Valve removed the video game listing for Sniper: Phantom’s Resolution from its Steam storefront this week after user reports revealed that the title’s free demo was secretly installing malware on players’ computers.
How a Fake Shooter Turned Into a Malware Vector
Before its removal, Sniper: Phantom’s Resolution promised players “realistic [first-person shooter] mechanics, dynamic storytelling, and high-stakes missions,” according to an archive of its Steam page.
The first alarm bells sounded earlier this week from several users on Reddit who downloaded and technical-analyzed the file. While the game had a presence on Steam, the listing directed users to the developer’s external website, where the malicious demo executable was actually hosted.
Repeat Offenses Point to Platform Vetting Challenges
The game’s deletion from the store was first reported by TheGamer, highlighting a recurring security challenge for Valve’s digital marketplace.
Last month, Valve faced a nearly identical incident when it pulled a title named PirateFi. That listing turned out to be a delivery mechanism for an info-stealer—a type of malicious software specifically engineered to steal account credentials and passwords from infected machines.
Valve did not respond to a request for comment regarding the incident.
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