A new Steam updated policy has been released on October 30 requiring developers that use kernel-level anti-cheat software to explicitly disclaim it on their storefront. Steam is the world's largest platform for purchasing PC games online, which in many cases means that any rules the company sets must be followed by developers who want their games to sell.

In the last few weeks, the platform has made some significant changes to its policies, and many, such as those stating that Steam games are simply purchased licenses, have players upset. With hundreds of millions of current users and millions more joining the platform every year, transparency and clarity are a must to avoid backlash and other undesirable consequences.

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In a recent Steam policy update posted by the company on October 30, it was stated that any developers whose games used kernel-level anti-cheat software would have to start posting a disclaimer about it on their storefront. In its most basic form, kernel-level anti-cheat software operates inside players' PCs and scans various files while monitoring in-game activity to try to identify dishonest behavior, which can make some people uncomfortable in terms of privacy and likely make them wonder what the software is getting access to.

Steam Update Requires Developers to State Kernel-Level Anti-Cheats

2024 has been a huge year for the platform, as Steam reached a record of over 38 million users online in September, which is an impressive feat and goes to show how popular it is. The reason behind the recent policy update requiring developers to include a kernel-level anti-cheat software disclaimer is still unknown. However, it's not far-fetched to assume that it might likely be to avoid issues with players who feel the software is too invasive.

The platform's kernel-level anti-cheat disclaimer requirement isn't the only change that's being made, as in June of this year, Steam issued a few rules around AI-generated content in games. This proves that the PC games giant is likely trying to keep up with the newest technologies and the opportunities and threats they represent.

While Steam sometimes delists controversial or older titles, it also often keeps others, so the platform has stated that the kernel-level anti-cheat software disclaimer rule will also apply retroactively to older games. Whether this will increase players' trust in both Steam and the developers it works with or negatively impact several titles with the new disclaimer remains to be seen.