The recent re-launch of the three foundational *Resident Evil* games on Steam has sparked considerable controversy, primarily due to the incorporation of Enigma DRM (Digital Rights Management) in all three games. Capcom, the publisher, has encountered backlash from fans and gamers who are dissatisfied with this choice, particularly in light of the company’s recent elimination of comparable DRM from *Resident Evil 4* just weeks ago.
On April 2, Capcom released the initial three *Resident Evil* games on Steam, providing updated editions that are compatible with contemporary systems. Many had anticipated that this relaunch would serve as an opportunity to honor the franchise’s legacy. Nonetheless, the inclusion of Enigma DRM has tainted the experience, resulting in performance issues and compatibility complications, including reports of the games failing to operate on the Steam Deck.
The adoption of Enigma DRM has faced severe criticism for degrading game performance and imposing obstacles for legitimate users. Gamers have vocalized their displeasure on platforms such as Steam, indicating that the performance issues have made the games less enjoyable, and in certain instances, unplayable on specific devices. This scenario mirrors what players encountered with other Capcom titles, including *Dino Crisis 1* and *2*, which also endured the negative consequences of Enigma DRM.
What further raises eyebrows is Capcom’s apparent indifference towards the unfavorable feedback from players. Despite being aware of the drawbacks of Enigma DRM—including performance decline and incompatibility with Linux systems—the company has persisted in utilizing this contentious system. This is particularly perplexing, given that the publisher had just faced criticism over *Resident Evil 4* due to similar problems, which led to them reversing their decision. The situation prompts the question of why Capcom would opt to reintroduce such a problematic DRM for these classic games.
The critique of DRM itself is not a new phenomenon. Numerous gamers contend that DRM merely complicates life for paying customers while being easily bypassed by pirates. In the context of these *Resident Evil* games, this argument gains even more traction, as the same versions have been accessible without DRM on GOG for years. GOG has pledged to keep these games DRM-free indefinitely, allowing customers the liberty to share their purchases without limitations. The contrast between the Steam and GOG versions raises concerns regarding the rationale behind instituting such restrictive measures on a product that, fundamentally, lacks a perceived piracy threat due to its age.
As part of a marketing strategy, Capcom is currently providing the *Resident Evil* trilogy at a reduced price on Steam, which has garnered some attention. However, the overall consensus remains that this tactic has backfired. By releasing a version with DRM that performs inferiorly compared to its DRM-free counterpart, Capcom risks alienating its dedicated fanbase and damaging its reputation.
In summary, the choice to implement Enigma DRM on the re-released *Resident Evil* games seems ill-conceived and disconnected from the gaming community’s expectations. The ongoing application of such technology on titles that are decades old raises questions about the viability and suitability of DRM in today’s gaming environment. As gamers call for higher standards for their purchases, Capcom’s commitment to employing Enigma DRM could ultimately undermine its longstanding relationship with its audience.
