Digital rights management company Denuvo is escalating its efforts to unmask a notorious game cracker known as “voices38.” The company has reportedly filed a request with the U.S. Federal Court in California, seeking subpoenas for tech giants Valve, Reddit, and Discord. The goal is to identify the individual behind the online alias “voices38,” who is accused of circumventing Denuvo’s anti-tamper technology on a significant number of popular video games.
Legal Action Against “voices38”
The legal pursuit began in mid-September when Denuvo initiated a Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA) lawsuit against “voices38” in the U.S. Federal District Court for the Northern District of California. Denuvo alleges that “voices38” has been instrumental in cracking the digital protection for at least 26 popular titles. Among the games mentioned are anticipated blockbusters like Black Myth: Wukong and the highly anticipated Hogwarts Legacy.
Gathering Digital Footprints
In its investigation, Denuvo has managed to compile a list of digital assets allegedly linked to “voices38.” This includes seven Steam accounts, the cracker’s Reddit profile, and a Discord account. Armed with this information, Denuvo is now petitioning the court to compel Valve (owner of Steam), Reddit, and Discord to disclose user information that would help pinpoint the real identity of “voices38.”
Platform Responses and Denuvo’s Stance
Denuvo stated that prior to seeking court-ordered subpoenas, the company attempted to obtain information directly from the platforms. However, all three companies allegedly refused to provide the data without a legal mandate. Valve and Reddit reportedly informed Denuvo that they cannot release user information without a valid legal basis. Discord has yet to issue a public statement regarding the matter.
This move highlights the ongoing cat-and-mouse game between software protection companies and individuals determined to bypass their security measures. The gaming industry, in particular, invests heavily in DRM technologies like Denuvo’s to protect intellectual property and revenue streams from piracy. The outcome of Denuvo’s subpoenas could set a precedent for how these platforms cooperate with rights holders in combating digital piracy.
The case is likely to draw attention from privacy advocates and the wider tech community, as it touches upon the balance between protecting copyrighted content and individuals’ online privacy. The ability for companies to easily unmask anonymous users online through legal channels remains a contentious issue.
