The recent update to Windows 10 gives the operating system the ability to identify and prevent the use of “counterfeit games” and “unauthorized hardware peripheral devices.”

Reported by Alphr, the clause is explained in section 7B of the end user license agreement:

We may automatically check your version of the software and download software updates or configuration changes, including those that prevent you from accessing the Services, playing counterfeit games, or using unauthorized hardware peripheral devices.

This appears to apply to Windows phones and tablets as well. In regards to the “unauthorized hardware peripheral devices,” modified controllers intended to give the player an unfair advantage are most likely the culprit, though it is possible that game controllers not certified by Microsoft could fall under this clause as well.

My Opinion:

Pirated games are a key feature of PC gaming and this seems to be Microsoft’s means of combating it. If this is the intent of this new addition to the EULA, I doubt it will work. Piracy has always existed on PC gaming despite the attempts of various forms of DRM. This attempt – which involves illegally searching your PC files by the way – will be another failed gesture in the history of PC gaming.

Esteban Cuevas is an Associate Editor for Middle of Nowhere Gaming and wonders if I can find a download of Full Throttle online. You can follow him on Twitter, YouTube, Twitch, and WordPress.