The eagerly awaited cooperative adventure game, *Split Fiction*, developed by the creator of *It Takes Two*, has unfortunately fallen prey to piracy just days following its official launch on March 6, 2025. Released across multiple platforms, including PC via Steam, the game quickly garnered both critical acclaim and the attention of hackers.
Despite receiving glowing reviews and positive feedback from players on Steam, *Split Fiction* was rapidly compromised due to the absence of strong DRM (Digital Rights Management) protection. Electronic Arts chose not to employ Denuvo, a popular anti-tamper technology, which made the game more susceptible to unauthorized access. As a result, within days of its release, pirated copies of *Split Fiction* began circulating on the internet, enabling unauthorized users to experience the full game without purchasing it.
This situation underscores the persistent challenge developers face in safeguarding their games against piracy, while also striving to maintain player accessibility and performance. While many gamers appreciate the absence of intrusive DRM systems like Denuvo, this decision can leave games more vulnerable to exploitation shortly after launch.
*Split Fiction*, crafted by the mastermind behind *It Takes Two*, has been lauded by critics for its groundbreaking cooperative mechanics, captivating storytelling, and stunning visuals. Early player feedback on Steam echoes this sentiment, with many praising the game as a fitting follow-up to Josef Fares’ previous endeavors.
The game offers players an exceptional cooperative journey, featuring ingenious puzzles, emotionally rich narrative moments, and dynamic gameplay. Its success with legitimate buyers highlights the potential negative impact of piracy on sales and the developer's revenue.
The choice to omit Denuvo protection in *Split Fiction* has reignited debates about the role of DRM in the gaming industry. Some argue that DRM can adversely affect game performance and alienate legitimate players, whereas others contend it is essential for deterring piracy.
In the context of *Split Fiction*, the lack of DRM might have facilitated its swift compromise, prompting questions about whether Electronic Arts underestimated the agility of hackers. This incident serves as a poignant reminder of the delicate balance between protecting intellectual property and ensuring a positive player experience.
