Just days after its eagerly awaited launch on March 6, 2025, the cooperative adventure game Split Fiction from the mastermind behind It Takes Two has unfortunately been pirated. Released across various platforms, including PC via Steam, the game quickly garnered attention and praise from both gamers and critics alike. However, its lack of robust DRM (Digital Rights Management) protection made it an easy target for pirates.

Electronic Arts decided against using Denuvo, a popular anti-tamper technology, for Split Fiction. This choice, intended to avoid the intrusive nature of DRM systems, inadvertently left the game vulnerable. Soon after its release, unauthorized versions of Split Fiction began appearing on piracy sites, allowing users to experience the game without buying it.

This incident underscores the ongoing struggle game developers face in protecting their work from piracy while ensuring a smooth and accessible experience for legitimate players. The absence of Denuvo was seen as a positive by many gamers, who often criticize DRM for degrading game performance. However, it also exposed Split Fiction to quick exploitation.

Split Fiction has been lauded for its innovative cooperative mechanics, compelling narrative, and stunning visuals. Early feedback on Steam echoes these sentiments, with players praising the game as a fitting follow-up to Josef Fares' acclaimed It Takes Two. The game offers a unique co-op journey, featuring smart puzzles, emotional storytelling, and dynamic gameplay, which has resonated well with its legitimate audience.

The piracy of Split Fiction has reignited debates about the necessity and impact of DRM in gaming. While some argue that DRM hampers game performance and alienates paying customers, others see it as essential for protecting developers' revenue from piracy. The swift compromise of Split Fiction raises concerns about whether Electronic Arts misjudged the speed and determination of hackers.