Should I Install Spore (and its RootKit)?

Back when all the hype was new, I pre-ordered a copy of Spore from Amazon. Now that I’ve got it, I noticed it has the Rootkit DRM installed on it. Basically, installing Spore installs what can be described as a virus along with it. This virus runs in the background every time you start up your computer, and it doesn’t get removed if you uninstall the game.

As if that’s not restrictive enough, EA also limited the game to 3 installs - each one phoning home to check if you’re allowed to install it. For people like me who still play games that are well over 10 years old (for nostalgic value) that means I eventually won’t be able to play Spore. Who’s to say that in 4 years EA will keep up the verification server? That will render my copy of the game useless.

I’m not buying Spore, like I thought I did. I’m only renting it.

I honestly don’t know if I should install this or not, as the only way to remove the rootkit is to re-format your computer.

What would you do?

By the way, I’m not alone. There’s over 1500 negative reviews on Amazon.

5 comments September 9th, 2008