Capcom has officially removed the Denuvo anti-tamper technology from its recently launched title, Dead Rising Deluxe Remaster, which debuted on September 19, 2024. This decision comes nearly a year after the game’s release, reflecting a growing trend among developers to reconsider the necessity of such protective measures.
Performance and Reception
Utilizing the RE Engine, Dead Rising Deluxe Remaster has garnered positive feedback for its performance on PC, demonstrating that it can be enjoyed without the need for high-end specifications. While some purists may find certain changes less appealing, the remaster has been generally well-received, especially when compared to other recent remakes, such as Lollipop Chainsaw RePOP.
The removal of Denuvo from this title is not an isolated incident; Capcom has previously eliminated the technology from several of its games, including Monster Hunter Rise, Monster Hunter Stories 2: Wings of Ruin, and Resident Evil Village. Notably, both the Resident Evil 2 Remake and Resident Evil 3 Remake also no longer utilize Denuvo, indicating a strategic shift in Capcom’s approach to game protection.
Industry Trends
Capcom is not alone in this movement. Square Enix has similarly phased out Denuvo from a variety of its titles, including The Diofield Chronicle, VALKYRIE ELYSIUM, and Forspoken. Other notable removals include Final Fantasy 16 and Octopath Traveler, showcasing a broader industry trend towards reevaluating the effectiveness of anti-tamper technologies.
Additionally, other developers have followed suit, with KRAFTON removing Denuvo from The Callisto Protocol and NEOWIZ doing the same for Lies of P. Gearbox also joined this trend by eliminating it from Homeworld 3 in October 2024. Bethesda’s titles, including Wolfenstein Youngblood and Doom Eternal, have also seen the removal of Denuvo, as have Warner Bros’ Mortal Kombat 11 and Bandai Namco’s Tekken 7.
Future Implications
The ongoing removal of Denuvo raises questions about its long-term viability in the gaming industry. While some titles have experienced performance issues attributed to its implementation, many recent games, such as Stellar Blade and Doom: The Dark Ages, have successfully integrated the technology without significant drawbacks. This suggests that while Denuvo may serve a purpose in certain contexts, its necessity is increasingly being challenged.
As the gaming landscape continues to evolve, it will be interesting to see how publishers balance the need for security with the desire for optimal player experiences. Stay tuned for further updates on this developing story.
