BioShock 2 DRM and system requirements revealed

Like its predecessor, BioShock 2 will rely on SecuROM DRM, although there’s no mention of an installation limit this time around. If you recall, the original BioShock was initially limited to just 5 installations, although this policy was dropped around 1-year after release. Unfortunately, it looks like the game will rely on Games For Windows Live for its multiplayer component, as well as the ability to save games and earn achievements. GFWL has earned a pretty notorious track record over the last year and a half, multiple updates for other games have been pulled due to issues with the service.

Here are the game’s system requirements:

Minimum System Requirements:

OS: Windows XP, Vista, Windows 7
Processor: AMD Athlon 64 Processor 3800+ 2.4Ghz or better, Intel Pentium 4 530 3.0Ghz Processor or better
Memory: 2GB
Graphics: NVIDIA 7800GT 256MB graphics card or better, ATI Radeon X1900 256MB graphics card or better
DirectX®: DirectX 9.0c
Hard Drive: 11GB
Sound: 100% DirectX 9.0C compliant sound card or onboard sound

Recommended:

Processor: AMD Athlon 64 X2 5200+ Dual Core 2.60Ghz, Intel Core 2 Duo E6420 Dual Core 2.13Ghz
Memory: 3GB
Graphics: NVIDIA 8800GT 512MB graphics card or better, ATI Radeon HD4830 512MB graphics card or better
Other Requirements:

Initial installation requires one-time internet connection; Ability to save game, earn achievements, receive title updates and online play requires log-in to Games for Windows LIVE; software installations required including Microsoft Visual C++2008 Runtime Libraries, Games for Windows LIVE client, Games for Windows LIVE Client Patch, Sony DADC SecuROM, Microsoft DirectX.
UPDATE: The Steam listing for BioShock 2 has been updated to reflect an activation limit of 5 times. It’s unclear what will happen after you’ve used your 5 activations, presumably you’ll have to contact support at 2K Games at that point. This is the same limitation BioShock launch with.