Capcom has sparked controversy among PC gamers with the reported addition of the DRM software Enigma Protector to several older titles in their back catalog on Steam. The reason this is controversial is because it’s against using cheat codes in older games. It raises concerns about its impact on modding, performance, and the overall player experience.
The news originated from Twitter user PC_Focus, who claimed that games like Resident Evil 4 and Devil May Cry 3 have received updates implementing Enigma Protector. This DRM solution has been criticized for potentially hindering modding capabilities and introducing performance issues like frame rate drops and stuttering. While the magnitude of these issues remains unclear, some reports suggest a noticeable impact on gameplay fluidity.
Furthermore, recent events involving Monster Hunter speedrunners being targeted for copyright strikes due to their use of “invisible” mods, highlight the potential collateral damage of Capcom’s aggressive anti-piracy efforts. These mods, like one that fixes monster spawn locations, are often used to streamline content creation without directly impacting gameplay itself. The takedowns have created a dilemma for content creators, who now face the risk of losing their livelihood for using seemingly harmless tools.
Capcom’s own RE:2023 Anti-cheat and Anti-Piracy Measures in PC Games Recommendations for In-House Production, add to the complexity of the situation. It reveals a seemingly strict stance against mods, with the company classifying all modifications as “cheats” unless officially sanctioned. This raises concerns about the future of modding in Capcom’s PC games, a community-driven activity that often enhances replayability and accessibility.
Just to be clear, it should never feel like players buy a license to play a game. Every player should feel like they own every single-player game and are allowed to play their way. This is equivalent to Lego saying you can’t play their toys with other toys or use their toys outside of the manuals that show you how to build them. It’s not something you should need permission to do if you want.
Capcom has yet to officially comment on the addition of Enigma Protector or their stance on mods. Balancing developer rights and player preferences while cutting usability for a modding community is a delicate task. How Capcom will address these concerns moving forward remains to be seen, but it’s not looking good.
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