SMS Verification for Steamworks Accounts: What Developers Need to Know
Key Highlights :
Starting October 24, 2023, developers using Steamworks will need to register a phone number in order to update their game or add new users to their account. This new security measure from Valve, the company behind Steam, is meant to add an extra layer of protection against malicious activity.
In an effort to protect their users, Valve will now require that developers have a phone number associated with their account before publishing new versions of their game or adding new users to the account. When updating a game, Steam will text users a confirmation code that needs to be inputted in order to proceed. For adding new accounts, the main admin account will need to input the code before sending an invite to a new user.
This change is part of a larger security update from Valve that is meant to protect users from malicious activity. As the company noted, "any Steamworks account setting builds live on the default/public branch of a released app will need to have a phone number associated with their account, so that Steam can text you a confirmation code before continuing."
The use of SMS verification is not a new concept, but it has been controversial in the gaming community. Last year, Blizzard Entertainment implemented an SMS Protect system for their games Overwatch and Diablo III, where players had to register their phone number in order to access multiplayer. This system caused issues for those with shared or no personal phone, leading Blizzard to eventually remove the requirement for most Overwatch players.
The FTC is also looking into the use of facial recognition for verification purposes. The Privacy-Protective Facial Age Estimation proposal would require individuals to take a picture and submit it for verification, after which the photo would be immediately deleted. This is meant to benefit adults and legal guardians, particularly those without a government ID.
Valve noted that the SMS verification method will eventually be standard for other Steamworks features. Those who don't have a phone number to receive text messages will need to get one if they ever want to add users to an account or update their game. Developers should be sure to add a phone number to their account before October 24, 2023, in order to avoid any delays or issues.
