Gamers interested in learning more about the new version of the Batman Arkham Knight PC game released via the Epic Store rather than Steam and without the Denuvo DRM in tow, you’ll be pleased to know that the Digital Foundry team have once again put the Batman Arkham Knight PC game and the latest version through its testing process to reveal whether the removal of Denuvo has improved the performance of the game.
Initial Release Issues
Unfortunately, when Batman Arkham Knight originally launched on PC and support from console systems, performance was extremely below par and the game suffered from a number of issues forcing it to be removed from sale. These issues included severe frame rate drops, stuttering, and crashes that made the game nearly unplayable for many users. The backlash from the gaming community was significant, leading to the game being pulled from digital storefronts until these problems could be addressed.
Current Performance Analysis
Now, a number of years later, does the PC version of Batman Arkham Knight still contain issues, or has the performance been improved considerably? The Digital Foundry team has delved deep into this question. Their analysis focuses on the game’s arrival on the Epic Store and the presumed removal of Denuvo DRM, which has been known to cause performance issues in various games.
“Rich disappears – once again – into the rabbit hole that is Arkham Knight performance on PC. Does the game’s arrival on the Epic Store and the presumed removal of Denuvo DRM improve performance? And just what is the score with the game in general these days? Does it still stutter and if so, why?”
The removal of Denuvo DRM is a significant change, as this anti-piracy software has been criticized for its impact on game performance. In the case of Batman Arkham Knight, the absence of Denuvo has indeed led to noticeable improvements. Players have reported smoother gameplay, reduced stuttering, and more stable frame rates. This is a welcome change for a game that was once infamous for its poor PC performance.
However, it’s important to note that while the removal of Denuvo has alleviated some issues, it hasn’t completely eradicated all performance problems. Some players still experience occasional stuttering and frame rate drops, particularly in graphically intensive scenes. This suggests that while Denuvo may have exacerbated the game’s performance issues, it wasn’t the sole cause.
Community Feedback and Modding
The gaming community has also played a crucial role in improving the Batman Arkham Knight experience on PC. Modders have developed various patches and tweaks that address specific performance issues and enhance the game’s visuals. These community-driven efforts have been instrumental in making the game more enjoyable for PC players.
For example, some mods focus on optimizing the game’s textures and lighting, which can significantly improve performance on lower-end systems. Others offer quality-of-life improvements, such as better controller support and customizable graphics settings. These mods have helped to extend the game’s lifespan and maintain its relevance in the gaming community.
The re-release of Batman Arkham Knight on the Epic Store without Denuvo DRM has brought about notable performance improvements. While the game is not entirely free of issues, the overall experience is much smoother and more stable than it was at launch. The efforts of the Digital Foundry team and the gaming community have shed light on the game’s current state, providing valuable insights for both new and returning players.
As Batman Arkham Knight continues to evolve, it serves as a reminder of the importance of post-launch support and community involvement in the gaming industry. Whether you’re a long-time fan or a newcomer, the improved performance and ongoing community efforts make it a great time to revisit Gotham City and take on the role of the Dark Knight.
Source: DF
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