Krafton Removes Denuvo from inZOI Ahead of Launch Amid Player Backlash

SEOUL, South Korea — Krafton has announced the removal of Denuvo anti-tamper software from its upcoming life simulation game, inZOI, just one day before the game’s Early Access launch on March 28, 2025. This decision comes in response to player concerns regarding Denuvo’s impact on game performance and modding potential.

inZOI, which has gained attention as the most wishlisted game on Steam, is poised to compete with popular titles like The Sims 4. Many players have expressed excitement about its features but have voiced skepticism about the inclusion of the controversial digital rights management (DRM) tool, often criticized for causing performance issues.

Hyungjun “Kjun” Kim, the producer and director of inZOI, addressed the community’s feedback on March 26, stating, “Recently, we’ve seen growing concern around the implementation of the Denuvo anti-tamper solution in inZOI. To address this, we have decided to remove Denuvo from the early-access build.”

Kjun explained that while the team initially chose Denuvo to protect the game against illegal distribution, they realized that it contradicted the players’ desires for greater freedom and customization. “We understand that removing Denuvo increases the risk of the game being cracked and illegally distributed after release. At the same time, we believe it opens up a valuable opportunity: it allows inZOI to become more freely configurable, unlocking new ways for players to shape experiences for others,” he added.

This change aims to enhance the community’s modding experience, which is crucial for life simulation games. Kjun indicated that their first formal mod support will be launched in May 2025, allowing players to use tools like Maya and Blender for creating custom content.

The announcement has been met with positive reactions from gamers. Community sentiment shifted favorably once Kjun’s statement was released, reflecting an eagerness toward the game’s potential. One Reddit user commented, “Wow, they really want my $40. I’ll be giving them my $40,” exemplifying the renewed excitement among players.

While the decision to eliminate Denuvo marks a significant shift in the gaming industry, it signals a growing trend of prioritizing player satisfaction over strict piracy protections. Developers have often faced backlash for using DRM solutions that hinder gameplay rather than enhance it.

Following its removal from inZOI, players are now expressing keen interest in the game, especially as it incorporates comprehensive character customization options and smoother animations, which many believe to surpass those of The Sims 4.

As the launch date approaches, players are eager to experience the game’s features. inZOI promises to deliver a rich life simulation experience, and with a supportive community backing the developers, it is poised to carve out its own niche in the genre.

In summary, Krafton’s quick action to remove Denuvo from inZOI highlights the importance of player feedback in game development. As inZOI prepares to enter Early Access, fans are hopeful that their participation will lead to enhancements and new content, creating a lasting experience within the life simulation category.