Ubisoft did its part to hype Assassin’s Creed Mirage and guarantee that it would sell well. For the most part, the reviews seem to describe it exactly as it is – a throwback game to simpler times that also shows the need for the series to evolve. And, while Mirage is likely to sell well based on this premise alone, Ubisoft might have just stuck a dagger in its foot with a reviled last-minute addition to the game.
Eagle visioned players recently unearthed what appeared to be a post-launch integration of the ever-controversial anti-piracy DRM tecnology, Denuvo.
The decision and its subsequent rollout shortly after the reviews went online raise pertinent questions about breaching consumer trust and transparency as well as unscrupulous industry practices.
To elucidate the crux of this prevalent issue, one must understand the essence of Denuvo DRM. First introduced in 2014, this digital rights management system was designed to combat game piracy by mandating periodic server checks and ensuring legal ownership of content. While this might seem like a commendable objective, the adverse effects on the game’s performance and the broader implications for game preservation have made Denuvo DRM a focal point of criticism.
The reports indicate that after downloading Assassin’s Creed Mirage’s day one patch, players stumbled on a previously unseen EULA-Denuvo license agreement. This revelation, quite alarmingly, confirms the integration of DRM. This move by Ubisoft, especially after initial reviews were published, has led to significant dissatisfaction among its dedicated user base. Such actions, if proven intentional, is emblematic of a still-ongoing issue.
Interestingly enough, the discussions surrounding the discovery isn’t one-sided. Some reviewers argue that the review copies of Assassin’s Creed Mirage already contained Denuvo. If this is indeed accurate, then the uproar about the EULA may be more about presentation and less about content. Yet, the lack of clarity in this regard from Ubisoft remains puzzling.
The broader conversation extends beyond just Assassin’s Creed Mirage. The gaming industry has been grappling with the challenge of balancing piracy prevention and user experience for years. The inclusion of protective measures like Denuvo, especially in AAA titles, often leads to a dichotomy. On one side is the company’s desire to protect its efforts, investment, and intellectual property and on the other is the gamer’s expectation of an unencumbered, optimal experience.
The concerns become even more pronounced when one considers Ubisoft’s decision to compound Denuvo with other DRM measures, such as VMProtect DRM and Ubisoft Connect. This multiplicity of protective measures makes it close to impossible to overlook the potential negative effects on game performance and the subsequent impact on legitimate consumers.
Furthermore, Ubisoft’s approach to Assassin’s Creed Mirage contrasts starkly with other notable industry releases. Best-selling titles such as Starfield, Cyberpunk 2077, Elden Ring, and Baldur’s Gate 3 achieved remarkable success without resorting to Denuvo’s protective cloak. This variance in approach underscores the point that while piracy prevention is essential, it must not come at the cost of the user experience.
While the integration of Denuvo DRM into Assassin’s Creed Mirage may well be within Ubisoft’s rights as a content creator, the manner and timing of its implementation warrant scrutiny.
