A recent update to Monster Hunter Rise added the controversial Enigma DRM to the game. This anti-mod DRM has caused controversy as it causes performance issues, making it one of the most infamous DRMs next to Denuvo. Ever since the DRM got added to Monster Hunter Rise, users have been reporting issues with the Linux and Steam Deck versions of the game.
Capcom has been found in a controversial spot in terms of their stance against mods. The company was found implementing a DRM infamous for causing performance issues but, more importantly, preventing the use of mods. The company was found on a DMCA spree, targeting gameplay with mods in their games. While at first it was thought that only Monster Hunter-related videos were struck, it was soon discovered that any game with mods was a victim of a strike.
Now, the company continues its crusade against mods by adding it to its more recent titles. The first of this being Monster Hunter Rise. This was first discovered by Twitter/X user PC Focus, which reported this issue while showing the negative feedback the game has gotten in its Steam reviews.
https://twitter.com/PC_Focus_/status/1749357469220958534
According to the numerous negative reviews that the game has on Steam, Enigma Protector has rendered the game unplayable on Linux and Steam Deck. Additionally, the game has reportedly been suffering in terms of performance on the PC version, causing random crashes where there used to be none.
Capcom has said in the past that mods are considered “cheats” as shown in their “Anti-cheat and Anti-Piracy Measures in PC Games Recommendations for In-House Production” R&D meeting declared in October 2023. While the DRM initially affected the back catalog of Capcom games, it seems like the company has moved on to add it to their more recent entries. Whether or not this will affect other games made by the publisher is yet to be known, but you can stay tuned for more details regarding this in the future.