007 First Light removes Denuvo DRM from Steam version just two months after launch
007 First Light has quietly made a major change that many PC players have been waiting for. The James Bond origin story launched in May with Denuvo anti-tamper protection, a decision that frustrated part of the PC gaming community. Now, based on the latest Steam change history, Denuvo has been removed from the Steam version of the game.
The update is likely to be welcomed by players who held off on buying 007 First Light because of its DRM. While the game itself has been well received, earning mainly positive feedback from critics and players and maintaining a Very Positive rating on Steam, the presence of Denuvo was one of the biggest complaints surrounding its release.
Denuvo is often used by publishers and developers to protect new games from piracy during the early sales window. However, it remains controversial among PC gamers. Many players dislike DRM systems because of concerns about ownership restrictions, online checks, possible technical issues, and potential performance impact. Even when performance problems are not proven in every case, the reputation of Denuvo has made it a deal-breaker for some buyers.
The situation around 007 First Light was especially frustrating for fans because the inclusion of Denuvo was revealed only six days before launch. By that point, many players had already pre-ordered the game. The late announcement led some fans to reconsider their purchase, with concerns that the anti-tamper software could affect the overall experience.
With Denuvo now removed, 007 First Light may attract players who were waiting for a DRM-free Steam release. For many PC gamers, this update makes the game easier to recommend and could give the title a fresh boost in sales and player activity.
007 First Light lets players step into the early years of James Bond, offering a new look at the iconic spy before he becomes the legendary 007. With strong reviews, a popular license, and now the removal of one of its most controversial launch features, the game is in a better position to win over hesitant PC players.
