Capcom Removes Denuvo DRM from Kunitsu-Gami: Path of the Goddess on its First Anniversary

In a notable move for the gaming community, Capcom has decided to detach its action-strategy title, Kunitsu-Gami: Path of the Goddess, from the controversial Denuvo anti-tamper software. This timely decision arrives precisely on the game's first anniversary, a significant milestone that brings relief to many players and aligns with a growing trend within the industry.

Capcom\'s Strategic Shift: Denuvo Removal and Future Prospects for Kunitsu-Gami

On a bright July day, coinciding with its inaugural anniversary, Kunitsu-Gami: Path of the Goddess, a captivating title from Capcom, received a crucial update on Steam, as verified by public SteamDB records. This update marked the official removal of Denuvo DRM from the game. While Kunitsu-Gami had not been plagued by the severe performance degradations reported in other Capcom blockbusters like Devil May Cry 5, which saw performance dips of up to 25%, or Resident Evil Village, where Denuvo contributed to significant stuttering issues, this decision is nonetheless a welcome development. Capcom's history indicates a pattern of removing Denuvo from its titles roughly a year after their initial release, often once the primary sales window has passed and piracy concerns diminish.

The strategic timing of this DRM removal suggests that while Kunitsu-Gami received critical acclaim, including a commendable 86% score from PC Gamer, its commercial performance might not have met Capcom's initial expectations. This sentiment was echoed in a recent shareholder meeting, where investors questioned the promotional strategy for Kunitsu-Gami, especially in contrast to titles like Exoprimal, which received substantial marketing despite a lukewarm demo reception. Capcom, however, reaffirmed its commitment to boosting Kunitsu-Gami's profile, particularly with its release on the Nintendo Switch 2, alongside plans for additional downloadable content. As part of its ongoing efforts, Capcom is also introducing a new in-game talisman that will alter the game\'s background music to an 8-bit retro style in specific scenarios, aiming to further engage the player base. These combined efforts reflect a renewed push to enhance the game\'s appeal and reach, signaling a potential new chapter for Kunitsu-Gami: Path of the Goddess on the gaming landscape.

The consistent removal of Denuvo from Capcom's titles, typically a year post-launch, sparks a vital conversation about the long-term effectiveness and necessity of such stringent DRM measures. While Denuvo aims to curb piracy during a game's initial, high-demand phase, its impact on game performance and legitimate consumer experience often leads to discontent. This ongoing practice by Capcom suggests a pragmatic approach: use Denuvo when it matters most for sales, then remove it to foster goodwill and potentially improve game performance, indirectly encouraging a broader, more positive reception among players and modders. This ultimately benefits both the publisher, by maintaining a positive public image, and the player community, by offering a more streamlined and accessible gaming experience in the long run.