Ubisoft loosens Driver DRM restrictions - Report

Last month, Ubisoft revealed that the PC version of its upcoming Driver: San Francisco would feature its always-on digital rights management system, requiring a constant Internet connection to play the title, even in single-player modes. Today, Rock Paper Shotgun is reporting the publisher is pulling, if not a 180, at least a gentle left-hand turn.

According to the PC-focused blog, Ubisoft heard disapproving feedback about the requirement and, as a result, has decided against implementing that form of DRM in the new Driver. However, PC players will still need to sign in with Ubisoft's servers at the game's launch and can then choose to play the game offline if they wish.

Driver: San Francisco will be a throwback to previous installments in the franchise, featuring a matchup between original protagonist John Tanner and Driver 2 antagonist Charles Jericho. In terms of plot, Tanner, a hard-boiled detective behind the wheel of a 1970s-era Shelby GT500, is on the hunt for Jericho, and the two engage in vehicular duels on the streets of the titular hilly California city.

The game will include more than 100 licensed vehicles, all of which are subject to damage. The game will also feature a supernatural element as Tanner is pursuing his mark from the confines of a coma. Tanner's situation impacts gameplay, as players will be able to pause time to hop to a new vehicle on the fly, as well as get a bird's-eye view of the city to jump to various locations.

Driver: San Francisco is set for release September 6 on the Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, and Wii, with the PC version trailing September 27. For more on the game, check out GameSpot's previous coverage.