Just when you thought it couldn't get any more popular, Irdeto, the developer of Denuvo, has announced its latest anti-cheat software feature, TraceMark for Games. The technology theoretically allows developers and publishers to identify players who are leaking game footage prior to release, but users can set visibility or invisibility so they do not know if a game is using this technology.

Denuvo, which needs no introduction, is DRM software that is included in many major PC games. It is popular with publishers like Capcom for obvious reasons, but it is generally unpopular with players, some of whom believe it negatively affects performance (which Denuvo denies, of course) and resent the need for online check-in.

According to Irdeto, the new tool "leverages core invisible watermarking technology trusted by Hollywood studios and others" and "uniquely addresses the challenge of content leakage, especially in the sensitive pre-release phase of game development. It claims that it acts as a deterrent to leakers because it allows them to be tracked and "think twice" about their leaks. The "overall integrity of the content delivery process" is a concern for everyone.

The technology seems to work regardless of attempts to distort the source, and Iredto believes it will be especially useful for pre-release activities such as playtests and closed betas. And, what a surprise, they are targeting journalists! Specifically, "unique security concerns related to press events and distribution of review copies." So we are good to go. [With the launch of TraceMark for Gaming, we are setting a new standard for anti-piracy in the gaming industry. "This innovative solution represents not only an important milestone for Irdeto, but also a quantum leap forward in protecting the creative and economic investments of game developers worldwide, TraceMark is our commitment to ensuring that these valuable assets are protected throughout their entire life cycle."

It's nice to know that valuable assets are protected throughout their lifecycle, and TraceMark can be combined with Denuvo's usual tamper-resistant software, so expect not to see it in a game near you anytime soon.