2007-10-27 (updated 2008-06-23)
Both the full game and the demo use SecuROM 7.x copy protection. SecuROM is used to enforce CD-in-drive, enforce an online activation, to damage the data on the CD to try to prevent coping it, and was for a much hated "installation limit" that prevented more than 3 install attempts. The geniuses at 2k game didn't want people installing the product on multiple PCs simultaneously and figured that limiting attempts would do the trick. Ingoring the fact that the CD-in-drive restriction already prevents multiple installations from running simultaneously. In reality, it caused the game to be uninstallable if the install process was abandon 3 times (due to errors, or failed requirements such as HD space, or just someone changing their mind). It also forbid reinstallation in cases of a crashed PC or transfer to new computer or in cases of system restore. Any finally, it was possible to successfully install 3 copies on 3 PCs simultaneously, this restriction failed in its purpose! After much complaint, 2k games announced, "Good news! As promised, all activation restrictions, including install limits, have been removed from BioShock PC as of today. You don't have to patch or install anything for this to go into effect for your copy of BioShock – it's already done! " This is NOT and announcement of removal of SecuROM! 2kgames later said "Our other methods of copy protection remain. You will still have to activate your copy, and you will still need to keep the disc in the drive. SecuROM has not been removed" So the cpremoved tag does not yet apply.