Securom is used in an attempt to make it difficult to pirate software. PC game manufacturers contend that this software is successful in combating piracy, however this assertion is difficult to support as most copy protection software is cracked within a few days to a few weeks. This software is also problematic because many legitimate users experience technical problems with their PC as a result of this software being installed, and these users are often resentful of the technical issues this copy protection causes on their PCs, especially considering the people who download pirated games often experience no such issues.

Securom comes in many different versions which can include different restrictions depending on the manufacturer that is using the Copy Protection. The degree of technical problems experienced by the user tends to increase according to how restrictive the version of Securom that is included with the PC Game.

The version of Securom currently being used by most PC Game manufacturers is version 7. It is known to have the following issues for some people who have the software installed on their PC. Please note, this list is not extensive:

• Misidentifying normal, legally purchased and owned CD/DVD burning software as 'Emulation Software' and interfering with the program. This is an example of a SecuROM-infested game with this error in action, Crysis:

• Interfering with the user's firewall

• Causing their CD/DVD drives to crash

• Hidden SecuROM folder in C:\Documents and Settings\username\Application Data? "SecuROM is hiding it's files from you. This image the hidden folder in C:\Documents and Settings\username\Application Data   "made visible"

• This shows a writeable disc which is claiming it is full even though it clearly isn't.

• When attempting to go ahead Sonic now ceases to respond  (you can see that from the task manager window that's shown) Basically it shows someone trying to burn a backup of their game files onto a CD.

• Interfering with Mark Russanovich's program Process Explorer, which is a program designed to give users information about what processes are running on their pc

EA games are now using a new version of Securom (used on Mass Effect and Spore) which requires online activation every time you wish to install the game or a new piece of software. This version of Securom restricts you to three activations of your game. Many users run out of their activations extremely quickly, including one user who's activations expired after two days.

In other words, Securom is intended to halt piracy, but has the effect of reducing the enjoyment of their games for the legitimate game buying public.

Within this section, you will find a variety of articles dealing with the technical, legal and ethical explanations of what Securom is doing and arguments why game companies should not be using this kind of damaging copy protection. Which is why “Reclaim Your Game” was formed. We are legitimate game owners who want back the control of our PCs. We want to have fun with our games again and we want the product we pay for.

The RYG/Prism Team