I’ve been keeping an eye on “Split Fiction,” the latest from Electronic Arts and Hazelight Studios, and it’s been creating quite a buzz this year. For anyone wondering if the game includes Denuvo DRM software—rest easy. Neither Denuvo nor any other third-party DRM is part of Split Fiction. Steam, a primary platform for the game, mandates that developers disclose the use of any such software, and there’s no indication of Denuvo on the game’s page.
“Split Fiction” stands out as an intriguing two-player co-op experience, pushing players into a thrilling 15-hour adventure. Developed by Hazelight Studios, the game revolves around protagonist authors Mio and Zoe. These two bring their unique styles to life as they attempt to thwart a megacorporation bent on seizing the rights to their fantastical worlds. Their challenge? Navigating through their own sci-fi and fantasy realms in a desperate bid to escape before it’s all too late.
Much like Hazelight’s previous hits like “A Way Out” and “It Takes Two,” “Split Fiction” utilizes a split-screen format. This setup allows each player to continuously see from the other’s perspective, creating opportunities for creative cooperative puzzles and action-packed moments. Critics across the industry have showered the game with praise, and with that buzz, a common question emerges: Does it pack Denuvo or any similar DRM? DRM software, often used to combat piracy, sometimes stirs up controversy due to its impact on game performance and player convenience issues.
Now, delving a bit into why Denuvo stirs debates. Players have reported that in some cases, Denuvo causes performance dips, sometimes impacting frame rates by 15-20 FPS if integrated poorly, though this isn’t always the norm. What bugs players more is the potential for DRM to prevent access if it encounters issues or the fact you need to be online for a verification check—even for single-player experiences. There’s also the looming worry that if Denuvo ceases operations, the games using it could become unplayable.
For these reasons, many are relieved that “Split Fiction” skips Denuvo. History suggests DRM is usually integrated from launch if it’s ever going to be, and removed only when piracy is no longer a major concern. So it’s pretty safe to say DRM won’t be creeping in later for this title.
Ultimately, “Split Fiction” has carved its niche as one of the top cooperative experiences on Xbox and PC this year. It’s now available on various platforms, including a neat discount on Steam via CDKeys at $40.59. If you’re in the hunt for a memorable co-op adventure, this one’s definitely worth checking out.
