Valve grants developers game ban powers

Developers now have the power to permanently ban players from their games on Steam if they show disruptive behaviour.

Studios and publishers will be allowed to implement their own systems to detect and ban users. Once the developer has informed Valve of a disruptive player in their game, such as those using cheats, Valve will then apply the ban to the user’s account.

The Steam firm said the decision rests solely with the developer, and it will enforce each ban as instructed.

It stated the rules were to ensure “the best possible online experience”.

It is unclear how Valve will handle disputed bans should players feel wrongfully accused of cheating or inappropriate behaviour, and how much evidence developers may need to ensure a ban sticks.