Although publisher Ubisoft did away with its persistent online DRM for Assassin’s Creed: Brotherhood, in addition to removing the routine for AC2 and Splinter Cell: Conviction via a patch, it turns out this form of DRM will return with Driver: San Francisco.

Ubisoft confirmed yesterday via Twitter that the title will “require a permanent internet connection” on PC.

“Bear in mind though that the PC version of DRVSF is released simultaneously to consoles,” said a Ubi rep in defense of the DRM scheme.

Presumably, concerns over day one piracy led Ubisoft to implement the DRM – compounded by the fact that Driver is hitting day and date with its console release. Still, it’s a baffling decision. If history is any indication, the DRM will be ‘cracked’ eventually, likely in days. At that point, only legit paying customers are inconvenienced.

Driver: San Francisco is due out on PC, Xbox 360, and PS3 on September 6.

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