Denuvo responds to criticism, plans to show performance unaffected by DRM
In response to ongoing criticism, Denuvo addresses concerns and unveils plans to demonstrate how gaming performance remains unaffected by its DRM technology.
![Denuvo responds to criticism, plans to show performance unaffected by DRM](https://img.techtusa.com/rcman/Cw1280h720q95gc/storage/files/images/2023/07/10/denuvo-responds-to-criticism-plans-to-show-performance-unaffected-by-drm-R4y0.jpg)
Given the staggering costs and extensive development periods involved in creating today's AAA video games, which can amount to hundreds of millions of dollars, it comes as no surprise that many game publishers rely on anti-piracy tools to safeguard their valuable creations. These tools are deployed to protect against unauthorized distribution and usage, ensuring that the substantial investments made in game development are safeguarded from piracy-related threats.
Denuvo responds to criticism, plans to show performance unaffected by DRM
Denuvo, recognized as one of the most prominent and effective DRM systems, has garnered significant attention and criticism from gamers.
![Denuvo benchmark](https://img.techtusa.com/rcman/Cw800h450q95gm/storage/files/images/2023/07/10/denuvo-responds-to-criticism-plans-PRcs.jpg)
Many players argue that Denuvo negatively impacts game performance, but the DRM developer Irdeto maintains that it is not the villain and proposes innovative approaches to substantiate its claim.
"We're seen as evil because we're helping DRM exist"
Irdeto Chief Operating Officer Steeve Huin recently talked to Ars Technica to make its case. Huin claims that Denovo fills a necessary role in gaming, ensuring that publishers get the revenue they need to invest in future games. The problem with most DRM is that it doesn't work very well. Pirates will find the cracks, but regular people suffer through annoying verification schemes that can break games and lower performance. The latter is a major accusation against Denuvo, but Huin naturally disputes this.
Denuvo responds to criticism, plans to show performance unaffected by DRM. (Image: Irdeto)
"In the pirating/cracking community, we're seen as evil because we're helping DRM exist and we're ensuring people make money out of games," Huin said to Ars Technica.
How will Denuvo demonstrate that performance is unaffected by DRM, though?
To address the ongoing debate surrounding the impact of Denuvo on game performance, Irdeto has devised a solution: collaborating with publishers to offer reviewers custom versions of Denuvo-protected titles without the anti-tampering technology. By allowing direct comparisons, Irdeto aims to demonstrate that Denuvo does not significantly affect frame rates.
![Denuvo will utilize benchmarking for proving that DRM does not affect the overall gaming experience.](https://img.techtusa.com/rcman/Cw800h449q95gm/storage/files/images/2023/07/10/denuvo-XWsP.jpg)
Steeve Huin, from Irdeto, highlights that some publishers remove Denuvo after a certain period of time, and anecdotal evidence suggests that the DRM-free versions may exhibit better performance. However, Huin notes that game patches and improvements over time may also contribute to this perception, as performance issues could be resolved through updates.
The program is set to launch in the upcoming months, with Irdeto hoping that gamers will view Denuvo less as a barrier and more as a means to protect their investment. Nonetheless, it is acknowledged that some individuals may persist in seeking unauthorized access to games, regardless of their entitlement to do so.