How do you know!, it doesn't even have a CD check, :O I couldn' believe it when I didn't see any mention to DRM on the box, but it's true. Ubisoft has to be the most extreme publisher when it comes to DRM, either everything or nothing. But not everything is joy in Anti-DRM Land, the game still has the multiplayer hijacked by Ubisoft and there is DLC that can only be downloaded from UPlay (that is, account-tied, single-use code DLC), but I guess it's still good news for the anti-DRM crowd.

So, you may be thinking: "am I an evil person for not buying this game and rewarding the positive movement by Ubisoft". Absolutely not, you still have to like the game to buy it, :P And I recommend everybody to check it out, I believe it deserves the 60€ it costs (yep!, it's kind of expensive). It has great story, top notch artistic direction, the graphics seem to be optimized over ACII for PC and it has a massive amount of content (I played for at least 30 hours and there was still stuff to do). It also has a massive amount of irrelevant sandbox bullshit, though, you have like 15 different types of items to collect (flags, feathers, assassin's, 6 types of shops, paintings, artifacts, aqueducts, etc.), most of which are totally unnecessary. And there is too many follow/kill/follow and kill missions to be honest. Still I recommend you to give it a look.

Now Ubisoft, can you explain me why on Earth is From Dust a fucking Steam exclusive!?

EDIT: It seems that there is at least a version with permanent online connectivity required and there are probably others with an initial activation, so I guess I have to say that my version is an Spanish one. Apparently, it all depends on what version you buy... We can all agree then that Ubisoft is run by a bunch of monkeys.

P.S.: This thread is posted in mobygames too.

the game connects to the ubi severs upon installation. then you do not need it ingame EXCEPT you wanna use the investment feature for the shops which is tied to your account. so it is a half/half solution, not totally DRM free but still a welcome gesture after their server debacle. And yes, it was pretty nice but they also went overboard with all the different outlandish gadgets imo.

I have installed it and started it offline, I can assure you that no communication with Ubisoft is needed.

I quote pc gamer:
Ubisoft have confirmed that Assassin’s Creed: Brotherhood will require an initial verification log-in, but after that the game will be playable without an internet connection.

I don't know that it's positive as much as it is strategic. They may have wagered that protecting its multiplayer aspect is sufficient, especially if their long-term strategy is to move the series towards more of a multiplayer focus.

Ahh well you are either uninformed or lying/trying to dodge the fact that Brotherhood does phone home ALOT, try using wireshark to confirm that no Ubisoft DRM and other Servers are contacted during Singleplayer Game. You may notice alot of trafficking between your PC and Ubisoft Servers! I could even name the servers (more than 4) but I better don't, just see for yourself!

Though you are kinda right no communication with Ubisoft is needed for singleplayer mode (hint hosts file) but IF your PC has an internetconnection (which is likely because you have to activate the game at least once or crack it) your copy of Brotherhood WILL contact Ubisoft Servers even if Online Options are all disabled.

Also check on RYG and ponder about whether Brotherhood contains DRM or not. Hint I did not buy it because it infact has nasty Ubisoft DRM implemented!
http://www.reclaimyourgame.com/content/793-Evaluation-Report-Assassin-s-Creed-Brotherhood-%28ACTIVE%29
http://www.reclaimyourgame.com/content/795-Evaluation-Report-Assassin-s-Creed-Brotherhood-%28INERT%29

I can tell you what I did. I disconnected my computer from the internet, then installed the game, then removed the DVD from the bay, then started the game, click on the "Offline mode" of the launcher and started playing. I was never asked for a serial not to put the DVD in place nor nothing, and the game would save correctly. I did this with my internet connection disabled. The only think I can think of is that I had a pirated version installed before, but I made sure to delete any trace of it before installing. I removed anything from Program Files, Program Data, App Data, etc. I'm somewhere else right now, I will try to install the game in another PC (a very old one, though, not sure if I will be able to even enter the game) to see what happens.

In any case, even if the game phones home, it seems to be playable without internet (I may play for a couple of hours later to see if it's playable in the long term) and, therefore, it cannot be called DRM (it does not prevent the game to run correctly in any way), just spying (which is not a good thing either).

By the way, shouldn't the firewall warn you if the game tries to connect to the internet? Couldn't it be refused access to the internet through the firewall?

It requires activation during install, which is DRM.

I'm done with buying new UBI soft titles for a while anyway. Maybe if they can come up with a predictable long term strategy for DRM will I consider buying from them again.

First of all I'm not gonna be bothered to do extensive research on every single title to try and figure out if the DRM on that particular title is acceptable. Second, I'm not gonna invest any time or interest into even a title with acceptable level of DRM when heaven knows what is around the corner when they release the next expansion pack, DLC or sequel.

There are plenty of other enjoyable games out there meanwhile.

Then you haven't read the previous paragraph. I repeat: I did it all offline, as in "not connected to the internet" and the installation didn't ask me for nothing. Then I started the game in "Offline mode" and it was playable with working save games. And THEN is when I connected my computer to the internet again. I did this from the "network connections" of Windows 7, I guess I'll have to physically unplug the LAN cable and repeat, because I don't know what else could be.

I was responding to your "and even if it did activate" statement, where you said it would still not be DRM, which is false. Having to ask the company through a server if you can install a game is certainly DRM.

As for you installing it offline I can't really say for sure. I certainly activated the game, but perhaps like early Games for Windows Live titles it's secretly optional.

The game is 100% possible to play offline. I own it and tried it just like MichaelPalin.

If ubisoft keeps it this way, I will buy their games happily.

anyways, it's nice to hear they allow what you did.
so their own press releases are missing information.

I don't know, I just hope they give up the whole server-thingy (just see the EA/Bioware servers debacle how it can go wrong even if you have a "lighter" DRM scheme) and let me play all of their games when I want where I want. Next move should be to "unpatch" this from other games.

If you can install it and play it without the internet at all then yes, it is DRM free. That would be awesome, I hope it is true.

I'm saying even a singly activation with no further internet requirement is still DRM.