Split Fiction, the eagerly awaited cooperative adventure game from the creator of It Takes Two, has unfortunately been pirated just days following its official release on March 6, 2025. Launched across various platforms, including PC via Steam, the game quickly garnered attention from both eager players and determined hackers.
Despite earning critical acclaim and positive early reviews on Steam, Split Fiction fell prey to piracy due to the absence of strong DRM (Digital Rights Management) protection. Electronic Arts made a notable 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 the game's security measures and share it on piracy platforms. Mere days after its release, unauthorized copies of Split Fiction began circulating online, enabling users to experience the 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, it also makes games more vulnerable to exploitation soon after launch.
Crafted by the innovative mind behind It Takes Two, Split Fiction has received praise from critics for its groundbreaking co-op mechanics, compelling storytelling, and vivid visuals. Early feedback from players on Steam reflects this enthusiasm, with many heralding the game as a worthy follow-up to Josef Fares' previous work.
The game invites players to embark on a distinctive cooperative journey, seamlessly integrating clever puzzles, touching narrative moments, and dynamic gameplay. Its popularity among legitimate buyers highlights the potential impact of piracy on sales and the developer's revenue.
The choice to forgo Denuvo protection in Split Fiction has reignited debates about the role of DRM in modern gaming. While some argue that DRM can adversely affect game performance and frustrate legitimate players, others see it as a vital tool to combat piracy.
In the context of Split Fiction, the lack of DRM may have played a role in its swift compromise, prompting questions about whether Electronic Arts underestimated the speed and determination of hackers.