Cucko (EA Custom)

Activation screen for EA Cucko

General Information

The name used by Redump for an internally developed DRM by EA used between 2009 and 2012, also known by other names such as "EA DRM", "EA Core" and "drEAm". It came in 2 versions, one utilising a disc check based on DMI data and another utilising Online Activation. Later was also sometimes paired with SecuROM Release Control.

Identification

Disc check version houses its relevant files inside the game exe and can only really be detected using PID and BoS. Online Activation version had a few different files associated with it. Including the activator "activation.exe" and a dll called "awc.dll"

If paired with SecuROM Release Control, one often has to bypass this first before one can detect Cucko.

Dumping

Online Activation

Just dump the disc as normal. Note that servers for Cucko are down so the only way to play these games is by using a Crack or activating the serial on EA Store.

Disc Check

For Redump: Just dump the disc as normal.

For a working dump: Being based on DMI data means a DMI or MDS is required for the game to function. See the MDS dumping guide for the process.

Additional Information

Sometimes files for the Online Activation version will be present on discs utilising the disc check version but in an inactive state. If you suspect this is a thing, confirm it with the dumper.

Online Activation version was very likely used as a base for Origin, as many files carry over to said DRM.