The much-awaited cooperative adventure game, Split Fiction, created by the mastermind behind It Takes Two, has unfortunately encountered piracy just days following its launch on March 6, 2025. Released across various platforms, including PC via Steam, the game quickly garnered both player acclaim and the unwanted attention of hackers.

Despite earning high praise and positive reviews on Steam, Split Fiction fell prey to piracy due to the absence of strong DRM (Digital Rights Management) protection. Electronic Arts chose not to employ Denuvo, a popular anti-tamper technology, rendering the game more susceptible to unauthorized access.

The decision not to use Denuvo facilitated hackers in swiftly cracking the game's security, leading to its distribution on piracy sites shortly after release. This allowed unauthorized users to enjoy the full game without purchasing it, highlighting the ongoing struggle developers face in protecting their games from piracy while ensuring player accessibility and performance.

Many gamers appreciate the lack of intrusive DRM systems like Denuvo, yet this also exposes titles to exploitation shortly after launch. Split Fiction, developed by the creative genius behind It Takes Two, has been celebrated for its innovative cooperative mechanics, compelling storytelling, and stunning visuals. Steam user feedback reflects this enthusiasm, with many considering the game a worthy follow-up to Josef Fares' earlier work.

The game invites players on a distinctive cooperative journey, featuring clever puzzles, heartfelt narrative moments, and dynamic gameplay. Its success with legitimate buyers underscores the potential impact of piracy on sales and the developer's revenue.

The choice to forgo Denuvo in Split Fiction has reignited debates about the role of DRM in contemporary gaming. While some contend that DRM can hinder game performance and frustrate legitimate players, others see it as a crucial deterrent against piracy.

In the instance of Split Fiction, the absence of DRM likely played a role in its quick compromise, prompting questions about whether Electronic Arts underestimated the hackers' speed. This situation underscores the delicate balance developers must strike between protecting their work and maintaining a positive player experience.