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 absence of Denuvo significantly lowered the barriers for unauthorized access, resulting in widespread distribution of pirated copies on piracy platforms within days of launch. This underscores the ongoing challenge developers face in balancing piracy protection with player experience and performance. 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 boasts innovative co-op mechanics, compelling storytelling, and stunning visuals. Early Steam player feedback mirrors critical praise, suggesting a worthy successor to Josef Fares’ previous hit. The game’s engaging cooperative journey, blending clever puzzles, emotional narrative, and dynamic gameplay, has resonated with legitimate buyers, highlighting the potential financial impact of piracy on sales and developer revenue.

The 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 see it as crucial piracy deterrence. Split Fiction’s rapid compromise raises questions about whether Electronic Arts underestimated the speed and efficiency of modern piracy techniques.