The much-awaited cooperative adventure game, *Split Fiction*, crafted by the visionary behind *It Takes Two*, has unfortunately become a target of piracy mere days following its launch on March 6, 2025. Released across various platforms, including PC via Steam, the game quickly garnered both acclaim and the unwanted attention of hackers.
Despite earning stellar reviews and enthusiastic early feedback on Steam, *Split Fiction* fell prey to cracking due to the absence of stringent DRM (Digital Rights Management) safeguards. Electronic Arts made the notable choice to exclude Denuvo, a common anti-tamper technology, thus making the game more susceptible to unauthorized access.
Without Denuvo, hackers found it considerably easier to circumvent the game's security, leading to *Split Fiction* being shared on piracy platforms shortly after its debut. Unauthorized users were quickly able to enjoy the full game without needing to purchase it.
This incident underscores the persistent dilemma developers encounter in safeguarding their creations from piracy while ensuring ease of access and optimal performance for legitimate players. The decision to avoid intrusive DRM like Denuvo is often welcomed by gamers, yet it also leaves games more open to piracy post-launch.
*Split Fiction*, brought to life by the mind that created *It Takes Two*, has been lauded for its innovative cooperative gameplay, compelling story, and striking visuals. The game's positive reception on Steam, with many players hailing it as a fitting follow-up to Josef Fares’ earlier success, reflects its strong appeal among those who purchased it legally.
The title invites players into a unique cooperative adventure, featuring intricate puzzles, touching narrative elements, and dynamic gameplay. Its popularity among paying customers highlights the potential revenue loss due to piracy.
The choice to bypass Denuvo in *Split Fiction* has reignited debates on the efficacy of DRM in today's gaming industry. While some argue that DRM can hinder game performance and alienate legitimate users, others see it as a crucial barrier against piracy.
In the context of *Split Fiction*, the omission of DRM may have facilitated its swift compromise, prompting questions about whether Electronic Arts underestimated the agility of the hacking community.
