The FBI (Federal Bureau of Investigation) is investigating multiple games available on Steam, Valve’s digital distribution platform, after discovering several titles contained malware. Steam processes an enormous amount of data each year, with downloads exceeding 100 exabytes annually, making comprehensive security checks a significant challenge.
An Inevitable Challenge
The platform’s large scale inevitably attracts malicious actors. The open nature of the Steam Workshop, for example, has previously allowed the spread of harmful content, including malware within mods for games like Schedule 1. Valve has also repeatedly removed games designed to defraud users, often disguised as legitimate titles intended to steal information or money. This highlights the ongoing need for vigilance within the gaming community.
The FBI announced on March 13, 2026, that it is investigating seven games on Steam suspected of harboring malware. The titles under scrutiny are BlockBlasters, Chemia, Dashverse/DashFPS, Lampy, Lunara, PirateFi, and Tokenova. The agency believes these cases may be connected and potentially managed by the same individual or group. The investigation aims to identify victims of the cyberattack, who may be eligible for compensation under U.S. Federal and state laws. This investigation underscores the growing threat of malware distribution through gaming platforms.
According to the FBI, the attacks primarily occurred between May 2024 and January 2026. BlockBlasters was previously flagged for allegedly draining cryptocurrency from a Twitch streamer. The FBI is requesting information from anyone who believes they were affected by the malware, including how they discovered the game, who recommended it, and any financial losses incurred. Some victims may be contacted for further details.
This investigation comes at a challenging time for Valve, as the company also faces legal action. On February 29, 2026, Fresh York Attorney General Letitia James filed a lawsuit alleging that loot boxes in games like Dota 2 and Team Fortress 2 constitute illegal gambling aimed at minors. The lawsuit seeks penalties of up to three times the revenue Valve generated from these mechanics. Valve is also facing separate lawsuits from the State of Washington regarding loot boxes and from the Performing Right Society of the United Kingdom over alleged copyright violations.
