Split Fiction, the highly anticipated cooperative adventure game from the creator of It Takes Two, has been pirated just days after its March 6, 2025 release across multiple platforms, including Steam. Despite 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 copies to quickly spread online, providing free access to the full game. This situation underscores the ongoing conflict developers face: balancing player experience (often negatively impacted by intrusive DRM like Denuvo) with the need to protect their work from piracy. Many gamers appreciate the absence of such DRM, but it leaves games vulnerable to early exploitation.
Developed by the same creative force behind It Takes Two, Split Fiction has earned praise for its innovative co-op mechanics, compelling story, and stunning visuals. Positive early Steam player feedback confirms this, suggesting a worthy successor to Josef Fares’ previous hit. The game offers a unique cooperative experience blending clever puzzles, emotional storytelling, and dynamic gameplay. Its success with legitimate buyers highlights the potential financial impact of piracy on developers and sales.
The decision to omit Denuvo has reignited the debate surrounding DRM in gaming. While some argue DRM negatively impacts performance and frustrates legitimate players, others see it as essential anti-piracy protection. In Split Fiction's case, the lack of DRM may have contributed to its swift compromise, raising questions about Electronic Arts' assessment of the speed and capabilities of modern piracy groups.
