Split Fiction, the eagerly awaited cooperative adventure game from the mastermind behind It Takes Two, has unfortunately been targeted by pirates mere days after its official launch on March 6, 2025. Released across various platforms, including PC via Steam, the game swiftly garnered attention from both avid players and tech-savvy hackers.

Despite earning glowing reviews and critical acclaim on Steam, Split Fiction was quickly cracked due to the absence of stringent DRM (Digital Rights Management) protection. Electronic Arts made the decision to not implement Denuvo, a commonly used anti-tamper technology, which left the game more susceptible to unauthorized access.

Without Denuvo's protection, hackers found it significantly easier to circumvent security measures and share the game on piracy platforms. Within days of its release, unauthorized copies of Split Fiction began circulating online, enabling users to enjoy the full gaming experience without purchasing it.

This situation underscores the ongoing struggle developers face in safeguarding their games from piracy while striving to balance player accessibility and performance. While many gamers appreciate the absence of intrusive DRM systems like Denuvo, it also makes titles more vulnerable to piracy shortly after launch.

Crafted by the visionary creator of It Takes Two, Split Fiction has been lauded by critics for its innovative co-op mechanics, captivating storytelling, and stunning visuals. Early player feedback on Steam echoes this sentiment, with many lauding the game as a fitting sequel to Josef Fares' previous work.

The game invites players on a unique cooperative journey, combining ingenious puzzles, poignant narrative moments, and dynamic gameplay. Its success among legitimate buyers highlights the potential impact of piracy on sales and the developer's revenue.

The choice to omit Denuvo protection from Split Fiction has reignited debates about the role of DRM in contemporary gaming. While some argue that DRM can negatively affect game performance and inconvenience legitimate players, others view it as a crucial defense against piracy.

In Split Fiction's case, the absence of DRM may have facilitated its swift compromise, prompting questions about whether Electronic Arts underestimated the hackers' speed and effectiveness.