It’s been in vogue for PC game publishers to use heavy-handed digital rights management software that severely limits games unless they are constantly connected to the internet. Gamers hate these piracy-combating restrictions because a network error on anyone’s end can interrupt their sessions and make their purchases unusable.

Capcom, which publishes the Street Fighter series, placed the DRM on Super Street Fighter IV: Arcade Edition, but has promised to remove it to appease seething fans. The company makes a statement on Capcom-Unity:

Shortly after launch (it might even be at launch, but we’ll see how submission timing and approval goes) we will roll out a small title update that will completely remove the character limitations for offline mode. That is to say, once you’ve updated, you will be able to use all 39 characters when not connected to the Internet to practice your combo timings, have some fun with a friend on a laptop, or whatever while offline.

As one would logically expect, to get any of the benefits of the online services (online multiplayer, replay sharing/watching, achievements, etc.) you must be online and logged in.

If you game on a PC, how has oppressive DRM affected the way you play or make your purchases?

SSFIV: AE PC – DRM: We Had it Wrong [Capcom-Unity via Kotaku]

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