Over the last decade, hackers and software developers have fought a long, costly battle over video game piracy. Until recently, hackers could break DRM fairly quickly. With the rise of new and better encryption technology and methods, could video game piracy actually come to an end?
It certainly seems as if this is a possibility. Recent developments due to Denuvo's Anti-Tamper technology have severely hampered the ability of hackers to crack and release games on the internet via torrent and other methods. Better yet, the technology used isn't causing problems for gamers who have often struggled against DRM (digital rights management) that actually hampers a purchaser from using legally purchased software. According to VG 24/7, "Unlike previous horrors of SecuROM and similar services that ultimately aggravated legitimate users more than pirates, the new tech only prevents hackers."
Several games using Denuvo's tech have delayed cracks for months. FIFA 15 wasn't cracked for six months after it was released, and more recent games, like FIFA 16 and Just Cause 3 have yet to be broken. In fact, a notorious Chinese hacking group, 3DM, complained about the difficulties they are facing in hacking the latest Just Cause game.
"Recently, many people have asked about cracks for Just Cause 3, so here is a centralized answer to this question. The last stage is too difficult and our cracking guy nearly gave up, but last Wednesday I encouraged him to continue. I still believe that this game can be compromised. But according to current trends in the development of encryption technology, in two years time I'm afraid there will be no free games to play in the world."
This is great news for the gaming world. Really. It means that small developers, often indie studios, have less to worry about when it comes to losing revenue. Many highly rated games have come from small developers that really can't afford the loss of revenue caused by piracy. Hopefully technology will continue to evolve to protect creators from having their work stolen by hackers.
So what do you think about the latest DRM developments? Tell us your thoughts in the comments section below!
