The game does not use Denuvo or any major anti-tamper technology. As a result, it has been available in a fully playable state (cracked/DRM-free) since its launch in January 2016. Crack Status Overview
: It was pirated almost immediately upon release. The Witness Crack Status
In the context of the game, "the paper" usually refers to one of several environmental clues or physical-style puzzles found throughout the island: The Witness Easter Egg - Secret Developer Ending The game does not use Denuvo or any
: Blow stated he could identify pirated versions on livestreams, though he never publicly revealed the specific visual or technical tell. The "Paper" in The Witness The Witness Crack Status