Split Fiction Cracked and Leaked Online Shortly After Release

The much-anticipated cooperative adventure game, Split Fiction, from the visionary creator of It Takes Two, has unfortunately become a target of piracy just days following its official launch on March 6, 2025. Released across multiple platforms, including PC via Steam, the game quickly garnered both critical acclaim and the attention of hackers.

Despite the overwhelmingly positive early reviews on Steam, Split Fiction was swiftly cracked due to the absence of stringent DRM (Digital Rights Management) protection. Notably, Electronic Arts chose not to employ Denuvo, a widely used anti-tamper technology, making the game more susceptible to unauthorized access. This decision facilitated hackers in bypassing security measures, leading to the rapid spread of pirated copies across various piracy platforms, allowing unauthorized users to experience the game without purchasing it.

This incident underscores the ongoing challenges game developers face in safeguarding their creations from piracy while striving to maintain player accessibility and optimal performance. While many gamers appreciate the absence of intrusive DRM systems like Denuvo, it also leaves titles more vulnerable to exploitation shortly after their release.

Developed by the creative mind behind It Takes Two, Split Fiction has been lauded by critics for its groundbreaking cooperative mechanics, captivating storytelling, and visually stunning graphics. Early feedback from players on Steam echoes this sentiment, with many hailing the game as a commendable follow-up to Josef Fares' previous work.

Split Fiction invites players into a unique cooperative journey, featuring intricate puzzles, emotionally rich narrative moments, and dynamic gameplay. Its success among legitimate buyers highlights the potential impact of piracy on sales and the developer's revenue.

The decision to forgo Denuvo protection in Split Fiction has reignited discussions about the role of DRM in the gaming industry. While some argue that DRM can adversely affect game performance and alienate legitimate players, others maintain that it's an essential tool to combat piracy.

In the case of Split Fiction, the lack of DRM may have accelerated its vulnerability to piracy, prompting questions about whether Electronic Arts underestimated the swiftness with which hackers could compromise the game.