Split Fiction, the highly anticipated cooperative adventure game from the creator of It Takes Two, has fallen victim to piracy just days after its official release. The game, which launched on March 6, 2025, across multiple platforms, including PC via Steam, quickly caught the attention of both players and hackers alike.

Despite receiving critical acclaim and positive early reviews on Steam, Split Fiction was swiftly cracked by tech-savvy individuals due to the absence of robust DRM (Digital Rights Management) protection. Notably, Electronic Arts opted not to implement Denuvo, a widely used anti-tamper technology, leaving the game more vulnerable to unauthorized access.

The lack of Denuvo protection made it significantly easier for hackers to bypass security measures and distribute the game on piracy platforms. Within days of its release, copies of Split Fiction began circulating online, allowing unauthorized users to access the full experience without purchasing it.

This development highlights the ongoing challenges developers face in protecting their games from piracy while balancing player accessibility and performance. For many gamers, the absence of intrusive DRM systems like Denuvo is seen as a positive move, but it also leaves titles more exposed to exploitation shortly after launch.

Developed by the creative mind behind It Takes Two, Split Fiction has been praised by critics for its innovative co-op mechanics, engaging storytelling, and vibrant visuals. Early player feedback on Steam reflects this enthusiasm, with many describing the game as a worthy successor to Josef Fares’ previous work.

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

The decision to forego Denuvo protection in Split Fiction has sparked renewed discussions about the role of DRM in modern gaming. While some argue that DRM can negatively impact game performance and frustrate legitimate players, others believe it serves as a necessary deterrent against piracy.

In the case of Split Fiction, the lack of DRM may have contributed to its rapid compromise, raising questions about whether Electronic Arts underestimated the speed at which hackers could act.

Main image: reddit.com

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