Friday, February 7th 2025
Sid Meier's Civilization VII Linux Version Cracked Already, No Denuvo Helps
Hackers successfully cracked the Linux version of Sid Meier's Civilization VII four days before its scheduled February 11 release. The compromise stems from the Linux build's DRM-free architecture, which contrasts its Windows counterpart's Denuvo anti-tampering protection. The cracked version, identified under the signature "Linux-Razor1911," has proliferated across multiple file-sharing networks and torrents, presenting immediate challenges for publisher 2K and developer Firaxis Games. The straightforward exploitation process utilizes standard Linux mounting protocols and executable script deployment. While the crack enables immediate access to the base game, circumventing official distribution channels could compromise essential network features and post-launch stability patches.
The persistent vulnerability of DRM-free releases on alternative operating systems potentially influences future platform support strategies among major publishers. Widespread pre-release piracy could significantly impact initial sales figures and threaten future native Linux port development. Firaxis Games and 2K, game publishers, are presumably investigating the crack, though the DRM-free nature of the Linux release limits their immediate response options. As the official launch approaches, this incident shows the ongoing challenge of balancing platform-specific security measures with maintaining broad operating system support in modern game development. While the SteamOS and Linux community represent a significantly smaller market than Windows gamers, it still has a noticeable impact on publishers relying on sales from all compatible platforms.
The persistent vulnerability of DRM-free releases on alternative operating systems potentially influences future platform support strategies among major publishers. Widespread pre-release piracy could significantly impact initial sales figures and threaten future native Linux port development. Firaxis Games and 2K, game publishers, are presumably investigating the crack, though the DRM-free nature of the Linux release limits their immediate response options. As the official launch approaches, this incident shows the ongoing challenge of balancing platform-specific security measures with maintaining broad operating system support in modern game development. While the SteamOS and Linux community represent a significantly smaller market than Windows gamers, it still has a noticeable impact on publishers relying on sales from all compatible platforms.
16 Comments on Sid Meier's Civilization VII Linux Version Cracked Already, No Denuvo Helps
That does beg the question though, how did they crack the DRM on a game not released yet?
Maybe after all the expansions and DLC are packaged into one def edition, we'll have a real game again.
Some webpages which I do not want to name have only ubuntu binaries.
Steam ships with a lot of duplicate ubuntu binaries crap. I tested it two months again. It's so difficult to use system libraries - no ship ubuntu libraries
Ubuntu is not linux. And linux is not an operating system - it's just one part of it - the kernel.
At least the cracker knows the difference. "OS: ubuntu, fedora".
the picture implies mount ... iso. That points to an iso.image maybe taken from a worm (m=media)I do not know any "native" linux ports
may i correct: native ubuntu ports
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without having the .sh file and the crack file - I can not say its free cracked drm port or it is cracked denuvo port. I do not have those files. And I will not download stuff I did not bought.
Also, the story does explicitly say they did not crack Denuvo but the version without it. So, it is more of a showcase of "Denuvo works".
TBH, I'm in two minds about this. On one hand, I'm firmly against (draconian) DRM measures, but on the other I believe the creators have a right to earn money for their hard labour.
Linux ports are not alwas great, Civ VI performs better on wine than it does natively:
flightlessmango.com/games/19300/logs/2633
Then there is compaitiblity issues, such as Total War's multiplayer on the native Linux version not working together with Windows, where running it through wine does.
Not to mention older releases that can be a compatiblity nightmare due to dependencies on outdated libraries.
Only when it's a good port with effort put behind it does it make sense.
(Yes, they're responsible for many lost hours in my teens.)