"Split Fiction Leaks Online Post-Release"

Just days after its eagerly awaited launch on March 6, 2025, the cooperative adventure game Split Fiction from the creator of It Takes Two has succumbed to piracy. Available on multiple platforms, including PC via Steam, the game quickly garnered both critical acclaim and the unwanted attention of hackers.

Despite its positive early reviews and the praise it received on Steam, Split Fiction was swiftly compromised due to the absence of stringent DRM (Digital Rights Management) protection. Electronic Arts chose not to incorporate Denuvo, a common anti-tamper technology, making the game more susceptible to unauthorized access.

Without Denuvo, hackers found it easier to crack the game's security measures, leading to Split Fiction appearing on piracy sites shortly after its release. This allowed unauthorized users to enjoy the full experience without purchasing the game.

This incident underscores the persistent challenges developers face in safeguarding their games against piracy, while also considering player accessibility and performance. Many gamers appreciate the absence of intrusive DRM like Denuvo, but this leaves games more vulnerable to exploitation soon after launch.

Crafted by the visionary behind It Takes Two, Split Fiction has been lauded for its innovative cooperative mechanics, compelling storytelling, and striking visuals. Feedback from early players on Steam echoes this sentiment, with many hailing the game as a fitting follow-up to Josef Fares' earlier work.

Split Fiction offers players a distinctive cooperative journey, combining clever puzzles, emotional narrative moments, and dynamic gameplay. The game's success among paying customers highlights the potential impact of piracy on sales and the developer's revenue.

The decision to omit Denuvo protection from Split Fiction has reignited debates about the role of DRM in contemporary gaming. While some argue that DRM can adversely affect game performance and alienate legitimate players, others see it as a crucial barrier against piracy.

In the case of Split Fiction, the lack of DRM may have facilitated its quick compromise, prompting questions about whether Electronic Arts underestimated the hackers' swift response.