Valve recommends that users who downloaded PirateFe run a full system scan with anti-virus software and check for auspicious or newly installed software on their PPCs. As a last resort, Valve also recommends that users consider reinstalling Windows to completely rid their system of any potential malware.

The gaming giant told affected users: "Consider fully reformatting your operating system" © 2024 TechCrunch. All rights reserved. For personal use only.

This sort of thing is atypical for Steam. The automated systems for game updates can sometimes crash PCs when the updates are problematic, but so far Valve has done a very good job of keeping actual malware out of the Steam store. (Can’t say the same for Apple, Google, or Microsoft .)

In-game ads have now been officially banned from the popular gaming platform Steam, according to the new guidelines.

The free-to-play game, PirateFi, infects users with malware that steals browser cookies, enabling the malware’s creator to hijack access to various online accounts.

Valve takes down a malicious Steam game that was released last week, but any player who started the game will likely want to run a scan on their PC.

Valve has sent a warning email to users that installed removed game PirateFi on Steam, explaining that it included suspected malware.

Digital video game distributor Steam’s parent company, Valve, has removed the free-to-play game PirateFi from its Steam storefront just days after its release. This move follows word that its developer and publisher,