Denuvo is an anti-tamper software used in video games to slow down or prevent unauthorized copying by adding mechanisms that detect and deter runtime modifications.
Why was Denuvo originally added to 007 First Light so close to launch?
Denuvo was announced only about a week before 007 First Light launched, which prompted considerable backlash and cynicism from gamers who had already pre-ordered. The article reports the late reveal and the negative reaction but does not state the developer's reason for adding Denuvo so close to launch. Answered
Could the game being cracked influence IO Interactive's decision to remove Denuvo?
Yes. The article notes that some commenters suggested IO Interactive may have dropped Denuvo because the game was reportedly cracked very soon after release, implying the crack could have influenced the decision. Answered