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Integrate anti-cheat solutions with Steam games. Covers EasyAntiCheat (EAC), BattlEye, and VAC setup, Proton/Linux compatibility, Steam Deck considerations, and custom anti-cheat patterns. Use when adding anti-cheat protection to a multiplayer Steam game.
Design and document Steam achievements. Helps structure achievement definitions (API name, display name, description, icon requirements, hidden flag) and generates the VDF/JSON config snippets for Steamworks upload. Use when planning or implementing achievements.
Search and retrieve Steam Web API and Steamworks SDK documentation. Returns endpoint signatures, parameter descriptions, and code examples. Use when the user needs to call a Steam API, wants to know available endpoints, or is integrating Steamworks SDK methods.
Generate structured bug report templates for Steam games. Covers report structure, Steam system info integration, crash dump guidance, known issues tracking, and forum integration. Use when setting up bug reporting workflows or helping players submit useful reports.
Automate Steam builds with SteamPipe CI/CD integration. Covers GitHub Actions, GitLab CI, and Jenkins pipelines for depot uploads, beta branch management, and Docker-containerized builds. Use when setting up automated Steam build pipelines or configuring CI/CD for Steamworks distribution.
Implement Steam Cloud save functionality. Covers ISteamRemoteStorage for manual cloud saves, Auto-Cloud configuration, conflict resolution, and quota management. Use when adding cloud save support to a game or debugging cloud sync issues.
Post-launch community management for Steam games. Covers announcements, events, discussion forum moderation, update post templates, and Community Hub configuration. Use when managing player communication, creating events, or setting up community channels.
| name | steam-anticheat-integration |
| description | Integrate anti-cheat solutions with Steam games. Covers EasyAntiCheat (EAC), BattlEye, and VAC setup, Proton/Linux compatibility, Steam Deck considerations, and custom anti-cheat patterns. Use when adding anti-cheat protection to a multiplayer Steam game. |
| standards-version | 1.10.0 |
Use this skill when the user:
| Solution | Type | Proton/Linux | Steam Deck | Cost | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| EasyAntiCheat (EAC) | Kernel + user mode | Supported (opt-in) | Supported (opt-in) | Free (via Epic) | Competitive MP, battle royale |
| BattlEye | Kernel + user mode | Supported (opt-in) | Supported (opt-in) | Paid license | Large-scale MP, MMOs |
| VAC | Server-side + client | Native support | Native support | Free (Valve) | Source/GoldSrc games, Steamworks titles |
| Custom | Varies | Developer-dependent | Developer-dependent | Development cost | Specific needs, lightweight protection |
| None | N/A | N/A | N/A | Free | Single-player, co-op, trust-based |
Setup:
#include "eac_sdk.h"
// Initialize EAC
EOS_AntiCheatClient_BeginSession(AntiCheatClientHandle, &Options);
// On game tick
EOS_AntiCheatClient_Poll(AntiCheatClientHandle);
// On disconnect
EOS_AntiCheatClient_EndSession(AntiCheatClientHandle);
Proton/Linux support:
Steam Deck:
Setup:
#include "BattlEye.h"
// Initialize
BEClient_Init(version, &callbacks);
// Game loop
BEClient_Run();
// Shutdown
BEClient_Shutdown();
Proton/Linux support:
VAC is Valve's built-in anti-cheat system. It's primarily used with Source engine games but can be enabled for any Steamworks title.
Setup:
// Mark server as VAC-secured
SteamGameServer()->SetSecure(true);
// Check if client is VAC-banned
bool banned = SteamGameServer()->BSecure();
Characteristics:
| Anti-Cheat | Deck Status | Action Required |
|---|---|---|
| EAC | Works | Enable Wine/Proton in EAC portal |
| BattlEye | Works | Contact BattlEye to enable Proton |
| VAC | Works | No action needed (server-side) |
| Custom kernel-level | Blocked | Will NOT work under Proton |
| Custom user-mode | May work | Test under Proton; avoid kernel calls |
Critical: Kernel-level anti-cheat that has NOT been updated for Proton will prevent your game from running on Steam Deck. This is the #1 cause of Deck verification failure for multiplayer games.
Do:
Don't:
Regardless of anti-cheat solution, always validate on the server:
// Validate Steam auth ticket
EBeginAuthSessionResult result = SteamGameServer()->BeginAuthSession(
authTicket, ticketSize, steamID);
if (result != k_EBeginAuthSessionResultOK) {
// Reject connection
}
// Validate gameplay data server-side
if (playerSpeed > MAX_ALLOWED_SPEED) {
// Flag or kick player
}
// Never trust client-reported values for:
// - Position/velocity
// - Health/damage
// - Score/currency
// - Inventory changes
| Resource | URL |
|---|---|
| EasyAntiCheat | https://dev.easy.ac/ |
| BattlEye | https://www.battleye.com/ |
| VAC | https://partner.steamgames.com/doc/features/anticheat |
| Proton Anti-Cheat | https://partner.steamgames.com/doc/steamdeck/proton |
| Deck Anti-Cheat Compat | https://areweanticheatyet.com/ |
User: "I'm making a competitive FPS. I need anti-cheat that works on Steam Deck. What should I use?"
Agent:
| Step | MCP Tool | Auth | Purpose |
|---|---|---|---|
| Verify app | steam_getAppDetails({ appid }) | None | Confirm game exists and check platform list |
Anti-cheat configuration requires the Steamworks Partner site and anti-cheat vendor portals — not available via MCP.
EasyAntiCheat folder must be bundled with your build. Missing files cause immediate crashes.