In a move aimed at increasing transparency, Valve has announced that game developers on Steam must now inform players when their titles utilize kernel mode anticheat software. This decision comes in response to growing requests from both developers and players for clearer communication about the presence of anticheat systems in games.
Kernel mode anticheat has been a contentious topic in the gaming community. While it's considered one of the most effective methods to combat cheating, some players express concerns about its potential impact on game performance and system security.
The new policy requires developers to fill out a dedicated field on their Steam store pages, explicitly stating if their game employs kernel mode anticheat. This requirement applies to all new games being added to the platform. For existing games that use such software, Valve will be reaching out to developers to ensure they update their store pages accordingly.
While disclosure is mandatory for kernel mode anticheat, Valve encourages developers to provide information about other types of anticheat systems as well. The company believes that transparency regarding any anticheat technology can benefit players.
This change is already visible on some game pages, such as Counter-Strike 2, which now displays information about its use of Valve Anti-Cheat software.
The gaming community has largely responded positively to this development. Many see it as a step towards better informed decision-making when purchasing games. However, some discussions have reignited debates about the merits and drawbacks of kernel mode anticheat itself.
This move by Valve follows years of controversy surrounding kernel mode anticheat in various high-profile games. Notable examples include Riot's Vanguard software and Activision's Ricochet system for Call of Duty titles.
While this new policy doesn't change the prevalence of kernel mode anticheat in games, it does provide players with more upfront information about what they're installing on their systems. As the industry continues to grapple with balancing effective cheat prevention and user concerns, Valve's initiative marks a notable shift towards greater transparency in the gaming ecosystem.