You're coming back at a great time, since there will be a content release on Wednesday.
ARC does not contain spyware(at least nothing that peeks at other parts of your system). If you are concerned about it, you can always download th egame via Steam.
I actually already own it on steam from years back, I just don't have it installed. The problem is that I actually found became worried about the whole spyware thing when I tried to install it via steam. Here is what is specifically bothering me.
(e) You understand and agree that the Software may monitor and communicate information from your computer, including without limitation information relating to hardware capacity, modifications and the presence of unauthorized third party programs, including programs that enable or facilitate cheating or obtaining an unfair advantage of any kind, allow users to modify or hack any portion of the Software or the Service (other than as expressly authorized by PWE) or intercept or collect any information from or through the Software or the Service ("Unauthorized Programs"). If the Software detects an Unauthorized Program, then the Software may also communicate further information back to PWE regarding the user and the Unauthorized Program, including without limitation information about the users account and User ID and about the Unauthorized Program and its use. Further, you understand and agree that when you communicate with other players within a game or utilize any interactive features available through the Software or Service, such as instant messaging, forums or chat rooms, such communications and postings are transmitted through our servers, and we may, but are not obligated to, monitor all such communications and postings, including those that are designated as "private." You acknowledge that you have no expectation of privacy with respect to any such communications or postings, and you expressly consent to the monitoring and information collection described in this Section 5(d).
