Steam Now Requires Kernel Mode Anticheat Disclosure on Game Pages
Kernel mode anticheat has long been a hot topic for gamers—many feel it can compromise both system performance and security, while others see it as an essential measure against cheaters. A new update to Steam’s store pages aims to address both sides of the debate by requiring developers to disclose any kernel-level anticheat in their games. This means players will have better insight into what software runs alongside their games, especially when it operates at such a deep level within their systems.
Valve explained that this update responds to both player demand for transparency and developer requests for a straightforward way to communicate anticheat details. “We’ve heard from more and more developers recently that they’re looking for the right way to share anti-cheat information about their game with players,” Valve wrote. “At the same time, players have been requesting more transparency around the anti-cheat services used in games, as well as the existence of any additional software that will be installed within the game.”
Going forward, all new games using client-side kernel mode anticheat must fill out this field on Steam, while Valve will also reach out to developers of existing titles with similar software to update their pages. Non-kernel-based anticheats aren’t required to fill out this new field, though Valve encourages all games using any form of anticheat to provide this information for clarity.
The player response to Valve’s new policy has been largely positive so far. Many in the community have felt uneasy about kernel mode anticheat for years, especially after incidents with high-profile software like Riot’s Vanguard and Activision’s Ricochet, which raised privacy concerns due to their deep access to user systems. Efforts by companies like Activision and EA to reassure players—such as ensuring Ricochet only runs while Call of Duty games are active—have had mixed reception, as the fundamental concerns around kernel access remain.
With this new field, players can now make more informed decisions about the software running on their systems. As the debate around kernel mode anticheat continues, this added transparency is a step towards building more trust between developers and players.
