PC technical issues and DRM BioShock

overlay of widescreen , 4:3 screenshots demonstrating fov differences (tinted areas seen in 4:3 only).

the initial windows release criticized players several perceived shortcomings. game shipped securom copy protection required activation 2k games servers on internet; unavailability of these servers reported reason cancellation of game s midnight release in australia. players found securom limited number of times game activated two; user feedback led 2k games increase activation count five, , later offer tool allowed users revoke previous activations on own. 2k games removed activation limit, though retail versions of game still required activation process. levine admitted initial approach activation process malformed, harming reputation during launch period.

the securom software caused virus scanners , malware detector believe software malicious. 2k games assured players software installation process did not install malicious code or rootkit however, players observed of securom software not removed on uninstallation of game.

some of graphic capabilities of bioshock criticised players. initial release of game found use field of view (fov) in widescreen presented smaller view compared game running @ 4:3 screen resolution, conflicting original reports developer on how widescreen have been handled. though choice of fov design decision made during development, irrational included option horizontal fov lock in december 2007 patch allows widescreen users wider field of view, without cutting off image vertically. bioshock criticized not supporting pixel shader 2.0b video cards (such radeon x800/x850), considered high-end graphics cards in 2004–2005, , accounted 24% of surveyed hardware collected through valve s steam platform @ time of bioshock s release.

on july 8, 2014, 2k games released drm-free version of bioshock on humble 2k bundle, , re-released on humble store.