Square Enix removed the Denuvo anti-tamper technology from DRAGON QUEST III HD-2D Remake, just six months after its November 2024 release. This move is great news for JRPG fans who prefer a cleaner experience without the extra DRM layer.
It’s no surprise that Square Enix is following a pattern here. After the initial launch period, they’ve been steadily removing Denuvo from many of their titles. Games like The Diofield Chronicle, VALKYRIE ELYSIUM, TRIANGLE STRATEGY, and LIVE A LIVE have all seen Denuvo removed. Even Forspoken and both Octopath Traveler games no longer carry it.
Other publishers have also started removing Denuvo from their games. For example, KRAFTON removed it from The Callisto Protocol, and NEOWIZ removed it from Lies of P. Gearbox, Bethesda, Warner Bros, and Bandai Namco have also followed suit with various titles.
Square Enix’s approach shows a sensible balance: protect the game during launch, then remove the DRM to avoid annoying paying customers. It’s a smart move that benefits the community and respects players’ experiences.
Looking ahead, some upcoming games, like Stellar Blade, the new Mafia, and Doom: The Dark Ages, still plan to use Denuvo. Hopefully, they’ll follow Square Enix’s lead and remove it after a reasonable period.
If you’ve been holding off on DRAGON QUEST III HD-2D Remake because of Denuvo, now might be a good time to check it out. And if you enjoy it, consider supporting Square Enix to show that this approach works.
What do you think about Denuvo being removed after launch? Drop your thoughts in the comments below!
