Capcom has removed a controversial new form of DRM from Resident Evil 4 Remake, following complaints that its recent addition was impacting performance.
An update to the game’s Steam database listing shows that the Enigma DRM was removed earlier today, March 3, after an earlier listing showing its addition at the beginning of February.
Capcom has not commented publicly on the changes, though fans were quick to spot the publisher replacing the game’s previous Denuvo anti-piracy protection with Enigma, and the hit to performance that followed.
It’s a subject recently covered by Digital Foundry, whose tests showed a 40 percent deficit in performance within the game’s intro cutscenes, though more modest differences during gameplay. In a video published last month, DF’s Alex Battaglia noted that Denuvo was believed to operate as a subscription service, and that at some point publishers typically remove the software when its cost outweighs any perceived losses from piracy.
It’s at this point that fans believe Capcom switched to Enigma instead — a decision it has now seemingly U-turned on.
“Updating years old software with new DRM is just stupid,” Battaglia said. “Like, stop, don’t do that in the first place. Regardless of any possible performance degradations, what it’ll do to your game is just piss off your audience. It’ll make your modding scene really upset.”
Now, word that Enigma DRM is gone from Resident Evil 4 is being celebrated by fans on reddit, even as the decision to add it in the first place is being criticized.
“This was the most mid level executive that’s detached from gaming move I’ve seen,” wrote Resident Evil fan CoDog. “Like who would’ve thought it was a good idea to put in DRM on a two year old game that’s been regularly on sale that tanks low to mid level pc hardware’s performance? Seriously mind boggling move from Capcom.”
It sounds like a good time to revisit Resident Evil 4 Remake, though not before you’re done with the brilliant Resident Evil Requiem first. If you’re still exploring Leon S. Kennedy’s latest adventure then IGN’s Resident Evil: Requiem guide will help you every step of the way through RE9. Take note of these key tips and tricks before you get started, and focus on finding these important items early. Plus, our comprehensive walkthrough will make sure you don’t miss a single Bobblehead or file as you try to survive from the Rhodes Hill Chronic Care Center all the way to Raccoon City.
Tom Phillips is IGN’s News Editor. You can reach Tom at tom_phillips@ign.com or find him on Bluesky @tomphillipseg.bsky.social
