Asmongold Claims Denuvo is “Gaslighting” Gamers Over DRM Advantages

Popular Twitch streamer Asmongold has voiced his strong discontent towards the anti-piracy software company Denuvo, criticizing its claims that DRM (Digital Rights Management) can enhance gaming experiences.

The response from many PC gamers towards Denuvo has been overwhelmingly negative, primarily due to the software’s impact on game performance.

During a discussion with Rock Paper Shotgun, Andreas Ullmann, Denuvo’s product manager, defended the technology, stating that the advantages of DRM are often unrecognized by players. This technology is designed to regulate and restrict how users access and share digital content.

Ullmann cited a study indicating that piracy could account for 20% of a game’s total revenue. He argued, “As a gamer myself, I find it unfortunate that it’s challenging for players to discern the immediate advantages of a developer or publisher utilizing our anti-piracy services.”

He elaborated, stating, “While players may not immediately perceive the benefits of DRM, a game’s success is directly linked to its ongoing updates and additional content. This, in turn, increases the chances for future iterations of that game, which are among the benefits we provide to the gaming community.”

This interview gained traction within the gaming community, catching the attention of Asmongold, who is currently on a two-week ban from streaming due to some controversial comments made on Twitch.

There is no benefit for players that any anti-piracy measures exist in a game except in some abstract sense of more sales=better games in the futureNeed anti-piracy for a game? Sure, do it. Just don’t gaslight customers and insult their intelligence to suggest it’s an upgrade

— Zack (@Asmongold) October 23, 2024

Asmongold sharply responded, “There is no direct advantage to gamers from anti-piracy measures other than in a vague notion that increased sales could lead to better future games.” He added, “If you feel the need to implement anti-piracy for a game, that’s fine. However, don’t deceive players or demean their intelligence by suggesting it improves their experience.”

In response to concerns about Denuvo negatively impacting game performance and calls to eliminate the software, he drew an analogy to the inconveniences of shopping. “Perhaps I’m odd, but I liken DRM to the hassle of shopping at Walmart, where you have to track down an employee to unlock a display case just to buy a pack of socks,” he mused. “It’s frustrating and a waste of time, leading to a poorer shopping experience, although I appreciate why such measures are necessary.”

Maybe I’m weird, but I view DRM as the same type of inconvenience as going to Walmart and having to find an employee to unlock the glass case to get a 12 pack of socksAnnoying, waste of time, worse experience, but I can understand and respect why it exists

— Zack (@Asmongold) October 23, 2024

Asmongold is set to return to streaming on October 29, and with his determination to continue discussing pressing issues in gaming, this may not be the last we hear from him regarding Denuvo and similar anti-piracy solutions.

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