Read this @ Neowin, it's kinda funny. Codemasters thinks they have discoverd a copy protection system that's unable to patch or crack. Let's just wait and see, shall we?
"Codemasters, a computer game company, has developed a new method for protecting games software from piracy. The system (FADE) takes a new approach and changes the way a pirated game works.
FADE gradually introduces anomalies and locks out some features of pirated games. Using this method it is believed that it will be harder for pirates to track down all code that needs to be patched for the game to work correctly.
Using several checks while a game is running, and different methods for each title, FADE has already been used on several Playstation 2 and PC games, and is expected to be used on GameCube and X-Box titles as well. "
FADE gradually introduces anomalies and locks out some features of pirated games. Using this method it is believed that it will be harder for pirates to track down all code that needs to be patched for the game to work correctly.
Using several checks while a game is running, and different methods for each title, FADE has already been used on several Playstation 2 and PC games, and is expected to be used on GameCube and X-Box titles as well. "