IO Interactive has removed Denuvo DRM protection from 007 First Light, making the Steam version of the James Bond action game completely DRM-free. The change was tracked by SteamDB, confirming that the additional DRM layer is no longer part of the game’s PC version.
The removal comes around two months after 007 First Light launched on May 26 with Denuvo DRM included. The decision was unexpected because IO Interactive only revealed the use of Denuvo six days before the official release, after many players had already placed their pre-orders. The announcement created criticism among some PC gamers who were concerned about possible performance issues and restrictions often associated with DRM solutions.
Denuvo has been a controversial topic in the gaming community, with some players reporting concerns about its impact on game performance and compatibility. Removing the DRM means players who purchase the game on Steam can now enjoy a version without those additional restrictions. It also makes the game easier to test on different hardware configurations, which is useful for PC performance analysis.
Key details about the update:
- 007 First Light is now DRM-free on Steam
- IO Interactive removed Denuvo roughly two months after launch
- The game originally launched with surprise DRM protection
- Players no longer need to worry about Denuvo-related concerns
- The title continues to receive positive feedback from the Steam community
Despite the initial DRM controversy, 007 First Light has maintained a positive response from players. The game currently holds strong user reviews, showing that many players are enjoying IO Interactive’s latest project.
The DRM removal also arrives after IO Interactive recently announced layoffs at the studio. The company ended its partnership with an external partner for its upcoming project, Project Fantasy, which was reportedly connected to Xbox according to Bloomberg. While IO Interactive has not confirmed whether financial reasons influenced the DRM decision, reducing ongoing costs could be one possible factor.
Denuvo licensing fees are often reported to be a significant expense for developers, with some estimates suggesting costs can reach tens of thousands of dollars per month depending on the agreement. Removing the protection could help reduce expenses while also improving the game’s reputation among PC players.
With Denuvo now gone, 007 First Light may attract more players who previously avoided the game because of DRM concerns. The update gives the PC version a more flexible experience and removes one of the biggest complaints surrounding the game’s launch.
