Lots of PC game developers use special disc protection like DRM, which was been heavily criticized for being buggy.
Some games also require online verification to play, and some developers only allow mods and add-ons if you have verified you game.
Programs like “Steam” have games that are protected against pirates, because of its online verification and insta-ban for pirates with pirated games.
It just depends on when the developers wants to use them.
Some developers believe that not using anti-pirate things actually help make the game more popular.
