VAC: Steam’s Anti-Cheat Dilemma

Steam introduces a new requirement for developers: disclosing whether their games utilize kernel-mode anti-cheat. This move aims to enhance transparency and address player concerns. Learn more about this significant platform update and its impact on kernel-mode anti-cheat.

Steam's Enhanced Anti-Cheat Disclosure

Mandatory Kernel-Mode Anti-Cheat Disclosure

Valve's recent Steam News Hub announcement details a new feature allowing developers to clearly state their game's anti-cheat implementation. Accessible via the Steamworks API's "Edit Store Page" section, this feature lets developers specify if their game employs any anti-cheat software.

While disclosure for non-kernel-based anti-cheat remains optional, the use of kernel-mode anti-cheat is now mandatory. This addresses community concerns about the potential invasiveness of such systems.

Kernel-mode anti-cheat, which directly examines processes on a player's system to detect cheating, has sparked debate. Unlike traditional methods focusing on in-game behavior, kernel-mode access to low-level system data raises privacy and performance concerns for some players.

This update reflects Valve's response to feedback from both developers and players. Developers sought clearer communication methods, while players demanded greater transparency regarding anti-cheat services and any associated software installations.

Valve's official Steamworks blog post explains, "We’ve received significant feedback from developers wanting to better share anti-cheat information with players. Simultaneously, players have requested more transparency on anti-cheat services and any additional software involved."

This update benefits both sides: developers gain a streamlined communication channel, and players receive clearer information about a game's software practices.

Mixed Community Reception to the Update

Launched on October 31, 2024, at 3:09 a.m. CST, the update is already active. Counter-Strike 2's Steam page now prominently displays its use of Valve Anti-Cheat (VAC), demonstrating the change in action.

While many users applaud Valve's "pro-consumer" approach, some criticisms have emerged. Minor issues like grammatical inconsistencies and perceived awkward wording ("old" to describe games updating information) have been noted.

Furthermore, questions regarding language translation of anti-cheat labels and the definition of "client-side kernel-mode" anti-cheat have been raised, highlighting the complexities involved. The debate surrounding PunkBuster, a well-known anti-cheat solution, also continues. Underlying concerns about the invasiveness of kernel-mode anti-cheat persist for some players.

Despite this initial feedback, Valve's commitment to pro-consumer platform improvements is evident, as shown by their transparency regarding recent California consumer protection legislation. Whether this latest update fully addresses community concerns about kernel-mode anti-cheat remains to be seen.