007: First Light has reportedly added Denuvo anti-tamper protection to its Steam listing, and the move is already drawing criticism from pre-order customers and fans of the upcoming James Bond game. The source material says the DRM addition was revealed close to launch, though the exact release timing is not specified there.
What happened
According to the available source material, 007: First Light from IO Interactive now lists “Denuvo Anti-Tamper” on Steam as a piracy protection measure for the PC version. That detail has upset some players who had already pre-ordered the game, and the Steam forums for the title are described as full of negative reactions, alongside a smaller number of users defending the DRM.
The source also notes that while many PC games use some form of DRM, Denuvo is a more deliberate and visible choice than basic platform-level protection. It says the software has been associated in some cases with performance overhead, and that it is not free for studios to use. Other technical claims in the source include that Denuvo runs in user space rather than at the kernel level, may complicate modding when executable files are altered, and can require periodic online checks to keep the game launching.
Why it matters
For readers following PC gaming, this is another example of the tension between anti-piracy measures and the experience of paying customers. DRM like Denuvo can become a flashpoint when players worry about performance, offline access, or mod support, especially for a high-profile release tied to a major franchise.
The story also matters because it reflects a broader debate in PC gaming: how much protection publishers should add, and whether those protections create friction for legitimate buyers while doing little to stop piracy for long. For a title generating a lot of attention, even a late DRM decision can shape the conversation around the launch.
Key details
- 007: First Light is being developed by IO Interactive, the studio behind Hitman.
- The Steam listing reportedly now includes “Denuvo Anti-Tamper” DRM.
- Some pre-order customers are said to be unhappy with the change.
- The source states that Denuvo can affect performance in some cases and may increase CPU usage.
- It also says Denuvo can interfere with modding and may require periodic online verification to launch.
What players should know
At this stage, the main takeaway is that the PC version of 007: First Light is reportedly shipping with Denuvo, which may matter to players who care about offline play, modding, or potential performance impact. The source does not provide benchmark results, platform-specific exceptions, or any official explanation from IO Interactive for the decision.
If you are considering a pre-order or planning to play on PC, the available material suggests keeping an eye on the game’s final Steam details and any follow-up from the developer. However, the source does not specify whether the DRM setup could change before release.
Source
Source: Tom’s Hardware