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 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 security, allowing for rapid unauthorized distribution on piracy platforms. Within days, pirated copies were widely available, enabling players to access the full game without purchase.

This incident highlights the ongoing tension between protecting game developers' work from piracy and providing players with an accessible, high-performance experience. While many gamers appreciate the absence of intrusive DRM like Denuvo, it leaves games vulnerable to early exploitation.

Developed by the same creative force behind It Takes Two, Split Fiction has earned praise for its innovative co-op mechanics, compelling narrative, and stunning visuals. Positive early Steam player feedback reinforces this, 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 legitimate buyers underscores the potential financial impact of piracy on sales and developer revenue.

The decision to omit Denuvo has reignited the debate surrounding DRM in modern gaming. While some argue DRM negatively impacts performance and frustrates legitimate players, others see it as a crucial anti-piracy measure. In Split Fiction's case, the lack of DRM likely contributed to its swift compromise, prompting questions about whether Electronic Arts underestimated the speed of the hacker response.