As the year slowly draws to a close and I was thinking about how to present you a summary of the current year and I came up with the idea of adding a statistics section[gameindustry.eu]to the project page.

There you now have the opportunity to quickly and clearly see what has happened or what has been added recently, both for the current year and retroactively.

First and foremost, I would like to thank everyone who has remained loyal to the group for a long time, as well as the members who joined us during the year and with whom i have exchanged ideas.

In 2025, a total of 275 people joined the group. 220 are still in the group today, while 78 have left. Of those, 23 of them were members of Penguin Domination only for a short time.

--

As the GameIndustry has evolved over the years in line with changing requirements, some entries are still marked with an invalid (placeholder) date. A date field for new and edited product entries was only introduced in 2021. I will correct these dates retroactively where possible (currently around 600 entries). In addition, there are still around 900 descriptions missing for game and software publisher, both in German and English.

The statistics do not include things like technical changes to the project page, even though they require a lot of work and time. You can also follow many details via the recent changes[gameindustry.eu] section. Various RSS feeds[gameindustry.eu] are also available to help you stay up to date. The group also has its own RSS function for announcements

Recent technical changes include, for example, a revision of the entire basic page structure and design, many textual content and database queries, which among other things results in performance improvements.

There have also been many small "quality-of-life" updates such as navigation aids, overlays, improvements to the responsive layout (mobile view), the technology section, the Steam library export function, product genres, the recently added privacy badge and the new autocomplete feature in the search.

Some of these are still in a testing phase and much more is planned.

In addition, as already communicated via artworks and status updates/announcements, own software projects are being further developed step by step, such as the latest updates to Steam Cleaner and Hosts Manager. Those who are only here for the reviews will have to continue to deal just with a few entries per year.

Updates to the filter lists are now rarely necessary. On the one hand, most areas are already covered and on the other hand, analyses and updates of this kind are difficult to carry out without compromising convenience and usability.

Suggestions for improvements, feedback and donations[gameindustry.eu] are (unfortunately) still quite rare. However, community feedback and suggestions from the friends list (FL) or via email have already been implemented many times and I hope to be able to continue improving the project with your help.

As you may have read recently, one of the latest successes was the deactivation of unnecessary Google queries in the Steam client.

Here, too, I would like to thank the community members who notified me about strange client behavior and posted my analysis in the beta forum. This made it possible to improve the data sovereignty of millions of Steam users in one fell swoop within a very short time.

There were also negative setbacks, such as the inappropriate insults and lies from the developer DoubleMoose Games and the publisher Focus Entertainment, which is now called PulluP Entertainment. Unfortunately, jurisdiction is unnecessarily complicated.

--

You can now access the statistics via the header menu on the project page.

Do you have any wishes for 2026 or suggestions for improvement for the group, reviews or content on the project page? Post them here.

--

I will be taking my leave from you for this year, using the time for personal matters and further background work. With that in mind, I wish you all the best. Enjoy the upcoming Steam sale, the holidays, Christmas (for those who celebrate it), and have a wonderful New Year.

https://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=3608562371
After the latest update of the Steam client, an analysis of the network connections shows that a huge part of the infrastructure is now routed through various Google services. Newly appearing in the active connections are components such as Google Optimization, Google Safe Browsing, Google Account and Google Autofill.

IP Addresses
IPv4: 108
IPv6: 8

Domains
Akamai Technologies: 12
Steamcontent: 8
Google 1e100.net: 77
Valve: 2
FastlyCDN: 2

Google Services

The requests appear to load technical models and security data. The Google account check verifies whether an account is stored in the local profile without transmitting account information. The Autofill services load model configurations used for detecting form fields. The Optimization Guide retrieves model information for performance and interface optimizations. Safe Browsing updates the local threat lists.

IP address, timestamp, TLS data, user agent, accept-language, accept-encoding, origin, host, connection, content-type, content-length, gpsia, source, json, X-Client-Data, key/API key, protobuf payload, X-Goog-Encode-Response-If-Executable, X-Goog-Api-Key, sec-fetch-site, sec-fetch-mode, sec-fetch-dest, request URL, query parameters, X-HTTP-Method-Override, Safe Browsing list IDs, Safe Browsing version states, Safe Browsing hash-range information, Safe Browsing delta-update requests.


"UGC" stands for "User-Generated Content", meaning content uploaded by users is stored in Google Cloud.

