Denuvo files DMCA lawsuit against anonymous cracker 'voices38' over DRM bypass
Denuvo has filed a lawsuit against an unknown individual or entity known as 'voices38' for allegedly bypassing its Anti-Tamper technology in at least 26 PC games. The complaint, filed in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California, relies on the DMCA's anti-circumvention provisions rather than copyright infringement. Denuvo is seeking monetary damages and a court order to prevent further tampering.
The lawsuit, filed September 14 in the Northern District of California, names ten additional unnamed defendants alongside voices38. Denuvo's legal strategy relies on the DMCA's anti-circumvention clause rather than traditional copyright claims, since the company doesn't hold rights to the affected titles. The complaint references Reddit, Discord, and Steam accounts that may be linked to the cracking activity.
Recent cracks attributed to voices38 include Star Wars: Outlaws, Persona 3 Reload, and Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown. The company may use the legal process to compel these platforms to reveal identifying information about the anonymous defendant, potentially exposing one of the more prolific figures in the current cracking scene.
This case could set a precedent for how DRM companies pursue anonymous crackers. If Denuvo succeeds in compelling platforms to reveal user identities, it may deter others from engaging in similar activity. However, the outcome could also galvanize the cracking community and raise questions about privacy and the balance between copyright protection and consumer rights. Game publishers may watch closely, as the result could influence how they approach DRM protection in future releases.