In the realm of gaming, the fusion of technology and creativity often results in awe-inspiring experiences. However, this marriage can sometimes be marred by controversies, as seen in the recent confirmation regarding Shin Megami Tensei 5: Vengeance’s use of a contentious feature from previous titles.
The eagerly anticipated PC version of Shin Megami Tensei 5: Vengeance has set tongues wagging with the revelation that it will incorporate Denuvo Anti-Tamper, a digital rights management (DRM) solution notorious for sparking debate among gaming enthusiasts. This confirmation stems from a pre-order listing that has emerged for the game, shedding light on what players can expect upon its release.
Denuvo Anti-Tamper is no stranger to Atlus games, with the studio’s history of its implementation dating back to the PC port of Persona 4 Golden in mid-2020. While the utilisation of this technology has been met with sporadic complaints from the fandom, it’s worth noting that Atlus’s track record with Denuvo has been relatively controversy-free, despite the contentious nature of the technology itself.
The commencement of the pre-order period for Shin Megami Tensei 5: Vengeance has further solidified Atlus’s stance on incorporating Denuvo into their PC releases. As outlined on the game’s Steam page, Denuvo stands as the sole third-party DRM feature for the upcoming JRPG, marking it as the latest addition to Atlus’s roster of titles utilising this software.
This decision to integrate Denuvo into Shin Megami Tensei 5: Vengeance represents a continuation of Atlus’s approach to PC game development. Since Catherine Classic’s release in early 2019, Denuvo has become a staple inclusion in the day-one versions of all 12 subsequent Atlus titles on Steam. Unlike some Japanese developer-publishers who opt to remove Denuvo post-release, Atlus remains steadfast in its decision to retain the software, a stance that is likely to persist with SMT5: Vengeance.
However, not all fans are thrilled about this development. Vocal dissent has emerged within the community, with some expressing discontent at feeling “treated like a criminal” due to the inclusion of Denuvo. Yet, the fanbase remains divided on the matter, with differing opinions ranging from staunch opposition to casual acceptance, demonstrating the complexity of the issue.
Despite the controversy surrounding Denuvo, the excitement surrounding Shin Megami Tensei 5: Vengeance remains palpable. With Atlus’s recent confirmation of an alternate story route titled Canon of Vengeance, promising an additional 80-hour adventure, fans are eager to delve deeper into the world of SMT5. This revelation has reignited discussions within the community, shifting the focus away from DRM concerns towards anticipation for the game’s rich narrative and gameplay experience.
As the release of Shin Megami Tensei 5: Vengeance draws near, it remains to be seen how the integration of Denuvo will impact the game’s reception. Will the allure of Atlus’s captivating storytelling and immersive gameplay outweigh concerns surrounding DRM? Only time will tell as players embark on a new journey into the realm of demon summoning and apocalyptic landscapes.
