Split Fiction, the highly anticipated cooperative adventure game from the creator of It Takes Two, has unfortunately become a victim of piracy just days after its March 6, 2025 release across multiple platforms, including Steam. Despite earning critical acclaim and positive Steam reviews, the game's lack of robust DRM, specifically the absence of Denuvo anti-tamper technology, made it an easy target for hackers.
This vulnerability allowed unauthorized access and distribution on piracy platforms within days of launch. The ease with which Split Fiction was cracked highlights the ongoing tension between protecting game developers' intellectual property and providing players with a smooth, DRM-free experience. Many gamers appreciate the absence of intrusive DRM, but this leaves games susceptible to immediate exploitation.
Developed by the same creative force behind It Takes Two, Split Fiction has been lauded for its innovative co-op mechanics, captivating storytelling, and stunning visuals. Early Steam player feedback echoes this praise, suggesting a worthy successor to Josef Fares' previous hit. The game offers a unique cooperative journey blending clever puzzles, emotional storytelling, and dynamic gameplay. Its popularity among legitimate buyers underscores the potential financial impact of piracy on sales and developer revenue.
Electronic Arts' 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 see it as crucial for piracy prevention. In Split Fiction's case, the lack of DRM may have contributed to its rapid compromise, raising questions about whether Electronic Arts underestimated the speed and efficiency of modern piracy techniques.