The *.gvt domains also belong to Google's infrastructure. They distribute various types of content such as update packages, extensions, media files and advertising videos across multiple platforms.

Some settings can be changed/adjusted/disabled in Steam, for example, under

chrome://flags/ for experimental settings such as WebRTC leaks, overlays
chrome://settings/ for privacy settings, cookies
chrome://history/ your browser history in Steam
chrome://device-log/ Log of all connected or disconnected devices

Unfortunately, not the basic behavior...

https://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=3609251822
A Valve employee has commented on lightwo's thread. The behavior is being reviewed again, and according to their own statement, unnecessary connections are to be reduced. Whether this will be implemented remains to be seen. The Steam client remains under observation.

Source:
https://steamcommunity.com/groups/SteamClientBeta/discussions/3/688615792191756981/#c688615792191838583

A new beta update for the Steam client was recently released. With this version, unnecessary Google queries have been disabled.

Beta Version Update:
https://steamcommunity.com/groups/SteamClientBeta/announcements/detail/599669707226744423

Confirmation:
https://steamcommunity.com/groups/SteamClientBeta/discussions/3/688615792191756981/?ctp=2#c688615792191914506

---

https://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=3608562371
Nach dem jüngsten Update des Steam-Clients zeigt die Analyse der Netzwerkverbindungen, dass ein erheblicher Teil der Infrastruktur nun über verschiedene Google-Dienste abgewickelt wird. In den aktiven Verbindungen erscheinen neuerdings Komponenten wie Google Optimization, Google Safe Browsing, Google Accounts und Google Autofill.

IP-Adressen
IPv4: 108
IPv6: 8

Domänen
Akamai Technologies: 12
Steamcontent: 8
Google 1e100.net: 77
Valve: 2
FastlyCDN: 2

Google-Dienste

Die Anfragen dienen soweit ersichtlich dem Nachladen technischer Modelle und Sicherheitsdaten. Die Google-Kontoabfrage überprüft, ob ein Konto im lokalen Profil hinterlegt ist, ohne Kontoinformationen zu übertragen. Die Autofill-Dienste laden Modellkonfigurationen, die zur Erkennung von Formularfeldern dienen. Der Optimization Guide bezieht Modellinformationen für Leistungs- und Interface-Optimierungen. Safe Browsing aktualisiert die lokalen Gefährdungslisten.

IP-Adresse, Zeitstempel, TLS-Daten, User-Agent, Accept-Language, Accept-Encoding, Origin, Host, Connection, Content-Type, Content-Length, gpsia, source, json, X-Client-Data, key/API-Key, Protobuf-Nutzlast, X-Goog-Encode-Response-If-Executable, X-Goog-Api-Key, Sec-Fetch-Site, Sec-Fetch-Mode, Sec-Fetch-Dest, Request-URL, Query-Parameter, X-HTTP-Method-Override, Safe-Browsing-Listen-IDs, Safe-Browsing-Versionsstände, Safe-Browsing-Hash-Range-Informationen, Safe-Browsing-Deltaupdate-Anforderung.


"UGC" steht für "User-Generated-Content", kurz, Dinge die Anwender hochladen, landet in der Google-Cloud.

Die *.gvt Domains gehören ebenfalls zur Google-Infrastruktur. Sie verteilen verschiedene Inhalte wie Update-Pakete, Erweiterungen, Mediendateien und auch Werbevideos auf zahlreichen Plattformen.

Einige Einstellungen können in Steam geändert/angepasst werden, zum Beispiel unter

chrome://flags/ für experimentelle Einstellungen wie WebRTC-Lecks, Overlays
chrome://settings/ für Datenschutzeinstellungen, Cookies
chrome://history/ euer Browserverlauf in Steam
chrome://device-log/ Log von allen angeschlossenen oder getrennten Geräten

Leider nicht das grundlegende Verhalten...

https://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=3609251822
Ein Mitarbeiter von Valve hat sich im Thread von lightwo geäußert. Das Verhalten wird erneut geprüft, und nach eigener Aussage sollen unnötige Verbindungen reduziert werden. Ob dies umgesetzt wird, ist offen. Der Steam-Client bleibt weiterhin unter Beobachtung.

Quelle:
https://steamcommunity.com/groups/SteamClientBeta/discussions/3/688615792191756981/#c688615792191838583

Vor kurzem wurde ein neues Beta-Update für den Steam-Client veröffentlicht. Mit dieser Version wurden unnötige Google-Abfragen deaktiviert.

