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Steam build of Death Stranding 2 leaks two days ahead of launch
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).
Crimson Desert dev says not to worry about Denuvo, because the impressive PC preview builds they've shown already had the DRM and are "representative of the final consumer's experience"
AppWizard
March 14, 2026

Crimson Desert dev says not to worry about Denuvo, because the impressive PC preview builds they’ve shown already had the DRM and are “representative of the final consumer’s experience”

Crimson Desert will incorporate Denuvo anti-piracy technology, which has raised concerns about its impact on game performance among the PC gaming community. Pearl Abyss assured players that benchmark videos and performance specifications released before launch were generated using the same Denuvo implementation that will be in the final build. A benchmark video showed Crimson Desert running at ultra settings in native 4K resolution with a frame rate of "mainly" 60fps on a Radeon RX 7900 XTX graphics card. Some players are wary of Denuvo due to past performance issues, and the presence of the "Denuvo anti-tamper" label on Steam may affect purchasing decisions. Additionally, measures have been taken to secure early-shipped physical copies to prevent spoilers, raising concerns about game preservation.
Console and PC players trade hope and despair while they await Crimson Desert, as first PS5 Pro footage looks promising but Steam suddenly warns of Denuvo DRM
AppWizard
March 14, 2026

Console and PC players trade hope and despair while they await Crimson Desert, as first PS5 Pro footage looks promising but Steam suddenly warns of Denuvo DRM

Crimson Desert is generating mixed reactions in the gaming community, particularly among PS5 and Xbox players who are cautious following the Cyberpunk 2077 launch. Recent console footage has showcased impressive visuals, and Digital Foundry has released a favorable analysis of the PS5 Pro version, highlighting three visual modes: Performance (upscaled 1080p at 60fps), Balanced (upscaled 1440p at 40fps), and Quality (native 4K at 30fps). However, PC gamers are concerned about the inclusion of Denuvo Anti-tamper technology, which has led to discontent on Steam and within the PC gaming subreddit due to its potential impact on performance. Despite these concerns, some industry experts have praised the game, with Richard Linneman calling it "one of the most impressive open-world experiences" and another reviewer describing it as an "overstuffed toybox" with entertainment value but lacking cohesion.
Why are PC developers removing Denuvo from their games?
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.
Crimson Desert adds confirmation of Denuvo DRM to its Steam page a week out from launch
AppWizard
March 13, 2026

Crimson Desert adds confirmation of Denuvo DRM to its Steam page a week out from launch

Fans of Crimson Desert, particularly those who enjoyed its predecessor Black Desert Online, are excited about the game's impressive scale, visuals, and combat mechanics. It is positioned as a massive MMORPG-lite single-player experience. However, a week before its launch, it was announced that Crimson Desert will incorporate Denuvo DRM on Steam, which has sparked mixed reactions among the PC gaming community. Denuvo is known as a leading anti-tamper solution, and its inclusion is intended to protect revenue from piracy. A study indicates that games can lose up to 20% in revenue if cracked within the first week. The reputation of Denuvo is contentious, with some arguing that it complicates user experience and does not effectively combat piracy. Discussions on platforms like Reddit show a split among players regarding pre-orders and refunds due to the Denuvo decision. Additionally, there will be no mod support for PC at launch, but the game's system requirements are accessible.
Хакер уничтожил крупнейший французский торрент-трекер и обвинил владельцев в хранении данных кредитных карт миллионов пользователей
TrendTechie
March 12, 2026

Хакер уничтожил крупнейший французский торрент-трекер и обвинил владельцев в хранении данных кредитных карт миллионов пользователей

YggTorrent, a prominent French private torrent tracker launched in 2017, was reportedly destroyed by a hacker known as Gr0lum in early March, leaving 6.6 million users affected. Gr0lum accused the YggTorrent administration of engaging in DDoS attacks against competitors, purging dissenting uploaders, and sabotaging their own API. In 2025, YggTorrent introduced a Turbo subscription model that hampered downloads, leading to user criticism. Following its downfall, YggTorrent has made a tentative return as a countdown website, with the administration denying all allegations and asserting that databases and backups were not destroyed. The French piracy community remains skeptical of these claims.
Взломанная Crimson Desert появится на торрентах в день релиза
TrendTechie
March 12, 2026

Взломанная Crimson Desert появится на торрентах в день релиза

Crimson Desert, developed by Pearl Abyss, will use a minimalist anti-piracy approach by relying on basic tools from the Steam platform and not implementing Denuvo protection. This decision may allow third-party groups to easily bypass these measures upon the game's release. The gaming industry has seen vulnerabilities in anti-piracy systems, as demonstrated by the launch of Resident Evil Requiem, which was pirated within 24 hours using a new method to bypass Denuvo. A free version of Crimson Desert will be available on March 20, but its financial success will depend on factors like game quality and technical optimization, as players often prefer to buy legitimate copies for a better experience.
6 PC games you can play completely offline in 2026
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.
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