Steam Anti-Cheat Tool Stirs Division

Steam has introduced a new requirement for game developers to disclose whether their game utilizes the controversial Kernel mode anti-cheat system. This change aims to enhance transparency on the platform and address community concerns. Read on to learn more about Steam’s latest update and the implications of Kernel Mode Anti-Cheat.

Steam Unveils New Tool for Describing Anti-Cheat in Games

Kernel Mode Anti-Cheat Must Be Indicated, Steam Says

Valve recently updated the Steam News Hub to introduce a feature that allows developers to clearly indicate the use of anti-cheat systems in their games. This new feature, accessible through the "Edit Store Page" section on the Steamworks API, aims to enhance both developer communication and player transparency.

For games employing non-kernel-based anti-cheat systems, disclosure remains optional. However, for those using kernel-mode anti-cheat, it's mandatory to indicate its use. This requirement is a direct response to the growing concerns about the invasiveness of kernel-mode anti-cheat systems.

Kernel-mode anti-cheat software, which monitors processes at a low system level to detect cheating, has sparked controversy since its inception. Unlike traditional anti-cheat systems that operate within the game environment, kernel-mode solutions delve into the deeper layers of a player's device. This deeper access raises concerns about potential impacts on device performance, security, and privacy.

Valve's update is a response to feedback from both developers and players. Developers have been seeking an efficient way to communicate anti-cheat details to their audience, while players have been advocating for more transparency regarding anti-cheat services and additional software installations.

In their official statement on the Steamworks blog, Valve stated, "We’ve heard from more and more developers recently that they’re looking for the right way to share anti-cheat information about their game with players. At the same time, players have been requesting more transparency around the anti-cheat services used in games, as well as the existence of any additional software that will be installed within the game."

This update not only simplifies communication for developers but also provides players with clearer insights into the software practices of games on the Steam platform.

Initial Comments are as Divisive as Kernel Mode Anti-Cheat

Steam's new feature, which was rolled out on October 31, 2024, at 3:09 a.m. CST, is now operational. For instance, the Steam page for Counter-Strike 2 now clearly displays its use of Valve Anti-Cheat (VAC) in compliance with this new requirement.

The community's response to this update has been mixed. Many users have commended Valve for its "pro-consumer" approach, appreciating the increased transparency. However, the rollout has not been without criticism. Some users pointed out grammatical inconsistencies and found Valve’s terminology, particularly the use of "old" for past games, to be awkward.

Additionally, players have raised practical concerns about how anti-cheat labels will be handled in different languages and what constitutes "client-side kernel-mode" anti-cheat, with PunkBuster being a frequently cited example. Discussions also continued around the ongoing debate over the invasiveness of kernel-mode anti-cheat systems.

Despite these initial reactions, Valve remains committed to enhancing its platform with pro-consumer changes, as seen in their recent transparency regarding a new law in California designed to protect consumers from false and misleading advertising of digital goods.

Whether this update will alleviate the community's concerns about kernel-mode anti-cheat systems remains to be seen.