Ubisoft defends risky PC DRM plan

The number one goal of Ubisoft's new PC anti-piracy solution will be to "provide added value" and "enrich the gaming experience", according to Ubisoft.

Unveiled today, the unnamed platform - which is not connected in any way to StarForce (a service Ubisoft said it had stopped using "a long time ago") - will require a permanent internet connection to a Ubi.com account in order for a game to be played.

"We know this choice is controversial but we feel is justified by the gameplay advantages offered by the system and because most PCs are already connected to the internet," said the company in a statement.

"This platform also offers protection against piracy, an important business element for Ubisoft and for the PC market in general as piracy has an important impact on this market.

"Any initiative that allows us to lower the impact of piracy on our PC games will also allow us to concentrate further effort on the creation and expansion of our intellectual properties for the PC - our goal is to deliver the best gaming experience to our customers."

Ubisoft's new service allows games to be installed on as many PCs as consumers want. Saved progress will be stored on clouds, so owners can continue their adventure from any PC the game happens to be installed on.

The first game to benefit from this new platform is Settlers 7, which is undergoing beta testing now.