Steam’s new policy requires developers to disclose use of kernel level anti-cheat
Something to look forward to: Anti-cheat tools used by game studios have repeatedly sparked controversy among players. Now, Valve is requiring studios to be transparent, clearly stating when and how their anti-cheat systems will interact with a game’s files on a user’s device.
If a game includes a client-side, kernel-mode anti-cheat system on the user’s PC, Valve notes the game’s store page must clearly disclose this feature. Anti-cheat information is now mandatory for new game submissions on Steam, and Valve is contacting developers of existing games to ensure broader compliance.
Valve said developers have been requesting a way to inform players about anti-cheat systems, while players have expressed a desire for more transparency around them. In response, Valve added a new field in the Steam “Edit Store Page” tool, enabling full disclosure of anti-cheat technology.
Steam will provide a pre-populated list of common anti-cheat systems for developers to select from; custom entries are also allowed. Additionally, developers can check two boxes to specify if their anti-cheat systems have “kernel-level integration” and if users need to remove any residual files after uninstalling the game.
Disclosure will not be mandatory if the anti-cheat technology operates exclusively on the game’s servers or does not modify kernel-level files on the operating system. However, Valve noted that additional transparency may reassure players regardless, offering potential customers a more positive experience. Information about anti-cheat systems previously located elsewhere on a game’s store page must be migrated to the new disclosure field, Valve clarified.
Based on responses to Valve’s announcement, the new anti-cheat policy has been largely welcomed by Steam users, who view it as another pro-consumer move. Some are also requesting detailed instructions for manually removing anti-cheat remnants after uninstallation, though Denuvo remains a particularly unpopular topic among gamers.
While anti-cheat tools can improve the multiplayer experience, recent history suggests they can spark controversy. Some developers have implemented anti-cheat software that runs at boot time, prompting backlash in the form of review-bombing campaigns. Additionally, anti-cheat programs can create compatibility issues, especially with devices like the Steam Deck and other less common gaming platforms.
