With all their games, Blizzard has simply used CD=Key to combat piracy. Other protections were not necessary as their game’s strength was the online play. If another player with same CD-Key logged on to Battle.net, they would automatically be disconnected. This protection was enough to discourage most piracy. With more integration built into the Battle.net 2.0, it looked like CD-key would be enough protection against widespread piracy.

This is not the case. Blizzard will implement DRM protection on their future games starting with StarCraft 2. VP of game design Rob Pardo confirmed it will have “low” level protection. A lot of the DRM have infuriated gamers who have purchased the game and have legal right to play it. Some extreme DRM have consistently interfered with normal gaming experience. But, Pardo has affirmed that it will not use heavy handed DRM methods. The game will require internet connection and connect to Battle.net 2.0 during the installation. After that, you will be able to play the game without further interference. This sounds like a fairly reasonable DRM protection scheme and shouldn’t bother players too much.