Battleangel

Who is killing PC gaming again? (VE3D) Rockstar is certainly letting us all down. And it would seem that the advantage of choosing a scene ("pirated") version is now greater than ever before. It’s not just free, but it has added benefits that go far beyond just getting rid of the old CD check.

What do I need to do to start playing GTA IV on my PC?

You will need an active internet connection to activate the software and the retail disk is required to be in the computer drive in order to play.

In order to upload videos to our internet site and play online multi-player modes, you will also need an active internet connection and accounts with both Rockstar Games Social Club and Games for Window-LIVE.

GTA IV PC also requires a number of software installations, including Games For Windows, Adobe Flash, Internet Explorer, SecuROM and our Rockstar Games Social Club application.

The bloated size (~13.8GB) and design of the game also ruins the experience for many. Regardless of whether you bought the game or not (VE3D). But I reckon the scene version, once it is out, will at least be free of the add-on software like the Social Club.

With the installation complete, I was directed to Rockstar’s Social Club to tie my account to my Games For Windows info. With that done, I was allowed to boot up the actual tray app. This uses around 60MB of RAM at load, and 1-3% CPU on a Quad Core Q6600 clocked to 3GHz. Sending the app to the tray pushes RAM to 8-12MB (it bounces around randomly) and stops the CPU usage, though it does occasionally use a burst of processing power.

I for one am happy to see that PC game RIPs (like Skullptura/Gizmolio from Pirate Bay) are making a comeback after a couple of years. These bloated games just don’t cut it anymore, seeing as bandwidth and optical storage haven’t kept up. It’s funny that despite all the DRM, the hilarious size of new games could very well be the best copy protection scheme of all. And the developers can get there by just being sloppy and lazy. Amazing.

Update: Personal review here.