Control Resonant Steam build leaks before release date, giving pirates early access

The PS5 exclusive Control Resonant early access has frustrated buyers on competing platforms. However, some piracy supporters are now playing a Steam build a day before its release date. The Remedy Entertainment project is the latest high-profile PC game to leak unexpectedly.

Links to download the playable build have begun spreading on the piracy sites. Otherwise, only PlayStation users holding Digital Deluxe Edition pre-orders are enjoying a 48-hour preview. Xbox and PC players will need to wait until September 24th, with Control Resonant Steam pre-loads now live.

How piracy has become a greater threat

It’s typical for AAA games to appear on illegal file-sharing sites. Even so, 2026 has seen an unusual number of titles surface ahead of their official launches. One of the more extreme examples is Forza Horizon 6, which emerged a week sooner than anticipated in May.

Other victims include the PC port of Death Stranding 2 and the oceanic survival adventure Subnautica 2. In the case of the Hideo Kojima project, an unencrypted Steam pre-load was likely to blame. Yet with other leaks, media sources possessing review codes are the suspects.

The Control Resonant Steam code doesn’t contain the controversial Denuvo. Offering extra levels of protection, Irdeto’s DRM may have temporarily thwarted hackers. That said, more games have been compromised despite the anti-tamper software. It’s also become common to see Denuvo bypassed closer to the early access periods or the critical launch period for sales.

Physical media is also leaking

While current-gen console titles are not as easy to pirate, PS5 discs are increasingly leaking prematurely. The storyline of Marvel’s Wolverine was less of a mystery to viewers of unauthorized gameplay footage. An Italian YouTuber then broadcast scenes from St. Amelia using a Silent Hill: Townfall disc.

Control Resonant won’t face the same issue since physical versions suffered a three-week release date delay. Xbox and Steam users with Standard and Digital Deluxe Edition pre-orders can begin playing on September 24th at 10 AM EDT/4 PM CEST.

For wavering buyers, Notebookcheck has posted its first impressions of Resonant: