Just a week before its release, Payday 3 developer Starbreeze announced that it has removed the anti-piracy software Denuvo from the PC version of Payday 3.
“Hello heisters, we want to inform you that Denuvo is no longer in PAYDAY 3,” said Starbreeze global brand director Almir Listo in a Steam update. “We look forward to seeing you in New York City! Happy heisting!”
It’s unclear why Starbreeze decided to remove Denuvo so early, especially since the game isn’t available to the wider public until September 21. Those who purchased the Silver and Gold Editions of the game can play the game now as they received the early access perk. Denuvo is an anti-piracy software that has attracted a less-than-stellar reputation, though we don’t know if that played a role in the decision to abandon it just before launch, when companies are most concerned about piracy.