In a notable shift for the gaming community, Square Enix has made the decision to remove Denuvo anti-tamper software from Final Fantasy 16, just under six months after its release. This move, confirmed by SteamDB on March 4, has been met with enthusiasm from players who often associate Denuvo with performance issues such as stuttering and framerate drops. The removal of this DRM (Digital Rights Management) software is seen as a positive development, particularly for those who have expressed their discontent with such restrictions.
Industry Trends and Developer Decisions
It is not uncommon for publishers to phase out Denuvo from their titles several months to years post-launch, typically when sales begin to decline and the threat of piracy diminishes. This trend raises interesting questions about the evolving landscape of game publishing and the financial implications of DRM. In contrast, Final Fantasy 15 remains encumbered by Denuvo even after seven years, suggesting a shift in how publishers approach the cost of maintaining such software. The transition to a subscription-based model for Denuvo may explain why Square Enix found it feasible to remove it from Final Fantasy 16 while retaining it for its predecessor.
Despite Denuvo’s efforts to reshape its image, including the establishment of a Discord server aimed at fostering community dialogue, the reception has been less than favorable. The server was quickly locked down due to an influx of negative feedback, reflecting the ongoing challenges the company faces in changing public perception. Product manager Andreas Ullman has voiced his concerns about the misunderstanding surrounding Denuvo’s role in the industry, arguing that preventing piracy can lead to greater revenue, which in turn supports the development of more ambitious games. However, he also acknowledged the lack of concrete evidence to support this claim.
As the gaming community continues to react to the removal of Denuvo from Final Fantasy 16, the question remains whether this decision will have a significant impact on the game’s sales performance. While the removal is certainly a win for players, it is uncertain if it will translate into increased sales for a title that has already faced challenges in the marketplace.
