Supermassive Games released Little Nightmares III on PC, PlayStation, Xbox, and Nintendo Switch, opting not to include anti-piracy protection. The absence of digital rights management (DRM) allowed hackers, specifically the group RUNE, to distribute the game on torrent sites immediately upon release.
Game Features and Mechanics
Little Nightmares III introduces a unique feature to the horror series: online cooperative play with a live partner. This addition marks a departure from previous entries that did not offer multiplayer features. Players engaging in single-player mode can control one of the two main characters, with the other character guided by artificial intelligence, similar to mechanics seen in the series' sequel.
Piracy Impact
The decision to forgo DRM led to swift unauthorized distribution on platforms such as torrents, impacting potential sales. While Supermassive Games has not publicly addressed this issue, the prevalence of pirated copies could affect revenue, especially in markets sensitive to piracy. The company's choice may reflect a strategy focusing on enhancing the player experience over aggressive anti-piracy measures.
- Release Date: 2023-10-20
- Platforms: PC, PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch
- Unique Feature: Online cooperative gameplay with no local co-op
- Piracy Group: RUNE uploaded pirated versions
- Lack of DRM: Game was launched without digital protections
