
Split Fiction, the highly anticipated cooperative adventure game from the creator of It Takes Two, has been pirated just days after its March 6, 2025 release across multiple platforms, including Steam. Despite critical acclaim and positive Steam reviews, the game's lack of robust DRM, specifically Denuvo anti-tamper technology, made it a quick target for hackers.
This absence of Denuvo significantly simplified the process for pirates, leading to widespread unauthorized distribution within days of launch. This situation underscores the ongoing conflict between protecting game developers' intellectual property and providing players with a seamless, DRM-free experience. Many gamers appreciate the absence of intrusive DRM, but it leaves games vulnerable to immediate exploitation.
Developed by the same team behind the acclaimed It Takes Two, Split Fiction boasts innovative co-op mechanics, compelling storytelling, and stunning visuals. Early Steam player feedback echoes critical praise, suggesting a worthy successor to Josef Fares' previous work. The game offers a unique cooperative journey filled with clever puzzles, heartwarming moments, and dynamic gameplay. Its success among paying customers highlights the potential financial impact of piracy on the developer's revenue.
The decision to omit Denuvo has reignited the debate surrounding DRM in gaming. While some argue that DRM negatively impacts performance and frustrates legitimate players, others view it as crucial protection against piracy. In Split Fiction's case, the lack of DRM likely contributed to its rapid compromise, raising questions about whether Electronic Arts underestimated the speed and efficiency of modern piracy techniques.