Cyber Security in Modern Gaming

The video game industry, like all media industries, is subject to piracy. The most prominent anti-tamper and digital rights management (DRM) technology is called Denuvo by the company, Irdeto. This DRM software works by sending an encrypted license file to a Denuvo server to use their proprietary algorithms to check the authenticity of the application. After the server verifies the copy of the game is legitimate, it sends a file back to the computer that rewrites information on the computer so it can run the game. Denuvo was first used in 2014 for FIFA 2015. Interestingly, the game was still cracked 48-days after release. DRM technology like Denuvo is not viewed as an unbreakable seal, but rather a delay tactic. Most sales for major games happen come within the first 30-days, so this is a fruitful security block.

Gamers are not the biggest fans of Denuvo because of the problems it causes with frame rate, loading times, and other issues. Studios have responded by removing Denuvo from games a few weeks after the initial release, after most sales have already been made. Denuvo is a security tool to prevent piracy, but most of its largest detractors are paying customers. For example, Death Stranding 2, a highly anticipated PC game, did not use Denuvo and it was cracked two days before its scheduled release. It will be interesting to see what the initial sales figures are, and if they leverage DRM software in the future.