Despite publicly sticking by its internet connection-required DRM security, Ubisoft recently and quietly patched out the connection requirement, affecting "a few" of its PC titles, including both Splinter Cell: Conviction and Assassin's Creed 2. The publisher confirmed as much with Joystiq this morning, noting that the removal is on a "case-by-case" basis and, perhaps in a bid to save face, added that "from the beginning we said that we might choose to patch out games at some point."

Forthcoming Ubisoft PC titles could still contain the highly restrictive DRM, but given that RUSE released this past summer with only Valve's DRM in place, Ubisoft may continue to spare its future PC releases from the grip of its hated, hacked and restrictive solution.