Key takeaways
- Steam's updated policy requires devs to disclose kernel-level anti-cheat software, aiming for transparency and user trust.
- This update is in line with Steam's recent policy changes.
- Steam's efforts to keep up with technological advances also include AI-generated content rules that adapt to industry changes.
a new one Steam An updated policy released on October 30 requires developers to explicitly disallow those using kernel-level anti-cheat software in their storefronts. Steam is the world's largest platform for buying PC games online, which means in many cases any rules set by the company must be followed by developers who want to sell their games.
Over the past few weeks, the platform has made some significant changes to its policies, and many, such as those stating that Steam games are only purchased licenses, have disappointed players. With millions of current users and millions more joining the platform each year, transparency and clarity are essential to avoid backlash and other undesirable outcomes.
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In a recent Steam policy update posted by the company on October 30, it was stated that any developer whose games used kernel-level anti-cheat software would have to start posting a disclaimer about it on their storefront. At its most basic, kernel-level anti-cheat software works inside players' PCs and scans various files while monitoring game activity to try to identify dishonest behavior, which can make some people uncomfortable with privacy concerns and possibly surprise them. What the software is accessing.
The Steam update requires developers to state kernel-level anti-cheats
2024 has been a big year for the platform, as Steam reached a record of more than 38 million online users in September, which is an impressive achievement and shows how popular it is. The reason for the recent policy update requiring developers to include a kernel-level anti-cheat software disclaimer is still unknown. However, it is not far-fetched to assume that it is possible to avoid problems with players who feel that the software is too aggressive.
The platform's kernel-level anti-cheat disclaimer requirement isn't the only change.In June of this year, Steam released some rules around AI-generated content in games. This proves that the PC game giant is likely trying to keep up with new technologies and the opportunities and threats they represent.
While Steam sometimes removes controversial or outdated titles, it often keeps others, so the platform says the kernel-level anti-cheat software disclaimer rule applies retroactively to older games as well. It remains to be seen whether this will increase player confidence in both Steam and the developers it works with, or negatively impact the many titles with new disclaimers.
Steam
Steam is a digital video game storefront and program developed by Valve that allows gamers to purchase, play and mod their titles through one convenient program.
- brand
- valve
- Original release date
- September 12, 2003
- Original MSRP (USD)
- N/A
- weight
- N/A
