Hackers crack and slash Ubisoft’s DRM

Ubisoft’s controversial digital rights management platform has reportedly been hacked, cracked and slashed by a consortium known as Skid Row.

According to CNET’s Josh Lowensohn, the hack effectively removes the DRM “entirely,” but requires users to download and install a modified .exe file.

“The DRM, which now ships with every new PC game made by Ubisoft, requires that gamers have a constant connection to the Internet in order to play their games. The security feature caused a large backlash by users for its inclusion in Assassin’s Creed 2,” explained Lowensohn.

“These modified game files, alongside a crack that can be applied to a retail version of the game, were uploaded to various file-sharing sites late Tuesday evening.”

Skid Row also authored a “readme” file in which it recommended the company focus on game play rather than draconian digital rights management issues.

“Thank you Ubisoft, this was quiet a challenge for us, but nothing stops the leading force from doing what we do,” wrote Skid Row.

“Next time focus on the game and not on the DRM. It was probably horrible for all legit users. We just make their [lives] easier.”