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Will Code Violet Have Denuvo? DRM Protection and PC Gaming Concerns

Learn about Denuvo DRM in Code Violet, its impact on performance and piracy, and what players should know about its inclusion in the game. Updated January 2026.

Last updated: 2026-01-11

When it comes to PC gaming, few topics stir as much debate as DRM (Digital Rights Management). One of the most controversial forms of DRM is Denuvo, and with the upcoming release of Code Violet, players are already asking: Will Code Violet have Denuvo? This question is crucial for both gamers and developers, as Denuvo's inclusion can significantly affect performance and user experience. Let's dive into the details of Denuvo, how it might impact Code Violet, and why this is a concern for the gaming community.

What is Denuvo DRM and Why Does It Matter?

Denuvo is a well-known anti-piracy software used by many developers to protect their games from being cracked or pirated. This system aims to prevent unauthorized copies of the game from circulating online, ensuring that developers and publishers maintain control over their intellectual property.

However, Denuvo is a double-edged sword. While it helps reduce piracy, it has been criticized for negatively impacting game performance, especially in terms of load times and frame rates. Many players report that Denuvo increases CPU usage and even causes crashes or stuttering. With Code Violet generating significant hype, it's natural that fans are worried about the potential inclusion of this controversial software.

Will Code Violet Have Denuvo?

As of now, there has been no official confirmation from the developers regarding whether Code Violet will include Denuvo DRM protection. That said, there are several factors that can influence the decision.

Firstly, the growing backlash against Denuvo is something that developers have to consider. While it’s effective at stopping piracy, many high-profile games that have included Denuvo in the past have faced criticism for performance drops. As a result, some developers have chosen to remove Denuvo after launch, especially if the community expresses dissatisfaction.

On the other hand, the rising piracy issue in the gaming industry continues to push publishers towards stronger anti-piracy measures. Code Violet is likely to be a major title, so the inclusion of Denuvo DRM could be seen as a necessary evil to safeguard the game against illegal distribution, at least in the early stages of its life cycle.

The Impact of Denuvo on PC Gaming

Performance Concerns

One of the biggest issues players have with Denuvo DRM is the effect it can have on game performance. While some users report no noticeable difference, others claim that their games run slower and experience increased CPU usage when Denuvo is present.

In some cases, gamers have shared their experiences with games like Resident Evil Village and Horizon Zero Dawn, both of which suffered from noticeable performance dips due to the inclusion of Denuvo. For Code Violet, if Denuvo is included, players may have to deal with similar issues unless the developers can find a way to optimize the integration.

Piracy and Anti-Cracking

Another aspect to consider is the ongoing battle between developers and pirates. Denuvo is often used as a deterrent, but it isn’t foolproof. In some instances, pirates have successfully cracked Denuvo within days or weeks of a game’s release. This has led many to question whether Denuvo is truly effective at stopping piracy or whether it’s simply a hassle for legitimate buyers.

The inclusion of Denuvo DRM in Code Violet may not have the desired effect of preventing piracy for long. With dedicated crackers able to bypass the system relatively quickly, the question remains: is it worth sacrificing performance for a temporary halt in piracy?

Consumer Backlash

As with previous titles, Code Violet could face backlash from the community if Denuvo is included. Some gamers are willing to forgive performance issues in exchange for enhanced anti-piracy protection, but others see it as an unnecessary addition that diminishes their gaming experience.

It’s important to consider that players are becoming more vocal about their concerns, especially when it comes to DRM. Developers who choose to implement Denuvo in the face of overwhelming player dissatisfaction risk facing poor reviews, negative sentiment on social media, and even potential boycotts.

How Will the Developers of Code Violet Respond?

The developers of Code Violet have not yet made any official statements regarding Denuvo DRM. However, based on recent trends in the gaming industry, it's possible they will take a more cautious approach. Titles like Resident Evil Village and Shadow of the Tomb Raider have seen the removal of Denuvo after player feedback, suggesting that Code Violet might follow suit.

Developers could also look at alternative forms of DRM that might have less of an impact on performance while still offering some level of protection against piracy. However, with the success of Code Violet riding on its initial launch, the decision to include or exclude Denuvo will likely be influenced by the balance between performance and piracy prevention.

What Are the Alternatives to Denuvo?

If Code Violet does indeed opt for DRM protection, it may explore alternatives to Denuvo. Some of the more popular options include:

  • Steam's Built-in DRM: Many games on Steam use the platform’s built-in DRM features to prevent piracy. This solution is often less intrusive than Denuvo and doesn’t have as significant an impact on performance.
  • Epic Games Store DRM: Like Steam, the Epic Games Store has its own form of DRM that is less noticeable but still effective at preventing piracy.
  • Always-Online DRM: Some developers use always-online DRM systems, where players must remain connected to the internet to play. However, this can create frustration for users with unstable internet connections.

These alternatives to Denuvo are often favored by players for their reduced impact on performance.

What Can Players Do If Denuvo Is Included?

If Denuvo DRM is confirmed for Code Violet, there are a few things players can do to mitigate potential issues:

  • Upgrade Your PC: If you're experiencing performance issues, upgrading your hardware, particularly your CPU and RAM, could help alleviate some of the strain caused by Denuvo.
  • Voice Your Concerns: Developers are more likely to listen if a significant portion of the player base voices their concerns. Be sure to leave feedback on forums or on social media, especially if you notice a performance drop after Denuvo is implemented.
  • Look for Alternative Versions: Some developers have started removing Denuvo after launch. Keep an eye on patches or updates that might address the issue.

FAQs

Q: Will Code Violet have Denuvo?
A: As of now, there has been no official confirmation regarding the inclusion of Denuvo DRM in Code Violet. We will have to wait for an official statement from the developers closer to the game’s release.

Q: Why do developers use Denuvo in games?
A: Developers use Denuvo to prevent piracy and ensure that their intellectual property remains protected. It helps reduce the chances of illegal distribution, particularly during the initial months of a game’s release.

Q: Does Denuvo impact game performance?
A: Yes, many players have reported performance issues such as stuttering, higher CPU usage, and longer load times when Denuvo is included in a game.

Q: What should players do if Denuvo affects performance?
A: If Denuvo negatively impacts performance, players can upgrade their hardware, voice their concerns to developers, or wait for potential patches that might remove or reduce the DRM’s effect.


For more about the development of Code Violet, check out our Development Team page.

Additionally, keep up with the latest updates on gaming news at PC Gamer.


This video demonstrates a full gameplay walkthrough of Code Violet, giving you a detailed view of the game’s mechanics and visuals.

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