Crimson Desert Denuvo DRM removed, as the latest AAA game to become piracy victim

The Denuvo anti-tamper software suffered another major loss, with Crimson Desert seeing the DRM removed. Hacker voices38 struck again, compiling a build based on the July 16th 1.14.00 update. The accomplishment comes less than six months after the open-world epic’s release date.

Drawbacks of the hypervisor bypass

Previously, gamers willing to engage in piracy had to settle for the hypervisor bypass. However, this method requires disabling certain Windows security settings, which introduces risks. As a result, there were requests to strip Crimson Desert of the DRM.

Voices38 has more AAA titles to tackle that employ the protection. Even so, the pirate has been scoring victories at an increasingly rapid pace. 007 First Light was another recent achievement, with the Denuvo removed from the game two months after a late May debut. Without explanation, IO Interactive then eliminated Irdeto’s anti-tamper code from the official Steam version.

Not all publishers have been so quick to admit defeat. Despite Resident Evil Requiem being cracked just 40 days following its launch, Capcom has not followed IO Interactive’s example.

Irdeto claims that its priority is to prevent piracy in the initial release period. Data confirms that the bulk of sales typically accumulates in the first few weeks. Still, as Resident Evil Requiem showed, the handiwork of voices38 is becoming a greater threat to revenue.

Denuvo disclosures

Opponents of Denuvo games are particularly miffed when pre-orders begin without a Steam disclosure. That was the case with Crimson Desert, as buyers learned of its inclusion a week ahead of its release date. The developers dismissed concerns that the DRM would impact performance, noting that review builds already had it.

Another criticism is that Denuvo activation relies on internet connectivity. PlayStation’s transition to digital games in early 2028 has renewed debates about consumer rights. Protesters argue that when software is dependent on servers, buyers never truly own the software.