Split Fiction, the eagerly awaited cooperative adventure game from the mastermind behind It Takes Two, has unfortunately been targeted by pirates just days after its official launch on March 6, 2025. Released across multiple platforms, including PC via Steam, the game quickly garnered attention from both eager players and tech-savvy hackers.
Despite earning critical acclaim and positive early reviews on Steam, Split Fiction was rapidly cracked by hackers due to the absence of robust DRM (Digital Rights Management) protection. Electronic Arts, the game's publisher, chose not to implement Denuvo, a widely used anti-tamper technology, which made the game more susceptible to unauthorized access.
The decision to forgo Denuvo protection resulted in hackers easily bypassing security measures, leading to the distribution of the game on piracy platforms. Mere days after its release, unauthorized copies of Split Fiction began circulating online, allowing users to experience the full game without purchasing it.
This incident underscores the persistent challenges developers face in safeguarding their games from piracy while striving to maintain player accessibility and performance. While many gamers appreciate the absence of intrusive DRM systems like Denuvo, this choice also leaves titles more vulnerable to exploitation shortly after launch.
Crafted by the visionary behind It Takes Two, Split Fiction has been lauded by critics for its innovative co-op mechanics, compelling storytelling, and striking visuals. Early player feedback on Steam echoes this praise, with many considering the game a worthy successor to Josef Fares' previous work.
The game invites players on a unique cooperative journey, combining 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 choice to exclude Denuvo protection from Split Fiction has reignited discussions about the role of DRM in modern gaming. While some contend that DRM can adversely affect game performance and frustrate legitimate players, others argue it is a necessary measure to combat piracy.
In the case of Split Fiction, the lack of DRM may have accelerated its compromise, prompting questions about whether Electronic Arts underestimated the speed and determination of hackers.
