007 First Light is only days away from release, but IO Interactive has already upset some PC players by adding Denuvo DRM to the game shortly before launch. The James Bond origin story is scheduled to launch on May 27, 2026, and some Steam users are now asking for refunds after noticing the DRM addition.
The reaction is not surprising. Denuvo remains one of the most controversial anti piracy systems in PC gaming because many players worry about performance, system restrictions, long term access, and compatibility with handheld or Linux based setups. Those concerns become even stronger when DRM is added after preorders have already opened.
PC players are frustrated because the DRM change arrived so close to release
The main complaint is not only that 007 First Light uses Denuvo. It is also about timing. Players are frustrated when a game is available to preorder and then receives a DRM notice only shortly before launch. That can make buyers feel like they did not have the full information when they made the purchase.
Some Steam users have already said they are removing the game from their wishlist or requesting refunds. One player said they were originally ready to play at launch but would now wait for a deep sale instead. That kind of reaction shows how strongly some PC players feel about Denuvo.
| Issue | Why players are upset |
|---|---|
| Denuvo added before launch | Some buyers feel the change came too late |
| Possible performance worries | Players fear stutter, slowdown, or extra CPU load |
| SteamOS and Proton concerns | DRM can complicate compatibility on handhelds and Linux |
| Refund requests | Some Steam users no longer want the game at launch |
| Trust problem | Players want DRM details before preorders open |
007 First Light had been building strong interest because it is a new Bond game from IO Interactive, the studio best known for Hitman. The game follows a younger James Bond during MI6 training, which gives IOI room to build a fresh story instead of directly adapting a film. Early previews have also suggested a mix of stealth, action, cinematic combat, and destructive environments.
That is why the Denuvo backlash matters. The conversation around the game is now partly moving away from its story, gameplay, and Bond fantasy, and toward PC DRM concerns. For a new licensed game trying to win over both Hitman fans and Bond fans, that is not ideal timing.
The concern is especially strong among players using Steam Deck, SteamOS, or Proton. DRM systems can sometimes create extra issues when switching Proton versions or running games outside a standard Windows setup. That does not automatically mean 007 First Light will perform badly, but PC players are cautious because they have seen DRM related problems in other games before.
Denuvo is used by publishers to reduce piracy during the launch window, when sales matter most. From a business perspective, that goal is easy to understand. But from the player side, the system is often seen as punishing paying customers more than pirates, especially if it affects performance or creates restrictions.
At this stage, a removal before launch seems unlikely. Many publishers keep Denuvo in place for the early sales period and sometimes remove it months later. IO Interactive has not given any major sign that it plans to reverse course.
The game itself may still launch well if performance is strong and reviews are positive. But the DRM update has clearly damaged some goodwill before release. For PC players, the safest move is to wait for launch day performance reports before buying. For IO Interactive, the bigger lesson is simple: DRM decisions should be clear before players preorder, not added quietly near release.
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