Trending Now - Fans Demand Refunds as Denuvo DRM Surprises 007 First Light Pre-orders

WHO:

TechRadar - IO Interactive is the developer of 007 First Light.

Notebookcheck - James Bond fans are involved in the pre-order cancellations.

WHAT:

TechRadar - Fans are requesting refunds after the addition of Denuvo DRM to 007 First Light.

Notebookcheck - Denuvo was added to the Steam listing of 007 First Light just 6 days before its release date.

Notebookcheck - Pre-orders for 007 First Light began in September 2025.

Notebookcheck - Critics are concerned about the game's long-term accessibility and intrusive server authentication on PCs.

Notebookcheck - Some fans are choosing to allocate their money elsewhere instead of purchasing 007 First Light.

WHERE:

Notebookcheck - The game is listed on Valve’s Steam marketplace.

WHEN:

Notebookcheck - The release date for 007 First Light is May 27th.

Notebookcheck - The addition of Denuvo DRM occurred 6 days before the release date.

WHY:

Notebookcheck - Gamers are concerned about performance and DRM restrictions, leading to pre-order cancellations.

Notebookcheck - There is a growing trend of publishers adding Denuvo DRM to Steam games closer to launch.

HOW:

Notebookcheck - The presence of Denuvo DRM was confirmed on the Steam listing for 007 First Light.

Notebookcheck - Some users are canceling their pre-orders due to the late confirmation of the anti-piracy tactic.

(UPDATED May 22, 2026 23:21 UTC)

In a significant move, IO Interactive's upcoming game, 007 First Light, has seen a wave of pre-order cancellations from fans who are unhappy about the addition of Denuvo DRM just six days before its release on May 27th. Many gamers are requesting refunds and opting to spend their money elsewhere, citing concerns over performance and intrusive server authentication that could affect long-term accessibility on PCs. The game is currently listed on Valve’s Steam marketplace, where the controversial DRM was confirmed, prompting some users to cancel their pre-orders due to the late announcement of this anti-piracy measure.