DOOM Eternal Removes Denuvo Anti-Cheat After Massive Backlash

Last week, id Software and Bethesda found themselves in hot water when they snuck in Denuvo Anti-Cheat into DOOM Eternal with a recent update. When players found out the truth of the kernal-mode drives and information sent back to Amazon, they were livid and the backlash forced the company to revisit their initial decision. In light of recent reactions, DOOM Eternal is removing Denuvo Anti-Cheat for good. 

The Denuvo Anti-Cheat program is one that is so rooted into a player’s system that the level of invasion had many uncomfortable and understandably upset. Executive Producer Marty Stratton recently took to the game’s subreddit to provide an update for where they are planning to go from here: 

“Despite our best intentions, feedback from players has made it clear that we must re-evaluate our approach to anti-cheat integration. With that, we will be removing the anti-cheat technology from the game in our next PC update. As we examine any future of anti-cheat in DOOM Eternal, at a minimum we must consider giving campaign-only players the ability to play without anti-cheat software installed, as well as ensure the overall timing of any anti-cheat integration better aligns with player expectations around clear initiatives – like ranked or competitive play – where demand for anti-cheat is far greater.”

He added that the decision to add this software wasn’t malicious, and that – despite speculation – Bethesda did not impose on id to add this feature, it was a decision they made on their own to try and protect the integrity of the game, especially in relation to the Battlemode. Stratton also added that Denuvo’s integration coincided with their standards of security and privacy, which was a driving factor, but unfortunately the same level needed for the best anti-cheat protection is also the same level that completely hands over data in one’s system. It’s a catch 22, one that didn’t have the payoff they were hoping for.

Related: DOOM Eternal Update Includes Controversial Denuvo Anti-Cheat, Fans Aren’t Happy

The removal will be taking place sometime over the next week in a new DOOM Eternal update. While we wait for that, check out some of the other things happening in the world of DOOM: 

• id Software confirms permanent separation from DOOM Eternal composer
• The DOOM Eternal OST wasn’t mixed by the original composer and he’s not happy about that
• Our full DOOM Eternal game hub here

What do you think about the privacy concerns surrounding the new DOOM Eternal update and the addition – and eventual removal – of Denuvo Anti-Cheat? Sound off with your thoughts in the poll below, or hit us up over on Twitter @PrimaGames!