DRM
Ongoing coverage on DRM.
Latest coverage
'You Can Play Your Purchased Games As Usual': Sony Breaks Silence on PS5, PS4 Game Expiry DRM
Sony has issued a statement addressing concerns about a potential DRM issue affecting PlayStation 5 and PlayStation 4 digital games, which suggested licenses might expire after 30 days. The company clarified that players can continue to access and play their purchased games as usual, requiring only a one-time online check to confirm the license, after which no further checks are needed. This statement aims to quell fears about game preservation and the long-term playability of digital purchases.
PS5 Confirmed to Be Affected by Game Expiry Issue, Sony Still Silent on DRM Worries
Sony is reportedly implementing a new DRM policy that requires PlayStation 5 and PlayStation 4 owners to connect to the internet every 30 days to verify game licenses. Testing indicates that newly purchased digital games on PS4 and PS5 are affected, with some failing to load when offline and the console's CMOS battery removed. This has raised significant concerns about game preservation should Sony's servers ever be taken offline.
Secret Mode Strips Denuvo DRM From Star Wars: Galactic Racer
Secret Mode has removed Denuvo DRM from the PC version of Star Wars: Galactic Racer. This move is celebrated by the PC gaming community for potentially improving performance, reducing loading times, and enabling modding. The quiet removal suggests the developer is aware of community sentiment against DRM.
No, cracked versions of Resident Evil Requiem aren't performing better than the official game — but there are…
Despite initial concerns, cracked versions of Resident Evil Requiem do not show noticeable performance differences compared to the official retail version. While Denuvo DRM has previously impacted game performance, there is currently no Denuvo-less version of Resident Evil Requiem available to definitively assess its impact. However, the game is generally well-optimized and does not appear to suffer from significant performance issues related to DRM.
Resident Evil Requiem Becomes First 2026 Game to Have Denuvo Cracked
Resident Evil Requiem has become the first major 2026 game to have its Denuvo DRM protection cracked, a significant event occurring just four months into the year. This incident highlights ongoing debates about the effectiveness and impact of Digital Rights Management on legitimate players, with the cracked version reportedly performing better than the paid one. The situation raises questions for Capcom and other publishers about the long-term viability of intrusive DRM strategies versus focusing on game value and player trust.
Resident Evil Requiem Denuvo DRM Fully Cracked, Making It the First 2026 Game to Have Its Copy Protection Bypassed
Resident Evil Requiem has become the first game released in 2026 to have its Denuvo DRM protection fully cracked. This bypass allows players to access the game without the copy protection.
First Three Resident Evil Games Now Available On Steam With DRM
Capcom and GOG have released the original versions of Resident Evil, Resident Evil 2, and Resident Evil 3: Nemesis on Steam, featuring enhanced graphics and quality-of-life improvements. The Steam versions include Enigma DRM, unlike their GOG counterparts, and are available at a discounted launch price of $4.99 before returning to $9.99.
Capcom brings the OG Resident Evil trilogy to Steam, but their DRM could be a sticking point
Capcom has released the original Resident Evil trilogy and Breath of Fire 4 on Steam, offering them at a discounted introductory price. However, the inclusion of The Enigma Protector DRM on the Resident Evil titles, which were previously DRM-free on GOG, has drawn criticism and may deter some buyers. The Resident Evil 1 HD Remaster is also available and is DRM-free.
Resident Evil's PS1 trilogy finally comes to Steam alongside cult classic JRPG Breath of Fire 4, but Capcom's retroactive DRM isn't going down well with everyone
Capcom has released the original PlayStation 1 trilogy of Resident Evil games and the cult classic JRPG Breath of Fire 4 onto Steam. While the un-remastered titles have received positive reviews, some players are unhappy about the retroactive addition of DRM. The games are currently available with a 50% introductory discount.
Original Resident Evil trilogy with GOG's fresh coat of paint is finally on Steam, but you will have to put up with Enigma DRM
The original Resident Evil trilogy, along with Breath of Fire 4, has been released on Steam with enhancements developed by GOG. These versions include various quality-of-life improvements for modern hardware. However, unlike the GOG versions, the Steam releases incorporate third-party Enigma DRM, which has previously been reported to impact game performance.
