Cryptography and DRM: A study of digital copyright protection in the gaming industry

Abstract

This paper explores the role of cryptography and encryption technology in developing digital rights management (DRM) in the gaming industry. DRM aims to protect the rights of creators by preventing unauthorized copying and distribution of digital media. Cryptography plays a crucial role in DRM, ensuring the privacy, authenticity, and integrity of data. The early stages of game DRM involved physical disc methods, such as unique disc characteristics and online activation. However, these methods faced challenges such as compatibility issues and unauthorized copying. Modern DRM technologies combine advanced encryption techniques with account-binding mechanisms, requiring users to activate and access game content on specific accounts. Cryptography plays a key role in DRM by encrypting game data into unreadable formats, ensuring that only users with valid decryption keys can access the content, and ensuring secure distribution and consumption of digital content. The paper also discusses third-party DRM technologies, such as Denuvo, which employ strong encryption and obfuscation methods. However, third-party DRM may impact performance, inconvenience users, and lead to compatibility issues. The paper emphasizes the necessity of continually refining DRM technologies to balance copyright protection and consumer rights in the evolving gaming industry.