Digital Rights Management Archives

AppWizard

March 18, 2026

Steam build of Death Stranding 2 leaks two days ahead of launch

Death Stranding 2 is available for preload on Steam, but a pre-release version has leaked on piracy websites two days before its official launch. The leak originated from Steam, where unencrypted game files were mistakenly made accessible, allowing users to download the entire game, which is 113GB in size. While Steam's DRM is easier to bypass than Denuvo, the absence of Denuvo has facilitated this leak. Pirates can download and play the game, but the pre-release build lacks Russian voiceovers. Players who pirate the game will face limitations regarding online features, which are central to the gameplay. The official release is scheduled for March 19 at 7:30 am Pacific (2:30 pm GMT).

AppWizard

March 13, 2026

Why are PC developers removing Denuvo from their games?

Denuvo is a widely recognized digital rights management (DRM) solution used by major publishers like Square Enix, Sega, and EA to prevent unauthorized copying and modification of games. A study indicated that a game could lose up to 20% of revenue if cracked within its first week. Concerns about Denuvo's impact on game performance have been raised, with reports suggesting that games without it may perform better. Issues with titles like Resident Evil Village and Tekken 7 were attributed to improper implementation of additional protection measures. Tekken 7 eventually removed Denuvo, while Resident Evil Village retained it until April 2023. Amplitude Studios launched its game Humankind without Denuvo due to performance issues found during beta testing. Michał Kiciński, CEO of GOG, argued that DRM complicates the experience for legitimate customers and fails to effectively prevent piracy. Saber Interactive decided not to use Denuvo for Space Marine 2, highlighting the nuanced nature of the anti-DRM movement. Denuvo costs around ,000 per month plus fees for each game activation, making its financial justification less compelling as sales decline post-launch. Square Enix has removed Denuvo from titles like Dragon Quest 1 & 2 Remake and Final Fantasy 16 within six months of release, while Capcom has retained it for longer periods. The decision to remove or avoid Denuvo is influenced by performance issues, financial implications, and operational efficiency considerations.

AppWizard

March 3, 2026

Resident Evil 4 Remake Drops Enigma DRM After Just 28 Days

Capcom replaced Denuvo DRM with Enigma for the 2023 remake of Resident Evil 4 on Steam, leading to significant performance issues reported by players. YouTuber ItalicMaze compared the game's performance with and without Enigma, revealing a decline in frame rates, particularly during intense gameplay. Digital Foundry confirmed an approximate 20-percent decrease in performance. In response to the backlash, Capcom removed the Enigma DRM on March 3, 28 days after the update, as noted in the SteamDB changelog. This incident follows a similar situation with Resident Evil Village in 2021, where pirated versions outperformed the official release due to the absence of DRM, leading Capcom to remove Denuvo from that game in April 2023 without replacement.

AppWizard

February 25, 2026

This long-awaited sequel to a classic split screen survival RPG will be DRM-free on GOG when it launches later this year

Split-screen gaming is experiencing a resurgence, highlighted by the success of titles like Split Fiction, It Takes Two, and Baldur's Gate 3. The upcoming release of Outward 2, a sequel to the 2019 multiplayer RPG, is generating excitement among players, especially since it will be available on GOG as part of the GOG Preservation Program, offering a DRM-free option. The announcement for Outward 2 was made ahead of its release, but it has not yet been prominently featured on the GOG homepage. The original game was released seven years ago, and anticipation for the sequel has been building since its reveal two years ago. The appeal of a DRM-free experience allows players to enjoy the game without the need for constant internet connectivity or account activation.

AppWizard

February 21, 2026

6 PC games you can play completely offline in 2026

Gamers often face challenges with online license verification for PC titles, which can restrict access to games. For offline experiences, a variety of games spanning several decades are available. Red Dead Redemption 2 is an open-world game set in Gilded Age America, featuring a narrative about Dutch’s outlaw family and offering fulfilling missions and side quests. The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered has been updated with Unreal Engine 5 and allows offline play without digital rights management, supporting extensive modding. Blue Prince combines roguelike mechanics and adventure gameplay, set in Mt. Holly manor, where players navigate a world of puzzles and secrets that reset daily. Hades II features Melinoë, the daughter of Hades, as the protagonist, introducing new combat mechanics and the challenge of defeating Chronos. Balatro reimagines poker in a roguelike format, requiring players to create scoring hands and adapt strategies against increasing difficulty and unique abilities. Pacific Drive takes place in a fictional Exclusion Zone, where players must navigate a dangerous landscape using their vehicle for survival. These games offer substantial single-player experiences that do not require an active internet connection.

BetaBeacon

February 20, 2026

Two more retro Sega mobile games could be delisted soon.

Two classic Sega mobile games may soon be removed from digital storefronts, prompting fans of retro gaming to act quickly to secure these titles before they potentially disappear.

AppWizard

January 7, 2026

Over 1000 Classic PC Games Are Dirt Cheap On GOG Right Now

GOG has launched its Winter Classics Promo, offering over 1,000 vintage PC games at discounts of up to 95%. The promotion started on January 6 and will run until January 20. Games are free of digital rights management (DRM), allowing for easy download and play. Notable titles included in the sale are Theme Hospital, Fallout 3 GOTY Edition, Fallout New Vegas, Dungeon Keeper GOLD, Roller Coaster Tycoon, Sim City 2000, Thief Gold, and many others.

AppWizard

December 31, 2025

CD Projekt co-founder buys back GOG, promises The Witcher 4 and Cyberpunk 2 will still launch on the PC storefront

CD Projekt has returned its PC gaming storefront, GOG, to co-founder Michal Kicinski. GOG, established in 2008, aims to provide a DRM-free platform for gamers. The platform has evolved to include a variety of titles and is involved in restoring classic games. GOG will maintain its core operations and commitment to being DRM-free, with GOG Galaxy as an optional feature. Upcoming titles from CD Projekt Red, including The Witcher 4 and Cyberpunk 2, will still be available on GOG. The company will continue to operate autonomously and support its community through programs like the Patron program and the Preservation Program, with new initiatives planned for 2026 to enhance user engagement and support indie developers.

AppWizard

December 29, 2025

GOG’s Steam-alternative PC game store is leaving CD Projekt, staying DRM-free

Michał Kiciński, co-founder of GOG and CD Projekt, has acquired the preservation-focused game marketplace GOG for .2 million. GOG remains committed to DRM-free gaming, emphasizing that games purchased by players belong to them permanently. The acquisition will not affect GOG's relationship with CD Projekt, which will continue to sell its titles, including The Witcher series and Cyberpunk 2077, on the GOG marketplace.

AppWizard

October 31, 2025

GOG’s 2025 Autumn Sale Kicks Off This Week, Save On Hundreds Of PC Games

GOG's annual Autumn sale has started, offering significant discounts on a wide range of PC games. The sale runs until November 5. GOG is notable for its absence of Digital Rights Management (DRM), allowing players to download and install games on multiple devices without restrictions. Discounts include Cyberpunk 2077 and its Phantom Liberty expansion, The Alters, the definitive editions of the Mafia Trilogy, and RoboCop: Rogue City. Classic titles available include Brutal Legend, Deus Ex: Human Revolution, Grim Fandango Remastered, the enhanced version of The Witcher 2, and The Witcher 3: The Wild Hunt Complete Edition. GOG is also the exclusive platform for the original versions of Resident Evil and Dino Crisis.