Breath of Fire IV plus classic Resident Evil 1-3 from GOG arrive on Steam - but with DRM
Classic titles Breath of Fire IV and the original Resident Evil trilogy have been released on Steam, with GOG credited as a co-developer. These re-releases feature enhancements for modern systems but include "The Enigma Protector" DRM, which is absent in their GOG versions. Linux and Steam Deck users may require additional tweaks for these games.
The OG Resident Evil 1, 2 and 3 Are Now Available on Steam With a Heavy Discount (and DRM)
Capcom has released the original Windows versions of Resident Evil, Resident Evil 2, and Resident Evil 3: Nemesis on Steam with a significant discount until April 15th. These classic survival horror titles are available for $4.99 each, though they include the Enigma Protector DRM, which may affect performance on Steam Deck.
Pearl Abyss Ends Crimson Desert DRM Drama Before It Could Begin
Pearl Abyss is launching Crimson Desert with the same Denuvo DRM implementation for reviewers as for consumers, aiming for transparency and an accurate representation of the final player experience. This proactive approach has preempted potential controversy, with the gaming community largely respecting the honesty. The company's decision reflects a commitment to building trust and avoiding the common practice of providing stripped-down review builds.
Crimson Desert Is Going To Be A Big Deal On Steam, Early Numbers Suggest
Crimson Desert is projected to have a strong launch on Steam, with approximately 400,000 pre-launch copies sold, generating nearly $20 million. Developer Pearl Abyss also showcased the game on PlayStation 5 and confirmed the inclusion of Denuvo DRM. The game is set to release on March 19 for PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S.
Crimson Desert makes last-minute change to Steam release with the addition of infamous Denuvo DRM
Pearl Abyss has added Denuvo DRM protection to Crimson Desert's PC version on Steam just three days before its March 19th launch. This last-minute change has caused discontent among players concerned about potential performance issues, with some considering console versions or canceling preorders. The impact of Denuvo on the game's performance remains to be seen.
Why are PC developers removing Denuvo from their games?
Denuvo, a widely used Digital Rights Management (DRM) solution, is being removed from PC games despite its strong anti-piracy record. This trend suggests a shift in publisher strategies regarding DRM implementation and its perceived effectiveness.
Crimson Desert blocks spoilers by locking down the RPG's physical copies that shipped early, but some players worry it's a "slippery slope" for game preservation
Crimson Desert is taking controversial measures to prevent spoilers by making physical copies unplayable until the official release date, requiring a mandatory update and an internet connection. This has sparked debate among players regarding game preservation, with some concerned about long-term access to offline single-player games if storefronts or internet connections fail.
Crimson Desert Drops Denuvo Bombshell One Week Before Launch
Pearl Abyss has confirmed that Denuvo DRM will be included in Crimson Desert just one week before its launch, a decision that has sparked controversy within the gaming community. The inclusion of the anti-tamper technology raises concerns about potential performance impacts and the timing of the announcement, which deviates from typical publisher strategies.
Crimson Desert’s Last-Minute Denuvo Ambush Sparks PC Gaming Revolt
Pearl Abyss has added Denuvo DRM to Crimson Desert just one week before its PC launch, sparking significant backlash from the gaming community. Players are concerned about potential performance impacts and the lack of transparency regarding the anti-piracy software's inclusion. This decision has overshadowed the game's anticipated release, raising questions about the developer's relationship with its player base.
Console and PC players trade hope and despair while they await Crimson Desert, as first PS5 Pro footage looks promising…
Crimson Desert's first console footage showcases impressive visuals on the PlayStation 5 Pro, offering performance, balanced, and quality modes. However, PC players face the inclusion of Denuvo DRM on the Steam page, raising concerns about potential performance impacts. Developer Pearl Abyss is working to deliver a single-player open-world RPG experience.
