Valve has taken down a game from its Steam platform due to the presence of malware, as reported by media sources reports. In its advisory to users who had downloaded the game, Valve recommended that those affected might want to consider “fully reformatting your operating system.”
The game, known as PirateFi, was marketed as “an exciting survival experience in a colorful, low-poly universe where players can engage solo or join others in multiplayer.” While the exact download count is unclear, it had achieved a 9/10 rating based on 51 reviews, according to an archived version of its Steam page viewed by TechCrunch.
PCMag reported that Valve removed the game this week. A Reddit post displayed the warning Valve sent to players who had previously downloaded the title.
In its notice, Valve stated that it had deleted the compromised game builds from Steam. The company encouraged users to “perform a full-system scan using a trusted antivirus program and check your device for any unfamiliar or recently installed software.” They advised that a complete system reset would “guarantee that no harmful software remains on your machine.”
Valve did not disclose what type of malware was present in the game, and a Valve spokesperson has not yet responded to TechCrunch’s request for additional information.
The Steam application and the games themselves usually have extensive access to gamers’ devices, making them a particularly attractive target for hackers looking to exploit malware. Last year, TechCrunch highlighted that hackers were deploying infostealer malware aimed at gamers, prompting Activision to investigate the matter. In 2023, hackers were found to be infecting users of an older Call of Duty title with self-replicating malware.
This incident is part of a troubling trend in the gaming industry; for instance, Electronic Arts had to postpone an Apex Legends esports competition after a hacker compromised players’ computers during a match, creating the appearance of cheating.
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