Split Fiction Cracked and Leaked Online Shortly After Release

Split Fiction, the highly anticipated cooperative adventure game from the creator of It Takes Two, has unfortunately been pirated just days after its March 6, 2025 release across multiple platforms, including Steam. Despite critical acclaim and positive Steam reviews, the game's lack of robust DRM, specifically the absence of Denuvo anti-tamper technology, made it an easy target for hackers.

This lack of Denuvo significantly reduced the game's security, allowing pirates to quickly crack the game and distribute it widely on piracy websites. Within days of launch, unauthorized copies were circulating online, enabling players to access the full game without purchase.

This situation highlights the ongoing tension between protecting game developers' work from piracy and providing a smooth, DRM-free experience for legitimate players. Many gamers appreciate the absence of intrusive DRM like Denuvo, but this also leaves games vulnerable to rapid exploitation after release.

Developed by the same creative team behind It Takes Two, Split Fiction has earned praise for its innovative co-op mechanics, compelling narrative, and stunning visuals. Early Steam player feedback mirrors this positive reception, suggesting a worthy successor to Josef Fares’ previous hit. The game offers a unique cooperative journey blending clever puzzles, emotional storytelling, and dynamic gameplay. Its success with paying customers underscores the potential financial impact of widespread piracy.

Electronic Arts’ decision to omit Denuvo has reignited the debate surrounding DRM in gaming. While some argue that DRM negatively impacts performance and frustrates legitimate players, others view it as essential for piracy prevention. In Split Fiction's case, the lack of DRM may have contributed to its swift compromise, raising questions about whether EA underestimated the speed and efficiency of modern piracy techniques.