The next iteration of Intel’s core series, the Alder Lake CPUs might not be supported on some DRM services after launch due to Intel’s implementation of a hybrid CPU architecture.
As per documentation released by Intel, the upcoming Alder Lake CPUs will use a new hybrid core layout where high-performance cores and power-efficient cores will function together or independently depending on the workload requirement. Since both the high-performance cores and power-efficient cores will be present on the same CPU package the DRM algorithm might detect both cores as independent CPUs and throw an error. Due to the very nature of the upcoming hybrid architecture, DRM services like Denuvo will need an upgrade to support the Alder Lake CPUs on launch.
As stated in the Intel Developer Guide, “If your existing or upcoming game uses a DRM middleware, you might want to contact the middleware provider and confirm that it supports hybrid architectures in general, and the upcoming Intel ADL platform in particular. Due to the nature of modern DRM algorithms, it might use CPU detection and should be aware of the upcoming hybrid platforms. Intel is working with leading DRM providers such as Denuvo* to make sure their solutions support new platforms.”
While Intel is working with Denuvo, the problem arises when you try to load into older titles that are still using an older version of Denuvo. Since Denuvo’s DRM can only be updated or removed by the game developer older titles like Fifa series, Far Cry series, Tomb Raider series, F1 series, etc might not work on launch. A long list of games are still using an older version of Denuvo and aren’t updated anymore. If the game developer doesn’t patch the Denuvo DRM or outright remove it, you might not be able to play older games legitimately on the next-gen CPUs.
This issue isn’t limited to the Denuvo DRM service, other DRM services like Steamworks, Epic Online Services, Microsoft Store, Origins, Ubisoft Connect, etc might not work at launch. It all depends on DRM providers to update the DRM service and game developers to push the update to the game.
