games on Demand (Games for Windows marketplace) version only (no longer available to purchase). StarForce on retail.

TAGES on GamersGate. Multiplayer requirement of creation of an account on the ROTT Multiplayer network was removed in the 1.2 patch.

TAGES on other digital distributors. Steam and retail versions are DRM free. Removed in Steamworks update on December 3, 2014. Legacy LIVE version is still available through the Betas tab. Removed in Steamworks update on March 26, 2015. StarForce on retail. Includes expansion.

SecuROM on retail and some other digital distributors. SecuROM on original Sacred 2. Gold version is DRM-free except on Steam where it contains Steam's 'Stub' form of DRM. TAGES on retail.

TAGES removed via patch. StarForce on retail Dreamcast Collection.

SolidShield removed via patch. SolidShield removed via patch. TAGES removed via patch. StarForce on retail. TAGES on GamersGate.

Includes all expansions (most recent: Showtime). SecuROM, disc check only on retail, 5 machine limit on other digital distributions. StarForce on retail Dreamcast Collection. StarForce on retail Dreamcast Collection. SecuROM on retail. SecuROM on retail.

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Used to use VMProtect, which was removed via patch on February 29, 2016. ACTControl removed via patch. SecuROM disc check on retail.

SecuROM Locale registry subfolder is a harmless error remnant; no SecuROM data is written. StarForce on retail release, removed from the Steam version via patch. The Steam version of the game now uses Steam's 'stub' form of DRM. It is not DRM-free. SecuROM removed in patch 1.02a. StarForce removed in the 'Forever' update.

StarForce removed in the 'Forever' update. Removed from Steam version on May 30, 2014. Originally titled Super Street Fighter IV: Arcade Edition. ACTControl removed via patch. Removed in Steamworks update. Removed in Steamworks update.

StarForce on retail, removed from Steam version via patch. TAGES removed in patch 1.5. Game is DRM free but you can use CD key for free DRM backup on and for the bonus content. GFWL on Games on Demand (Games for Windows marketplace) version only (no longer available to purchase).

TAGES removed from all versions in patch 2.5. Reality Pump DRM was removed in an update. SolidShield removed via patch.

You are here: Home » Support for popular titles » ArcaniA: Gothic 4

Product information:
Website: http://www.arcania-game.com/
Media: DVD-ROM / Digital Download

Important: Please use the automatic update function of the game to get the latest version.

Please find below a list of frequently asked questions we have collected for 'ArcaniA: Gothic 4':

Q: I get the error message: 'Release Date Check Failed.'
A: Please note that Internet access is required for an online release date check of this game.
Nevertheless it is possible to perform a 'manual offline activation' from another computer which is connected to the Internet. Please download the correct Offline Installer package and install it:

Q: I want to start the Auto-Update feature again.
A: Please download this tool to start the Auto-Update process.

Q: I can't find the serial number for my game.
A: The location of the serial number depends on the version you have bought:

• Collector's edition » on a piece of paper in the box
• Normal retail version » on a label under the disc
• Digital download » in the e-mail from the online shop

Q: I get the error message: 'The serial number was not found in the database.'
A: The number one problem with serial numbers is mistyping. Double check the characters you have entered. To help identify each character of the serial number correctly, please see common misinterpretations:

• Digit 'Zero' and 'O' (like 'Oscar')
• Digit 'One' and 'I' (like 'India')
• Digit 'Two' and 'Z' (like 'Zulu')
• Digit 'Eight' and 'B' (like 'Bravo')
• Include all hyphen ('-') as shown in the serial number

If this does not solve your issue, please send us a picture of your serial number.

Q: I get the error message: 'No proper connection could be made with the activation server.'
A: If you are having problems activating your game, please visit the ArcaniA: Gothic 4 Unlock Website where you can generate an unlock code and activate your game manually.

Q: I get the error message: 'Too many activations on different PCs or too many reactivations on the same PC have been performed.'
A: Please run the revoke tool, http://download.securom.com/support/arcania/ArcaniA.zip, on the PC where you have originally activated 'ArcaniA: Gothic 4'. After revoking this activation, you will be able to activate your application on a different PC.
If you still face the same message, please contact the official support of JoWood: hotline@jowood.com

Q: I still have issues activating my application.
A: Please contact us via our Product Activation contact form

Q: The above answers did not solve my issue.
A: Please install the SecuROM™ Diagnostics Tool for further assistance and follow the instructions on the website.