Did you guys see? Steam says devs gotta tell us if their games use kernel mode anti-cheat…

PC Gaming
41

Lennon said:
What’s kernel mode anti-cheat? Why does it matter to gamers?

So, kernel mode basically gives the game full access to your computer’s core functions. It’s like letting the game peek at everything.

Normally, software asks the operating system (OS) if it can do certain things. But with kernel access, it can do that directly. This is why it’s risky; it could compromise your security if misused or if there’s a bug.

42

Lennon said:
What’s kernel mode anti-cheat? Why does it matter to gamers?

It’s a way for devs to catch cheaters by directly looking into the system. But it gives them too much power, really.

43

Bela said:
Good. Steam should let Linux users get refunds if a game breaks support after release.

What happened to Space Marine 2?

44

Can someone explain in simple terms what this means for the average user?

45

Lex said:
Can someone explain in simple terms what this means for the average user?

Kernel anti-cheat means devs get access to see everything on your PC. It’s risky, and usually, it doesn’t fully stop cheating anyway.

46

Lex said:
Can someone explain in simple terms what this means for the average user?

Imagine your casual soccer league demanding to go through all your personal records just to make sure you aren’t doping… and then your opponent shows up obviously on something, lol.

47

Good. Steam should let Linux users get refunds if a game breaks support after release.

48

Bela said:
Good. Steam should let Linux users get refunds if a game breaks support after release.

And EA’s WRC!

49

Good move.

50

Glad they’re finally making it clear which games to avoid.

51

Can someone explain what “kernel mode” is and why it matters?

52

What about games that switch to kernel-level anti-cheat after you’ve bought them?

53

Sloane said:
What about games that switch to kernel-level anti-cheat after you’ve bought them?

I think you can update your store page, so the devs could change it if they add anti-cheat later.

54

@Crosby
But what about people who already paid, especially if they’re on Linux and find out later it’s unsupported?

55

Sloane said:
@Crosby
But what about people who already paid, especially if they’re on Linux and find out later it’s unsupported?

Yeah, it’s a huge issue. Some devs are just out here messing with regions and adding restrictions later, like with Helldivers. Something definitely needs to change.