Awhile back we posted the news about developers BioWare using copy protection methods on the PC version of Mass Effect that were the virtual equivalent of telling users they were damned criminals. Luckily PC gamers are the vociferous type and BioWare has heard their voice (and perhaps the sound of money they’d miss out on).

According to BioWare’s FAQ:

Q: What is the difference between the old PC disc authentication solution and the new online model?

A: Two things have changed:

• First, authentication of discs has now gone from the physical format to the online format, freeing the need for consumers to have a disc in the drive at all times.

• Second, with online authentication consumers now connect to the Internet the first time the game is launched and are required only to reconnect if they are downloading new game content.

While it’s great to see the consumers come up on top this time, we wonder if Will Wright’s highly anticipated Spore will follow suit.