Split Fiction, the eagerly awaited cooperative adventure game from the creator of It Takes Two, has unfortunately fallen prey to piracy just days after its official launch on March 6, 2025. Released across multiple platforms, including PC via Steam, the game quickly garnered both critical acclaim and the attention of hackers.
Despite positive early reviews and widespread praise on Steam, Split Fiction was swiftly cracked by tech-savvy individuals. This was largely due to the absence of robust DRM (Digital Rights Management) protection. Electronic Arts made a notable decision not to implement Denuvo, a widely used anti-tamper technology, which left the game more susceptible to unauthorized access.
The lack of Denuvo protection significantly eased the process for hackers to bypass security measures and distribute the game on piracy platforms. Within days of its release, unauthorized copies of Split Fiction were circulating online, enabling users to experience the full 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. For many gamers, the absence of intrusive DRM systems like Denuvo is a welcome move, yet it also heightens the risk of exploitation shortly after launch.
Developed by the innovative mind behind It Takes Two, Split Fiction has been lauded for its inventive co-op mechanics, compelling storytelling, and stunning visuals. Early player feedback on Steam reflects this enthusiasm, with many praising the game as a worthy successor 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 decision to forego Denuvo protection in Split Fiction has reignited debates about the role of DRM in modern gaming. While some argue that DRM can negatively affect game performance and frustrate legitimate players, others view it as an essential deterrent against piracy.
In the case of Split Fiction, the lack of DRM may have facilitated its rapid compromise, prompting questions about whether Electronic Arts underestimated the speed at which hackers could act.