Split Fiction, the eagerly awaited cooperative adventure game from the mastermind behind It Takes Two, has unfortunately become a target of piracy just days following its launch on March 6, 2025. Available across multiple platforms, including PC via Steam, the game quickly garnered both acclaim and the unwanted attention of hackers.
Despite earning glowing reviews and positive feedback on Steam, Split Fiction was cracked almost immediately due to the absence of stringent DRM (Digital Rights Management) protection. Electronic Arts made the notable decision to exclude Denuvo, a commonly employed anti-tamper technology, making the game more susceptible to unauthorized distribution. This decision allowed tech-savvy individuals to swiftly bypass security measures, resulting in the game appearing on piracy sites within days of its release.
This incident underscores the persistent challenges developers encounter in safeguarding their games against piracy, while also striving to maintain user accessibility and performance. While the absence of intrusive DRM like Denuvo is often welcomed by gamers, it also leaves games more vulnerable to piracy shortly after launch.
Created by the visionary behind It Takes Two, Split Fiction has been lauded for its inventive cooperative mechanics, compelling narrative, and striking visuals. Early feedback from players on Steam echoes this sentiment, with many hailing the game as a commendable follow-up to Josef Fares' previous endeavors.
The game encourages players to dive into a distinctive cooperative adventure, featuring ingenious puzzles, touching storytelling, and lively gameplay. The enthusiasm from legitimate purchasers highlights the potential impact that piracy could have on the game's sales and the developer's earnings.
The choice to bypass Denuvo in Split Fiction has reignited debates about the role of DRM in contemporary gaming. Some argue that DRM can adversely affect game performance and alienate legitimate users, whereas others maintain that it is essential for deterring piracy.
In the context of Split Fiction, the omission of DRM likely played a role in its quick compromise, prompting questions about whether Electronic Arts underestimated the agility of hackers. This situation serves as a reminder of the delicate balance between protecting intellectual property and ensuring a seamless gaming experience for all players.
