Certain DRM methods are not compatible with Microsoft's newly released operating system, Windows 10.
In an interview with Rocket Beans TV, Microsoft's Boris Schneider-Johne said that SecuROM and SafeDisc are not compatible with Windows 10. As such, older games from the early-to-mid 2000's will not run on the platform.
“Everything that ran in Windows 7 should also run in Windows 10,” says Schneider-Johne, as transcribed by RockPaperShotgun. “There are just two silly exceptions: antivirus software and stuff that’s deeply embedded into the system needs updating – but the developers are on it already – and then there are old games on CD-ROM that have DRM.
“This DRM stuff is also deeply embedded in your system, and that’s where Windows 10 says ‘sorry, we cannot allow that, because that would be a possible loophole for computer viruses.’ That’s why there are a couple of games from 2003-2008 with SecuROM, etc. that simply don’t run without a no-CD patch or some such. We can just not support that if it’s a possible danger for our users. There are a couple of patches from developers already, and there is stuff like GOG where you’ll find versions of those games that work.”
Although game developers no longer use these DRM methods in new game releases, anyone wishing to play their older titles on Windows 10 will be out of luck. The best thing you can do to run these games is to dual-boot into an earlier version of Windows or buying the games again through Steam or GOG.
