The highly anticipated cooperative adventure game, Split Fiction, created by the mastermind behind It Takes Two, has unfortunately been hit by piracy mere days following its official launch on March 6, 2025. Available across multiple platforms, including PC via Steam, the game quickly garnered both critical acclaim and the unwelcome attention of hackers.
Despite earning positive early reviews on Steam, Split Fiction fell prey to piracy due to the absence of robust DRM (Digital Rights Management) protection. Electronic Arts, the game's publisher, decided against using Denuvo, a popular anti-tamper technology. This decision left Split Fiction more susceptible to unauthorized access, allowing tech-savvy individuals to crack the game swiftly.
The lack of Denuvo protection facilitated hackers' ability to bypass security measures, resulting in the rapid distribution of pirated copies of Split Fiction on various online platforms. These unauthorized versions enabled users to enjoy the full game experience without purchasing it legally.
This incident underscores the persistent challenges developers face in safeguarding their games against piracy while ensuring a seamless and accessible experience for legitimate players. While many gamers appreciate the absence of intrusive DRM systems like Denuvo for better performance, it also makes games more vulnerable to piracy shortly after their release.
Split Fiction, crafted by the creative genius behind It Takes Two, has been lauded for its innovative cooperative mechanics, captivating storytelling, and stunning visuals. Early feedback from Steam players reflects this enthusiasm, with many praising the game as a fitting successor to Josef Fares' previous works.
The game invites players to embark on a unique cooperative journey, featuring clever puzzles, heartfelt narrative moments, and dynamic gameplay. Its success among legitimate buyers highlights the potential impact of piracy on sales and the developer's revenue.
The decision to omit Denuvo protection from Split Fiction has reignited debates about the role of DRM in contemporary gaming. While some argue that DRM can negatively affect game performance and frustrate legitimate users, others view it as an essential safeguard against piracy.
In the case of Split Fiction, the absence of DRM may have facilitated its rapid compromise, prompting questions about whether Electronic Arts underestimated the speed and effectiveness of hackers. This situation continues to fuel discussions on the balance between protecting intellectual property and maintaining an enjoyable gaming experience for all players.
