Star Wars Jedi: Survivor, launched in April 2023, initially incorporated Denuvo DRM to safeguard the game against piracy and unauthorized modifications. Denuvo's technology is designed to prevent the reverse engineering and tampering of game code, making it a popular choice among publishers for protecting newly released titles. However, DRM solutions like Denuvo are most critical during a game's initial release window when the risk of piracy and cheating is at its highest.
The removal of Denuvo in Patch 9 may offer several benefits to players:
Improved Performance: DRM software can consume system resources, potentially affecting frame rates and overall game responsiveness. By eliminating Denuvo, players might experience smoother gameplay and enhanced graphical performance, including better ray tracing capabilities.
Enhanced Accessibility: DRM often requires a constant internet connection to verify the game's authenticity. Removing this requirement allows players with limited or unstable internet access to enjoy the game without interruptions.
Modding Opportunities: Without the restrictions imposed by DRM, the modding community may find it easier to create and implement modifications. This can extend the game's longevity and enrich the gaming experience through user-generated content.
The decision to remove DRM after a certain period is not uncommon in the gaming industry. As time progresses, the commercial impact of piracy tends to diminish. Approximately six months after release, EA and Respawn may have assessed that the financial risks associated with potential piracy are outweighed by the benefits of removing DRM. Continuing to license DRM technology incurs costs, and eliminating these expenses can be economically advantageous when the protective benefits are no longer deemed necessary.
