The game will include SecuROM copy protection, and will require one-time online authentication via the Internet and will also require the game disc in the drive to play. The game can be installed on an unconnected PC, but will still require online activation, even for PC's with no internet access, as it can be done on another internet-connected PC. The game carries a surprising long list of other prerequisites, as they say: "GTA IV PC also requires a number of software installations, including Games For Windows, Adobe Flash, Internet Explorer, SecuROM and our Rockstar Games Social Club application."

The conversation elaborates on the whole activation deal: "GTA IV PC uses SecuROM for protecting our EXE until street date has passed, to ensure the retail disk is in the computer drive, and is used for Product Activation of the title. Product Activation is a one time only online authentication when installing the game. GTA IV has no install limits for the retail disc version of the game, and that version can be installed on an unlimited number of PCs by the retail disk owner." Digitally distributed editions of the game will still use SecuROM, though obviously will not require a non-existent disc in the drive.