Piracy
Ongoing coverage on Piracy.
Latest coverage
Forza Horizon 6's unencrypted leak 'is not a result of a pre-load issue' and warns any users downloading the build with 'franchise-wide and hardware bans'
Playground Games has confirmed that an unencrypted build of Forza Horizon 6 has leaked, clarifying it was not due to a Steam pre-load issue. The developer is issuing franchise-wide and hardware bans to anyone accessing the leaked build, warning players against downloading it before the official May 19 release date on Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, and PC.
The Forza Horizon 6 ban reminds us that Playground Games hates modding
A player has reportedly received a ban in Forza Horizon 6 until the year 9999, citing modding as the reason. This incident highlights Playground Games' strict stance against modding, a sentiment echoed from previous titles like Forza Horizon 5. The ban may also be related to the game being played via a pirated copy, which was accidentally leaked online.
Forza Horizon 6 Suffers Massive Leak Via Steam Preload Blunder
Forza Horizon 6 has reportedly leaked on PC via an unencrypted Steam preload, with the full 155GB file appearing on piracy websites. Microsoft is reportedly issuing takedown notices to combat the unauthorized distribution. The leak occurred shortly before the game's scheduled early access launch on May 15.
PS5 DRM system isn't online only as Sony finally explains how it works
Sony has clarified its new Digital Rights Management (DRM) system for the PlayStation 5 and PlayStation 4, stating that it does not require constant online checks for purchased digital games. A one-time online verification is needed to confirm the game's license, after which games can be accessed offline. This explanation aims to alleviate concerns about digital ownership and accessibility that arose from initial misinterpretations.
Denuvo DRM reportedly fully cracked open, 2K apparently fights back with online checks
Denuvo DRM, a widely criticized anti-piracy technology, has reportedly been fully cracked, impacting numerous games. In response, publisher 2K Games has implemented a new DRM measure requiring online checks every 14 days for titles like NBA 2K25, NBA 2K26, and Marvel's Midnight Suns, which may inconvenience legitimate players.
THE ICONIC PIRATE ADVENTURE RETURNS IN ASSASSIN’S CREED™ BLACK FLAG RESYNCED AVAILABLE ON JULY 9, 2026
Ubisoft announced that Assassin's Creed Black Flag Resynced, a remake of the 2013 title, will launch worldwide on July 9, 2026, for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC. Developed by Ubisoft Singapore, the game features updated visuals and gameplay mechanics, including parry-driven combat and deeper naval systems. It will be available in Standard, Deluxe, and Collector's Editions, with pre-orders including the Blackbeard's Crimson Pack.
Assassin’s Creed Black Flag Resynced has been revealed, and it’s coming out in July
Ubisoft has announced Assassin's Creed Black Flag Resynced, a remake built on the Anvil engine by Ubisoft Singapore, launching July 9th for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC. The remake features refined combat, stealth, and parkour, expanded narrative content, and enhanced naval mechanics, alongside visual upgrades and new music. It will be available in Standard, Deluxe, and Collector's Editions.
Assassin’s Creed: Black Flag Resynced Officially Announced, Including Launch Date
Ubisoft has officially announced Assassin's Creed: Black Flag Resynced, a remake of the 2013 title set to launch on July 9, 2026, for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X, and PC. The remake features updated graphics, enhanced gameplay mechanics, and new story content, including a focus on Edward Kenway's wife, Caroline, and his internal struggles. The Collector's Edition will include a statue of Edward Kenway, his journal, and other collectibles.
Why Windrose Is So Hard to Put Down
Windrose, a pirate-themed game, has sold over 1,000,000 copies since its Early Access release, drawing comparisons to Assassin's Creed IV: Black Flag. The game's success is attributed to its balance of simplicity and complexity, procedural generation, and co-op multiplayer features. While the Early Access build requires further optimization, the game offers a compelling pirate experience.
MMO Week in Review: Gorgon’s drama, TurtleWoW’s demise, Ashes’ docs
This week in the MMORPG genre saw significant drama and updates across various titles. Ashes of Creation's former boss released legal documents, Project Gorgon faced community backlash over bans, and TurtleWoW announced its closure following a lawsuit. Additionally, Book of Travels is transitioning to a solo offline game, while new content and updates arrived for games like Guild Wars 2, Final Fantasy XIV, and Elder Scrolls Online.
Game Leak Highlights Ongoing Emulation Security Battles
Recent game leaks running on emulators highlight the ongoing security battles within the gaming industry. These incidents demonstrate the increasing sophistication of emulation tools and the challenges publishers face in protecting their intellectual property through DRM and encryption. The article discusses the technical arms race between pirates and publishers, the impact of leaks on marketing and sales, and the industry's exploration of cloud gaming as a potential solution to piracy concerns.
The Outer Worlds and Assassin’s Creed: Black Flag share an unlikely lesson: we make our own pirates
This article draws a parallel between the fictional pirates in The Outer Worlds and historical pirates from Assassin's Creed: Black Flag, highlighting how mass layoffs and lack of economic opportunities can lead to individuals turning to piracy. It discusses how corporate practices, such as non-compete clauses and the refusal to rehire laid-off employees, can force individuals into desperate situations, mirroring historical patterns of privateers becoming pirates after conflicts ended.
Avatar: Aang animator lashes out at "incredibly disrespectful" fans choosing to pirate the leaked movie
An animator on the leaked Avatar: The Last Airbender movie, Julia Schoel, expressed frustration with fans pirating the film, calling it "incredibly disrespectful" to the artists' years of work. While acknowledging dissatisfaction with Paramount's decisions, she suggested that pirating after the official release would have been a more considerate option than immediate leak distribution.
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.
Windrose Early Access Release Date And Launch Times Confirmed
Windrose is launching into Early Access on April 14 for PC, with specific times confirmed across various regions. Developed by Windrose Crew, the game will be available for $30 and features naval combat, crew management, and survival elements in an alternate Age of Piracy. A Supporter Bundle including sea shanties by Seán Dagher is also available. The developers estimate up to two more years of development before the 1.0 release.
Co-op pirate survival game Windrose hits PC in early access on April 14
The co-op pirate survival game Windrose will launch in early access on PC via Steam, Epic Games Store, and Stove on April 14 for $30. Developed by Windrose Crew, the game features procedural generation with handcrafted points of interest, allowing players to sail solo or with friends, engage in ship combat, and explore a world with farming, fishing, crafting, and base building systems. The developers plan for an early access period of 1.5 to 2.5 years, aiming to add significant new content.
Viral pirate survival game Windrose has a release date, and it's very, very soon
The viral pirate survival game Windrose has announced its early access release date for April 14. The PvE survival adventure allows players to build bases, grow crews, and explore dungeons solo or with up to four friends. The game has gained significant traction, ranking high on Steam's Most Wishlisted chart.
Tickets go on sale for consumer event IGN Live 2026, returning to LA on 6 June
IGN Live 2026, a consumer event, will return to Los Angeles on June 6. The article also features a discussion among users about Sony's strategy regarding PC releases of its single-player games, weighing revenue against potential impacts on console sales and ecosystem engagement.
Morning Legal Briefs
The US Supreme Court has unanimously ruled that internet service providers like Cox Communications are not liable for their users' copyright infringement. This decision clarifies legal responsibility in cases of online piracy.