Electronic Arts and Hazelight Studios took a different route with their latest release, Split Fiction, by opting not to include Denuvo DRM software. This aligns with the policy of platforms like Steam, which mandate developers to declare the use of Denuvo or any third-party DRM software on their game pages. Interestingly, Split Fiction’s Steam page remains silent on such protective measures.
Split Fiction marks an exciting release this year, drawing fans with its unique two-player co-op gameplay, a signature move from Electronic Arts and Hazelight Studios. The game embarks players on an adventurous 15-hour journey with protagonists Mio and Zoe, fictional authors battling a corporate giant vying to take over the worlds they crafted. Caught in the crosshairs of science fiction and fantasy, these two must join forces to reclaim what’s theirs and find a way back to reality.
Mirroring the style of Hazelight’s popular games like A Way Out and It Takes Two, Split Fiction thrives on a splitscreen gameplay structure. This feature allows each player to remain in tune with the actions of the other, leading to an array of cooperative puzzles and intense action segments that have won over critics and players alike. The game’s upbeat reception has stirred curiosity among gaming enthusiasts, prompting questions about the kind of digital rights management (DRM) it employs. While DRM technologies like Denuvo are put in place to prevent unauthorized game copying and tampering, their presence—or lack thereof—can be a talking point.
So, does Split Fiction employ Denuvo or any other DRM solution? The answer remains a firm no. Thanks to Steam’s transparency requirements, we know that Split Fiction avoids integrating additional DRM software, as its page distinctly lacks such notifications.
But what makes Denuvo such a hot topic in gaming discussions? First, there’s the performance impact. While not always significant, Denuvo has, in certain instances, affected game performance, causing dips in frame rates—sometimes up to 15-20 FPS if inserted poorly. Though usually not a major hindrance, this potential performance lag is enough to stir concerns.
Another issue is the inconvenience it can bring. Denuvo could prevent you from playing your game if its system fails for whatever reason. What’s more, requiring an online “handshake” every time you launch a game, even in solo play, can be frustrating if your internet is acting up. And if Denuvo were to cease operations, there’s a risk that games tethered to it might become unplayable.
All these factors combined explain the widespread relief and appreciation from the gaming community over Split Fiction’s lack of DRM. It’s a choice unlikely to change down the line, as developers who decide to use DRM typically implement it from the outset and might eventually remove it once the threat of piracy fades.
For those seeking a memorable co-op experience, Split Fiction makes a compelling entry this year among the top picks for Xbox and PC gamers. It’s available on multiple platforms and retailers, with the Steam version attractively priced at $40.59 through CDKeys.
