Re: Game needs access to the internet in order to verify ownership?

@Cryaolic  Any new install of Sims 3 since 2012 most be activated through Origin. The game was released in 2009 with SecuROM and SafeDisc for DRM. Windows and OS X no longer support SecuROM and SafeDisc and the DRM was replaced with Origin - a Steam like system. After 2012 all the DLC was upgraded for Origin so adding any DLC required you to upgrade the game for Origin. It is a known requirement that the game requires to be activated online (with Origin). An online connection is required for updates and downloads. As the discs now have outdated software it is recommended you get the digital download versions as that will eliminate the step of some patching. The current version of the game is version 1.69 and this eliminates SecuROM (the 3 install limit) and SafeDisc (the requirement of a disc to play). You can now install the game on as many computers as you want from YOUR Origin account. IMO Origin is better then the poorly supported SecuROM and SafeDisc. Valve's Steam has been around since 2003 and is very popular. The online requirement is clearly noted and Origin IS required. You can install the game from disc with a pre 2012 disc AND all pack discs have to be pre 2012 as digital downloads will not work with with a pre 2012 install. The game will not patch and I think some of the later packs on disc will not work. You may even have problems with the flaky SecuROM install limits as support has been removed from both Windows and OS X. With Origin once the game is activated you no longer have to keep track of your codes as once used the codes are locked to your Origin account. If you are connected all you need to do is download the Origin client, install, create an account if you don't have one already, redeem the game code(s), download and run the version 1.67 manual patch (if you haven't already). At this point Origin will automatically patch the game to version 1.69. This step takes some time as the installed packs require patching and interrupting the patching may require you to have to uninstall and install some packs.