So, I recently heard about the game and played the demo, blah blah blah.
Anyway, I found out that there is a boxed version and wanted to know what DRM was on it. So what did I do?
I tried contacting Amazon, Gamestop, THQ, and Frictional Games for this information.
Amazon, Gamestop, and THQ don't know what it has and Frictional Games has yet to reply. Who knew that finding out what DRM a game has could be so difficult?

Anyway, if anyone here happens to know what DRM is used in the retail box I'd appreciate it if you told me.

Probably not the ideal place to ask, but all the ideal places don't seem to know or are taking awhile to respond... >.>

No idea, but I'd imagine that is a locally checked serial number, just like with the DD versions.

Frictional Games aren't some big monster corporation, so I doubt it'll be anything cripplingly severe. My guess is with Kavazov on the local serial check.

I doubt the DRM would be harsher than the digitally distributed version. From my understanding it's just a CD key, and not even checked online. If anything, THQ should have been able to tell you, being the retail publisher. Frictional may or may not be able to tell you, depending on how much they had to do with the retail release.

Its not a DRM like the classic forms actually. When Penumbra / Amnesia is launched, the game checks the Documents folder for a file called "penumbra_collection_key" in Penumbra's case (it should be similar with Amnesia). Its no different than any other text file you might find.

If it finds it, it opens and scans it for a key line. That key is then compared to a set of keys integrated in the game itself.

If that file doesn't exist, the game will ask for your key, so that it could make that file. You can backup the file, and forget the serial number. Just copy it in the Documents folder of your new PC, lappy, and similar machines.

I own it. The game comes with a serial code on a little sheet of paper inside the box but it is an offline key check, like the old days. Box has a terrible cover and no real booklet though, so unless you are a truly obsessed box collector like myself you're probably fine buying it directly from the developer online.

Well, sounds good. It was mainly securom or online activation I was worried about, no problem with a CD key.

I'll have to pick this game up. Thanks everyone.

Once you insert the key for the first time, backup the file it creates. That way you'll not need to insert the key every time you install the game, just copy the file and you're good to go. ;)

Does buying it from the developer give me an installer like GOG or does it just install it to my comp?

It will give you an installer. ;) And you'll be able to redownload it from the developers' site too, whenever you like.

Its on sale at GamersGate right now: 6 euro. http://www.gamersgate.com/DDB-ATDD/amnesia-the-dark-descent-bundle?caff=2609631

Oh, awesome. GamesGate the same? An installer and only CD check?

I believe its the same package, yes. You can ask support or tweet them, just in case. The deal is still on, for the next 4 days and 8 hours.

"Internet connection is required for performing the installation process. Installation cannot be made manually. It is done automatically and it requires internet connection to be performed properly"

I found that on the FAQ. =/

I'll just buy the game directly from the developers. Based on the demo the game is worth the extra $12 to support them directly.

But first, dinner.

That's just for downloading the game.

You download the game's downloader from GamersGate, and then run it. When the download completes, installation will start. Don't quit or even finish the installation. Just copy the newly created temporary folder that is located in the same folder as the downloader, and you won't need internet connection for the next time when you want to install the game.