Beta-Version-Update:
https://steamcommunity.com/groups/SteamClientBeta/announcements/detail/599669707226744423

Bestätigung:
https://steamcommunity.com/groups/SteamClientBeta/discussions/3/688615792191756981/?ctp=2#c688615792191914506

During the latest product test of Rise of the Penguins 2: Penguin's Dark Ascent, a new section called Privacy-Friendly Games was introduced for the review-curation.

From now on, titles that respect players’ privacy and can be enjoyed without hesitation will be featured here.

This also fulfills a long-standing community request that has finally become reality.

Games that minimize data collection and follow the principles of "privacy by design" are now presented in a separate category, making it easier for customers to find titles that respect their privacy while promoting the visibility of responsible developers.

If your game focuses on minimal data collection, user data protection and transparent development processes. The “Privacy-Friendly Games” section now offers the opportunity to have your product listed in this category after review.

A corresponding category will also be implemented soon on the project website gameindustry.eu

If your products have already been reviewed or are listed in the GameIndustry publisher database[gameindustry.eu] and the product behavior has changed in the meantime, please initiate contact via Steam Chat or directly through the project page.

The content will then be re-evaluated and any necessary updates will be applied to ensure the information remains accurate and up to date.

---

Während des letzten Produkttests von Rise of the Penguins 2: Penguin's Dark Ascent wurde ein neuer Bereich namens Privacy-Friendly Games für die Bewertung und Kuratierung eingeführt.

Von nun an werden hier Titel vorgestellt, die die Privatsphäre der Spieler respektieren und ohne Bedenken gespielt werden können.

Damit wird auch ein langjähriger Wunsch der Community erfüllt, der nun endlich Wirklichkeit geworden ist.

Spiele, die die Datenerfassung minimieren und den Grundsätzen des "Privacy by Design" folgen, werden nun in einer eigenen Kategorie vorgestellt, sodass Kunden leichter Titel finden können, die ihre Privatsphäre respektieren und gleichzeitig die Sichtbarkeit verantwortungsbewusster Entwickler fördert.

Wenn Ihr Spiel auf minimale Datenerfassung, den Schutz von Nutzerdaten und transparente Prozesse in der Entwicklung setzt, bietet die "Privacy-Friendly Games" Sektion ab jetzt die Möglichkeit, Ihr Produkt nach Prüfung in dieser Kategorie listen zu lassen.

Eine entsprechende Kategorie wird in Kürze auch auf der Projektwebsite gameindustry.eu implementiert.

Sollten bereits Produkte von euch bewertet worden sein oder sich in der GameIndustry Publisher Datenbank[gameindustry.eu] befinden und sich das Produktverhalten inzwischen geändert haben, nehmt bitte über den Steam-Chat oder direkt über die Projektseite Kontakt auf.

Der Inhalt wird dann erneut geprüft und gegebenenfalls aktualisiert, um sicherzustellen, dass die Informationen korrekt und aktuell bleiben.

Valve has introduced an age-verification requirement in the UK for Steam not long ago. Everyone should have realized that by now. It should also be clear that the trend does not stop in UK.

Users on Steam must now register a valid credit card to access or purchase mature-content games and visit associated community hubs. This measure complies with the UK’s Online Safety Act and is based on the assumption that only individuals aged 18 or older can obtain credit cards.

As the new worldwide flood (primarily driven from America, Australia and UK) of age verification services affects not only Steam, but also countless regular websites and services, a look at Australia is enough to bring further dangers into focus and show us what is still to come.

--

The Australian government commissioned an expert report on online age verification systems, prepared by the Age Check Certification Scheme (ACCS). From December 2025, visitors to social media in Australia will be required to present ID or undergo facial scans.

The government highlights the report as confirmation of its plans, stressing privacy protection. Reports found that some providers already store full biometric and ID data unnecessarily and even develop tools for authority access, confirming that privacy violations are not only a risk but already occurring.

Main findings

• The report does not assess whether age controls are the right tool to protect minors or whether providers' privacy promises are credible.
  
• It merely assesses whether the technologies are technically feasible and meet the standards.
  
• Danger to privacy and data protection through the unprovoked collection and use of biometric/personal data
  
• Biometric age estimation is unreliable, with higher error rates for women and minorities. Current systems can't accurately determine the age of minors up to legal limits.
  
• The report uses industry-friendly language, downplays the problems and emphasizes voluntary commitments without timelines.

