Pearl Abyss' upcoming open-world action title Crimson Desert will include Denuvo anti-tamper protection on its PC (Steam) release, Eurogamer has reported. The addition was implemented just three days before the game's scheduled launch.

Eurogamer's coverage places the late change in context with broader discussions around Denuvo. Earlier on the same day, Eurogamer reported that Denuvo protection applied to Doom: The Dark Ages had already been cracked, underscoring the continuing cat-and-mouse dynamic between anti-tamper systems and those who bypass them.

Sponsored

Denuvo has long been used by major publishers as a means to deter piracy, but the technology remains controversial among players and some developers. Criticisms have ranged from claims of potential performance impacts to frustration at perceived restrictions, while security researchers and crackers have demonstrated repeated successes in circumventing the protection.

Eurogamer's report notes that Pearl Abyss has not publicly detailed the reasons for the late addition of Denuvo to the Steam build. The move will be visible to players purchasing the PC version at launch.

Full reporting is available on Eurogamer: Crimson Desert adds Denuvo DRM to Steam release.