The French publisher has announced how it's new DRM system will work for future PC titles

The new Online Services Platform will require players to connect to Ubi.com to authenticate their game each time they play, and saved games will also be stored online, meaning PC gamers will need to be connected to the internet all the time.

The system, which is currently being trialled with the Settlers 7 Beta, is not connected to Ubisoft's much-maligned old DRM system Starforce, and will enable games to run without a disc in the drive as well as unlimited installs.

Following the announcement of the above, gamer mutterings on the internet led Ubi to release the following statement:

"We are aware that there is a lively discussion with regards to our new online services platform that will be included in most of our upcoming PC games, and which gamers are currently discovering with the Settlers 7 beta."

"As there are a lot of questions out there, we thought you might appreciate some of the following clarification:

"Ubisoft's number one goal is to provide added value that will facilitate and enrich the gaming experience of our PC customers. The Settlers 7 beta version is enabling players to discover that this platform empowers them to install the game on as many PCs as they wish, to synchronize saved games online so that gameplay can be continued from where they left off (from any computer with an installed version of the game) and frees them from needing a CD/DVD in order to play.

"The platform requires a permanent Internet connection. We know this choice is controversial but we feel is justified by the gameplay advantages offered by the system and because most PCs are already connected to the Internet. This platform also offers protection against piracy, an important business element for Ubisoft and for the PC market in general as piracy has an important impact on this market. Any initiative that allows us to lower the impact of piracy on our PC games will also allow us to concentrate further effort on the creation and expansion of our intellectual properties for the PC - our goal is to deliver the best gaming experience to our customers."