I went through all 13 pages of the BioWare thread and whipped up this FAQ:
From this thread: Part 1 http://masseffect.bioware.com/forums/viewtopi … orum=125&sp=180
and the continuing thread Part 2 up to page 8
Is there a label on the box notifying the user that activation is required?
There is the standard confusing "Internet connection required for gameplay" in the System Requirements on the box.
What kind of copy protection is being used?
SecuROM
Does the game use CD Keys?
Yes, each copy of the game comes with a CD Key that is required for activation and registration at the BioWare Community site.
Does the game require the DVD in the drive to play the game?
No, the DVD is just required to install the game.
How does the Activation process work?
#1 Requires Activation on first execution of the game (which will happen automatically). Game activates with EA SecuROM servers.
#2 Re-checks with the servers in 5 days within the 10 day window when you start the game. (Otherwise would only check once every 10 days)
If you are connected to the net at the time you start the game then it will re-auth with the servers and reset the counter.
If you are offline then the game will still work because you have 5 days left.
From Day 1 to Day 10 if you activated the game on first execution then you can play the game without re-authenticating for 10 days. On the 11th day if you have not re-authenticated then the game will not run until you do.
The game can be activated only three times. (This is the initial activation not the re-authentication).
If you try to activate after the three activations then it will not activate. For issues you will have to contact EA tech support.
The Activation used by Mass Effect does not download anything to your system.
The Activation process uses a "Normal" port.
The game must re-authenticate with the EA SecuROM servers every 10 days.
Mass Effect uses the same activation system as Direct2Drive and Jade Empire purchased through the BioWare Store.
The game can be activated on three different computers.
The activation/re-authentication is not region specific.
Changing memory from 1GB to 2GB or changing hard drive may not require re-authentication. Supposedly one or two changes will not trigger re-authentication.
Authentication is fast, invisible, and requires no direct action on the user's part after initial installation of the game.
If you have a dual-boot then you will likely have to use up 2 activations if you install the game on each OS.
You only need an Internet Connection every days 10 days in which you are actively playing the game.
The counter seems to be checked on every execution of the game.
SecuROM does not care about internal game days. Just system calendar days or perhaps the SecuROM internal day check.
"If I reformat my computer will I have to reactivate?"
If you reformatted and reinstalled the game, then almost everything would be the same and the system would most likely just re-activate without any issues. I can't give a definative answer as there are a few more variables in this situation.
If I have issues with activation of the game should I contact EA or BioWare?
EA are the ones hosting the SecuROM servers and are the ones that should be contacted.
Will the re-authentication require me to do anything?
When you execute the game the re-auth takes mere moments during game startup. There are no dialogs, no progress bars, nothing to enter or confirm. It just goes.
Does SecuROM install anything on my system?
There are no external programs with SecuROM. It is completely contained in the wrap of the executable. There are no other programs or processes that run, other than was is with MassEffect.exe
Do you have to connect to the Internet to install the game?
No, an Internet connecting is not required to INSTALL the game.
What kind of information is transmitted by the activation/re-authentication process?
It is not known what information is transmitted. Supposedly just the CD Key and a unique machine identifier.
Will EA be able to handle this authentication system?
EA has assured us that they have their auth systems and customer support staff in place and ready for the launch of Mass Effect PC. Anyone having issues with getting MEPC activated will be able to contact EA Support and get their problem resolved.
What happens if the authentication system does not work for me?
I would suggest that you contact EA Support the moment this happens (once you get your internet back) to report the issue. If there are people having problems with the system as designed, then Support needs to hear about it so they can help us evaluate it for the next game title.
What happens EA goes out of business or decides to shut down the activation servers?
Then we will release an update to remove the activation.
If I want to play the game in 10 years will I still be able to play the game?
Yes, either the activation servers will still be working or we will have released an update to remove the activation requirement.
Is the activation requirement mention in the EULA?
Yes and the EULA is on the root of the Mass Effect DVD.
Will I have to register at the BioWare Community Site to download the DLC "Bring Down the Sky"?
Yes, and it is also free for all registered Mass Effect users with a valid Mass Effect CD key.
Do I have to register at the BioWare Community Site to play the game?
No.
"What are the odds of my key being banned due to someone on the internet using a keygen?"
I believe the last time we calculated it, the odds were about 1 in 3billion of getting a valid existing CD key through a keygen
"Will the call center speak my language?"
The tech support people are American and will speak English.
Is the digital copy of the game at the EA Store the same as the retail version?
Yes, they are exactly the same. They share the same executables.
MISC INFO
SECUROM MInicom driver that runs in RING0?
test Drive Unlimited Open Beta used internet based SecuROM that was bypassed by changing the system date.
What type of activation system will Spore use?
The same one as Mass Effect.
