Intel has released the new 12th generation Alder Lake-S processor. An issue has arisen with Digital Rights Management in games. Intel mentioned in Alder Lake developer’s guide that existing Digital Rights Management software (DRMs) in games needs to be updated periodically or when required in order to support Alder Lake’s Performance Hybrid architecture, which Intel calls Big-Bigger.
Intel stated, “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.”
It also described the issue such as, “Certain third-party gaming Digital Rights Management (DRM) software may incorrectly recognize 12th Generation Intel® Core™ Processors efficient-cores (E-cores) as another system. This prevents games implementing that DRM software from running successfully. Games may crash during launch or gameplay, or unexpectedly shut down.“
Here is the list of games affected by DRM in Windows 11 and Windows 11. The names written in bold letters are affected by DRM in Windows 11 and the rest in Windows 10.
- Anthem*
- Bravely Default 2*
- Fishing Sim World*
- Football Manager 2019*
- Football Manager Touch 2019*
- Football Manager 2020*
- Football Manager Touch 2020*
- Legend of Mana*
- Mortal Kombat 11*
- Tony Hawks Pro Skater 1 and 2*
- Warhammer I*
- Assassin’s Creed: Valhalla*
- Far Cry Primal*
- Fernbus Simulator*
- For Honor*
- Lost in Random*
- Madden 22*
- Maneater*
- Need for Speed – Hot Pursuit Remastered*
- Sea of Solitude*
- Star Wars Jedi Fallen Order*
- Tourist Bus Simulator*
- Maneater*
Intel has stated that they are working with Denuvo in order to fix the problem. They also rolled out a software fix. A workaround for some other titles have also been identified for Windows 10 devices only.
- Ace Combat 7*
- Assassins Creed Odyssey*
- Assassins Creed Origins*
- Code Vein*
- eFootball 2021*
- F1 2019*
- Far Cry New Dawn*
- FIFA 19*
- FIFA 20*
- Football Manager 2021*
- Football Manager Touch 2021*
- Ghost Recon Breakpoint*
- Ghost Recon Wildlands*
- Immortals Fenyx Rising*
- Just Cause 4*
- Life is Strange 2*
- Madden 21*
- Monopoly Plus*
- Need For Speed Heat*
- Scott Pilgrim vs The World*
- Shadow of the Tomb Raider*
- Shinobi Striker*
- Soulcalibur VI*
- Starlink*
- Team Sonic Racing*
- Total War Saga – Three Kingdoms*
- Train Sim World*
- Train Sim World 2*
- Wolfenstein Youngblood*
