The recently released PC strategy of epic proportions, Galactic Civilizations II: Dread Lords, has been at the centre of a storm of controversy surrounding the alleged improper use of everybody's favourite DRM... StarForce.

Official forum threads across the weekend linked users to illegal torrents of the game in question, with what appeared to be an Administrator condoning the action.

Stardock, developers behind Galactic Conquest, take a very liberal approach to the copy-protection software offered by StarForce and others, suggesting that placing such heavy restrictions on users ultimately affects overall sales of the game.

Today the game's North American publisher, Auran Games, issued the following statement reiterating the stance they take along with Stardock.

"With the full support of the developers, Auran is publishing this game with NO COPY PPROTECTION, instead relying on a quality product that provides registered users with frequent updates, additional features and outstanding support to create a best-seller."

Naturally it's easy to look at the sinister side of events; one copy-protection specialist actively hosting links to illegal copies of a game, whose developer insists such restrictive technology, is not needed in their games.

Since the offending post came to light, StarDock were quick to remove and issue an apology regarding the event.