[GuB-42]

Denuvo, like most game DRM engines have libraries that can be called from anywhere inside the game code and perform a variety of checks. If the developers are overzealous and make frequent, complex checks, it will result in stuttering. If I remember well, RE8 has a check when a zombie spawns, resulting in mid-gameplay slowdown. They could have put checks only in naturally slow events, like loading a map, and no one would have noticed.

And I kind of agree about pirates never buying games, I don't remember buying a single game during all my student days. And I have now mostly stopped piracy, DRM or not, mostly because I earn enough money, play less, and platforms like Steam are really convenient.