Split Fiction, the highly anticipated cooperative adventure game from the creator of It Takes Two, has unfortunately been pirated 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 a quick target for hackers.
This lack of Denuvo significantly eased the process for pirates, leading to widespread unauthorized distribution on piracy platforms within days of launch. This situation highlights the ongoing tension developers face: balancing player experience and accessibility against the need to protect their work from piracy. Many gamers appreciate the absence of intrusive DRM like Denuvo, yet this leaves games vulnerable to early exploitation.
Developed by the same creative force behind It Takes Two, Split Fiction has been lauded for its innovative co-op mechanics, compelling narrative, and stunning visuals. Positive early Steam player feedback confirms this enthusiasm, suggesting a worthy successor to Josef Fares’ previous hit. The game’s engaging blend of clever puzzles, heartfelt storytelling, and dynamic gameplay resonated strongly with legitimate buyers, underscoring the potential financial impact of this piracy.
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 view it as essential protection against piracy. In Split Fiction’s case, the lack of DRM may have contributed to its rapid compromise, prompting questions about whether Electronic Arts underestimated the speed and efficiency of modern piracy techniques.
