Is Denuvo DRM Used in Split Fiction?

Electronic Arts and Hazelight Studios have not incorporated Denuvo DRM software into their latest game, Split Fiction. On Steam, where the game is available, developers must declare if Denuvo or any other third-party DRM is in use. However, Split Fiction’s page lacks such a notification.

Split Fiction, standing out as one of the year’s intriguing releases, offers a two-player cooperative experience from EA and Hazelight Studios. The game delivers a 15-hour adventure that seamlessly blends genres, as you step into the shoes of Mio and Zoe—fiction authors whose unique styles clash. These protagonists must join forces to thwart a major corporation’s efforts to claim control over the very worlds they’ve created. Trapped in realms of sci-fi and fantasy, they are challenged to find an escape route before time runs out.

Drawing from Hazelight’s past successes like A Way Out and It Takes Two, Split Fiction uses a splitscreen format, ensuring players always have a view of each other’s perspectives. This setup is central to a series of cooperative puzzles and action-packed segments. The game’s positive reception from critics highlights the engaging experience, which has piqued the interest of many gamers. Consequently, there’s been curiosity about whether Split Fiction employs Denuvo or similar third-party DRM solutions. These systems are typically used to deter piracy and confirm legitimate purchases, but they often stir debate due to the complexities they introduce.

To clear up any confusion: Split Fiction doesn’t utilize Denuvo or any third-party DRM. This is confirmed by its Steam page, which would otherwise indicate the presence of such software if it were included.

Now, why is the absence of Denuvo significant? Many in the gaming community have concerns due to Denuvo’s track record of potentially impacting game performance. In some instances, if implemented poorly, it can lead to a drop in frame rates, even by 15-20 FPS. Although it typically doesn’t affect performance drastically, the concern remains valid among players.

Moreover, the general worry with Denuvo and similar DRM lies in their ability to prevent access to a game if issues arise. Denuvo requires an internet connection for verification every time you start a game, even for single-player experiences, which becomes inconvenient during internet outages. Additionally, there’s apprehension that if Denuvo were to cease operations, games reliant on it might become unplayable.

Such reasons contribute to the unfavorable view of Denuvo in the gaming landscape. Thus, fans are likely pleased to find it absent from Split Fiction, and it’s unlikely to appear in the future since games that do employ it usually integrate it at launch, only removing it years later when piracy threats diminish.

If you’re seeking a memorable cooperative experience, Split Fiction is among the top choices for Xbox and PC this year. It’s available on various platforms and currently offered at a discounted price of $40.59 on CDKeys for the Steam version.