Key things
- Steam's updated policy requires developers to disclose anti-cheat software at the kernel level, in order to ensure transparency and user trust.
- This update is in line with recent Steam policy changes.
- Steam's effort to keep up with technological advances also includes AI-generated content rules to adapt to changes in the industry.
New Steam An updated policy was released on October 30, requiring developers who use kernel-level anti-cheat software to explicitly disclaim it in their store. Steam is the world's largest platform for online purchases of PC games, which in many cases means that whatever rules the company sets must be followed by developers who want their games to sell.
In recent weeks, the platform has made several significant changes to its policies, and many, such as those stating that games on Steam are only purchased licenses, have angered players. With hundreds of millions of current users and millions more joining the platform every year, transparency and clarity is a must to avoid backlash and other unintended consequences.
Related
Steam has hit another major player milestone
Steam set a new record for concurrent online users not long after its previous milestone was set, boosted by hit games and recent sales.
In a recent update to Steam's policies, published by the company on October 30, it was stated that all developers whose games use anti-cheat software at the core level will have to start posting disclaimers on their store. In its most basic form, anti-cheat software works at the kernel level inside players' computers, scanning various files while monitoring in-game activity to try to identify rogue behavior that may make some people uncomfortable with privacy and possibly cause them to think twice. what the software has access to.
Steam updates require developers to include anti-cheats at the kernel level
2024 was a huge year for the platform as Steam hit a record of over 38 million online users in September, an impressive feat and showing just how popular it is. The reason for the recent policy update requiring developers to include a disclaimer for kernel-level anti-cheat software is still unknown. However, it is not far-fetched to assume that this could probably be to avoid problems with players who feel that the software is too invasive.
The requirement to reject cheating at the platform's core level isn't the only change being made, as in June of this year Steam released several rules regarding AI-generated content in games. This proves that the PC gaming giant is probably trying to keep up with the latest technologies and the opportunities and threats they present.
While Steam sometimes removes controversial or older titles, it also often keeps others, so the platform said the core-level software disclaimer will apply retroactively to older games as well. Whether this will increase players' confidence in both Steam and the developers it works with, or negatively affect the few titles with the new disclaimer, remains to be seen.
Steam
Steam is a digital video game store and program developed by Valve that allows gamers to purchase, play, and edit their titles through a single, convenient program.
- Mark
- Valve
- Original release date
- September 12, 2003
- Original MSRP (USD)
- ON
- Weight
- ON
