Capcom Removes Enigma DRM From Resident Evil 4 Remake After Performance Issues

Capcom has taken out the controversial Enigma DRM from Resident Evil 4 Remake after players reported it was causing performance problems. An update to the game's Steam database on March 3 shows the removal, following its addition in early February. While Capcom hasn't made an official statement, fans noticed the switch from the previous Denuvo anti-piracy protection to Enigma, which led to noticeable performance drops.

Digital Foundry recently tested the game, finding a 40% performance decrease in intro cutscenes, with smaller impacts during gameplay. In a video last month, Digital Foundry's Alex Battaglia explained that Denuvo often works as a subscription service, and publishers usually remove it when costs exceed potential piracy losses. Fans speculate this is why Capcom switched to Enigma, a move they've now reversed.

Battaglia criticized the decision, saying, "Updating old software with new DRM is just stupid. It alienates your audience and upsets the modding community, regardless of performance issues."

On Reddit, players are celebrating Enigma's removal while questioning the initial choice. A fan named CoDog commented, "This was a clueless executive move. Who thought adding DRM to a two-year-old game that's often on sale, hurting performance on mid-range PCs, was a good idea? It's baffling."

If you're looking to dive back into Resident Evil 4 Remake, consider finishing the excellent Resident Evil Requiem first. For help with Leon S. Kennedy's adventure, check out IGN's Resident Evil: Requiem guide for tips, tricks, and a full walkthrough to ensure you collect every Bobblehead and file from the Rhodes Hill Chronic Care Center to Raccoon City.