Older games, such as Pool of Radiance, require a physical tool to progress in the game. Lost code wheels, manuals, or similar physical DRM.Some problems can occur when buying used games, due to DRM or copy protection.
Used software is very susceptible to anti-piracy measures. For example, Civilization IV: Beyond The Sword was eventually patched to remove DRM and CD checks from the game, and the Civilization IV series was re-released as a DRM-free game soon after. Patching the game in these cases is a legitimate way of running the game without DRM. Occasionally a developer will remove DRM from a game with a patch after a period of time. Many DRM companies provide a removal tool other programs can be uninstalled directly. If you uninstall all software related to the DRM, the DRM can typically be removed safely. Removing the DRM while these games are installed is therefore not recommended although in some cases, running the game might reinstall the DRM.
The PCGamingWiki policy on bypassing copyright protection and fixes lists the restrictions that apply when it is necessary to cover bypasses for games in articles and files available on this site.ĭRM is often a critical component of a game, and a removal of the DRM might affect the functionality of the game sometimes even make the game unplayable.
