The eagerly awaited cooperative adventure game, *Split Fiction*, crafted by the mastermind behind *It Takes Two*, has unfortunately become a target of piracy shortly after its launch on March 6, 2025. Available across various platforms, including PC via Steam, the game quickly garnered both critical acclaim and the attention of hackers.
Despite its positive reception and glowing early reviews on Steam, *Split Fiction* was rapidly cracked by tech-savvy individuals due to the absence of strong DRM (Digital Rights Management) protection. Electronic Arts made the decision not to use Denuvo, a popular anti-tamper technology, which left the game more susceptible to unauthorized access.
The omission of Denuvo made it considerably easier for hackers to circumvent security measures and share the game on piracy platforms. Mere days after its release, unauthorized copies of *Split Fiction* started circulating online, enabling users to enjoy the full game without making a purchase.
This incident underscores the persistent challenges developers encounter 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, it also makes titles more vulnerable to exploitation soon after their launch.
*Split Fiction*, developed by the creative genius behind *It Takes Two*, has received praise from critics for its innovative cooperative mechanics, compelling storytelling, and stunning visuals. Early feedback from players on Steam echoes this sentiment, with many hailing the game as a worthy follow-up to Josef Fares' previous work.
The game invites players to embark on a unique cooperative journey, featuring 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 debates about the role of DRM in contemporary gaming. While some argue that DRM can adversely affect game performance and frustrate legitimate players, others contend that it is a crucial deterrent against piracy.
In the case of *Split Fiction*, the lack of DRM may have facilitated its swift compromise, prompting questions about whether Electronic Arts underestimated the speed at which hackers could act.
