Sure, you are able to install it (UT2004) on as many computers as you like and whatnot.

But, you can't just run this game off a USB stick on any computer you like because the game still requires a CD key in the registry to run. You have to install the game yourself onto the Hard Drive. Annoying!

CD Keys are a form of "copy protection," as GOG defines it. Therefore, this title cannot be considered "100% DRM Free" and thus not fit for GOG standards.

Unfortunately, the multiplayer servers still use the CD keys to ensure uniqueness. That is not something that GOG has control of as they don't run those servers. GOG could distribute a version with no CD key if they were able to strip out the requirement from the registry, but then they would be selling only a botmatch version of this game, and that would be even more unfit for sale.

There are games on GOG that use CD keys to allow multiplayer, but they don't have games that use DRM schemes such as SecuROM, TAGES, GFWL, Steam, Origin, etc.

Agreed, while a CD is technically a DRM. As long as the game can be installed and played without the internet then as far am I'm concerned it's DRM free.

Honestly tho you can play this game + any other gog.com game off a usb 100% fine. I do it 24/7 on my PC. I own 2 external terabyte harddrives. Both use usb for functionality. I have over 200-300+ games installed all on both harddrives and yes sum do require a cdkey. But like sum have mentioned before does that meant the game is drm protected completely? No. I jest needed the key to enjoy the multiplayer portion of the game.

Does that mean I can install the game and play it offline in bot matches without ever entering the cd key?

Yes, as the default key is used on installing it, so it is fully functional for single player immediately after installing it. You can get a unique key from GOG support if you want to be able to take the game online.

Cool, thanks for letting me know. I'll add it to my wish list now.

lan should work no problem immediately as well its just online that requires a unique cd key otherwise servers will kick you out.

Unfortunately the CD-Key that GOG provides with the UT2004 ECE edition is BANNED on many servers. I have played this game for years and have purchased several copies, even unopened ones etc. I had to use my original 2004 cd key because wherever or rather WHO ever GOG got this physical copy they used to sell to people has gotten themselves GUID banned on many servers for aim-bots and hacking etc. Good job GOG.

i've already submitted a kind suggestion that I give them an UNUSED key of my own that I purchased, hell I even mentioned I'd send them the box itself unopened to solve this problem. Even though I already own the game, and paid for it from here. I'm just cool like that

SO BEWARE the key is banned on many public and large-clan servers.

As an admin in all forms of UT, including owning my own clan for many years, WE as admins used a world-wide ban system so if your GUID was banned on one of our servers, It'd be banned everywhere that was using this same system. I don't have to tell you that this system was HUGE and covered literally THOUSANDS of servers before this game got so old. There are still many clans and server owners that use this system, and that's why this GUID showed up as banned.

I hope you wil fix this problem SOON GOG. please let me know as per my support ticket #8N01GXD1 if I can help. LOVE your company, I just think people should be aware that you're using BANNED keys in your games you sell weather you meant to or not this is the risk you take when you decide to sell a game as DRM free that uses a unique GUID with EVERY installation, that's coded into each physical disc. They key CAN be changed in the registry, but still.. Bad mistake here. I'm sure you'll fix it soon.

...Seal...

THIS COMPANY IS AMAZING:)

My last post MIGHT have shed some negative light, however unintentional on GOG.com and their selling practices.
I WANT TO MAKE SURE to correct that.

I'm sharing the response I got from Support here at GOG.com because it's important that NO ONE is swayed by the post I made in a negative way. in fact after you read this, you should be assured if you're not already that GOG is a
VERY ETHICAL and HELPFUL company, one I trust with all my gaming purchases and they're just all-around nice and honest. I was SO impressed with this response.

THANK YOU, Gog.com!

per my last post, I basically came across over 12 big servers with tons of people playing in them, which will affect a LOT of people actually, having the GUID included with the sale of UT2004 from GOG.com I politely let them know what was up, and offered to send them a copy of this game I'd purchased years ago and never opened etc. or at least the key so they could use it etc.
This was their response

-------
Hello,

Thank you very much for your offer, however we have a number of keys that we can send to users as needed. Many servers do not check GUIDs, as far as I know, and this isn't an issue for most users. We are able to help those that are affected with our unique keys, though.
I have attached a set of unique keys for you, if needed.

Regards,
Firek

GOG.com Support
---------------------

AMAZING support, and thank you for taking care of the people that spend money to buy the games you are passionate about making available to the consumer, that would normally not be available at all. The Quality and
Ease of use and design of your ideas and the way you present what you're selling is TOP NOTCH.

I cannot wait to purchase more games from you!
Again I cannot thank you enough

Sincerely,
{OCS}MasterSeal
Founder, Owner
OutCastSnipers Multi-Game Clan

This is standard for many games on GOG. To provide games that work from the installer the games use a standard CD key, but if you want to go on multiplayer and need a unique key then a GOG support request for a multiplayer key can be raised and GOG will provide one (usually takes a couple of days).

Nowadays, though, when GOG add games that use multiplayer keys they actually provide the key within your My Account page alongside the game installer download links.

CD keys are a NON-INTRUSIVE form of DRM. It's far different from DRM that comes in the form of bloated blood sucking hidden software or drivers that hang around long after you have uninstalled the game.

In this case it's as simple as a single registry entry that the game can look up when needed, which is how programs in windows operate normally anyways. It is not using up memory and processing time, it is not causing conflicts with your hardware or drivers and it isn't demanding you to be online to authenticate regularly with some far off server that may or may not respond to allow you to play the game. It really is a non-issue.