The government's positive statements stand in contrast to the risks documented in the report, which were highlighted by independent media.

--

Steam customers who have to verify themselves just with a credit card have probably drawn the better cards, for now. Or not?

What do you think about this topic?

Sources EN:
https://help.steampowered.com/en/faqs/view/292B-3DA3-CFC8-97F6
https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2025/aug/31/age-assurance-technology-trial-report-australia-under-16-social-media-ban-some-errors-inevitable
https://www.infrastructure.gov.au/department/media/publications/age-assurance-technology-trial-final-report
https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/australian-report-raises-concerns-over-age-verification-software-ahead-teen-2025-09-01/

Quellen DE:
https://netzpolitik.org/2025/australisches-gutachten-anbieter-von-alterskontrollen-horten-biometrische-daten/

Dear Community,

The EU is once again discussing the so-called Chat Control Regulation (CSAM Regulation). This law would introduce mandatory surveillance of private communications, weaken end-to-end encryption and pave the way for a dangerous mass surveillance infrastructure.

The Council of the EU is about to decide on Chat Control (12 September: Member States’ position, 14 October: final vote).

Some facts about chat control:

• Violation of human dignity through automated total surveillance
  
• Undermining of professional confidentiality (lawyers, doctors, journalists, etc.)
  
• Weakening of encryption through the introduction of backdoors
  
• Authoritarian risks such as targeted expansion of surveillance against political opponents, activists, minorities
  
• Risk of data transfers and analysis under the US CLOUD Act and the EU–US Data Privacy Framework
  
• Danger of data misuse and data leaks
  
• Massive breaches of fundamental principles of data protection and civil rights
  
• One-sided and arbitrary surveillance of citizens while decision-makers remain unaffected
  
• Intrusion into device integrity and creation of serious security risks
  
• Malware-like distribution of state-mandated scanning software
  
• Major shift in the balance of power between state and citizens

As EU citizens, you have the possibility to take action. Through the platform https://fightchatcontrol.eu/ you can identify your representatives, contact them directly and urge them to vote against Chat Control.

Nothing less than your freedom, privacy and basic democratic rights are at stake. Let us prevent mass surveillance from becoming a reality in Europe.

Every voice matters.

---

Liebe Community,

die EU berät aktuell wieder über die sogenannte Chatkontroll-Verordnung (CSAM-Regulation). Dieses Gesetz würde eine verpflichtende Überwachung privater Kommunikation einführen, Ende-zu-Ende-Verschlüsselung schwächen und den Weg für eine gefährliche Massenüberwachungs-Infrastruktur ebnen.

Die Entscheidung zur Chatkontrolle im EU-Rat steht unmittelbar bevor (12. September: Position der Mitgliedsstaaten, 14. Oktober: finale Abstimmung)

Einige Fakten zur Chatkontrolle:

• Verletzung der Menschenwürde durch automatisierte Totalüberwachung
  
• Aushöhlung der beruflichen Vertraulichkeit (Anwälte, Ärzte, Journalisten usw.)
  
• Schwächung der Verschlüsselung durch die Einführung von Hintertüren
  
• Weitere autoritäre Entwicklungen wie gezielte Ausweitung der Überwachung auf politische Gegner, Aktivisten, Minderheiten
  
• Risiko von Datentransfers und Analysen im Rahmen des US CLOUD Act und des EU–US Data Privacy Framework
  
• Gefahr von Datenmissbrauch und Datenlecks
  
• Massive Verstöße gegen fundamentale Prinzipien des Datenschutzes und der Bürgerrechte
  
• Einseitige und willkürliche Überwachung von Bürgern, während Entscheidungsträger unberührt bleiben
  
• Eingriff in die Geräteintegrität und Schaffung gravierender Sicherheitsrisiken
  
• Malwareartige Verteilung staatlich verordneter Scan-Software
  
• Massive Verschiebung des Machtgleichgewichts zwischen Staat und Bürgern

Als Bürgerinnen und Bürger der EU habt ihr die Möglichkeit, aktiv zu werden. Über die Plattform https://fightchatcontrol.eu/ könnt ihr eure zuständigen Abgeordneten einsehen, direkt kontaktieren und sie auffordern, gegen Chatkontrolle zu stimmen.

Es geht um nichts Geringeres als eure Freiheit, Privatsphäre und demokratische Grundrechte aller. Lasst uns gemeinsam verhindern, dass Massenüberwachung in Europa Realität wird.

Jede Stimme zählt!