PC gamers have long expressed their disdain for Denuvo, the widely debated DRM software that has become synonymous with anti-piracy measures in the gaming industry. In a bid to reshape its public perception, Denuvo has embarked on an ambitious PR campaign spearheaded by product manager Andreas Ullmann, who is actively engaging with the gaming community through various interviews.
Understanding Gamers’ Concerns
Ullmann acknowledges the challenges gamers face in recognizing the benefits of Denuvo’s services. “I think it’s super hard for a gamer,” he shares with Rock Paper Shotgun. As a gamer himself, Ullmann empathizes with the community’s skepticism. He points out that the immediate advantages of using anti-piracy solutions may not be apparent to players, despite Denuvo’s effectiveness in preventing piracy.
According to Ullmann, the negative reputation surrounding Denuvo can be attributed to two main factors: its perceived lack of direct benefits for gamers and its undeniable success in thwarting piracy. He cites a recent study indicating that piracy can siphon off approximately 20% of a game’s revenue, leading gamers to question whether publishers are merely padding their profits. “With AAA game budgets soaring into the hundreds of millions, publishers are seeking ‘insurance’ in the form of Denuvo,” Ullmann explains. He emphasizes that while this may not yield immediate rewards for players, the long-term benefits include extended updates, additional content, and the likelihood of future game iterations.
Addressing Performance Concerns
Ullmann does not shy away from addressing the common complaints regarding Denuvo’s impact on game performance. He concedes that there are valid concerns, particularly regarding titles like Tekken 7, which have been publicly acknowledged by developers. “It’s important to understand how our solution works,” Ullmann states, noting that while performance issues have been reported, they are relatively rare given that Denuvo protects around 60 to 70 games annually.
In a notable move to foster communication, Denuvo has launched a Discord channel aimed at connecting directly with players. However, the initiative has faced challenges, as moderators struggle to manage discussions among a vocal contingent of DRM critics, leading to the frequent opening and closing of the channel.
Shifts in Industry Sentiment
The landscape is evolving, with some major publishers opting to forgo Denuvo altogether as a strategic PR decision. Recently, it was announced that Dragon Age: The Veilguard would be released without DRM, with the publisher stating, “we trust you.” This shift raises questions about the effectiveness of Denuvo’s ongoing redemption efforts, especially as competitors like GOG emphasize their commitment to user ownership with offline installers.
