Windows 10 will likely not be able to run games that use SafeDisc or SecuROM DRM technology, according to an interview with Microsoft’s Boris Schneider-Johne at Gamescom that’s been dug up and translated from German by RPS. Here’s the relevant quote:
“Everything that ran in Windows 7 should also run in Windows 10. There are just two silly exceptions: antivirus software and stuff that’s deeply embedded into the system needs updating – but the developers are on it already – and then there are old games on CD-Rom that have DRM. This DRM stuff is also deeply embedded in your system, and that’s where Windows 10 says “sorry, we cannot allow that, because that would be a possible loophole for computer viruses.” That’s why there are a couple of games from 2003-2008 with Securom, etc. that simply don’t run without a no-CD patch or some such. We can just not support that if it’s a possible danger for our users. There are a couple of patches from developers already, and there is stuff like GOG where you’ll find versions of those games that work.”
You can find a thorough list of titles that use DRM software here. Amongst the titles that will be rendered unplayable are Crysis, Batman: Arkham Asylum and City, and GTA 4.
As RPS points out, this may not end up being an entirely bad thing. Developers may be forced into patching these games to remove DRM software, which is maddeningly buggy and insecure at the best of times. Ultimately, getting rid of lingering, vulnerable DRM programmes may actually benefit Windows 10.
That said, whether developers will spare the effort to do so remains to be seen. We may be forced into downloading cracks for old games that we’ve legally purchased in order to remove software designed to prevent us from doing exactly that.
Microsoft’s yet to confirm or respond to this latest report, but we’ll update this story when they do so.