Overview
While careful measures and general probability mean that exceptionally few video games have the potential to harm a user's computer, at the end of the day, any program can theoretically cause damage. In most cases, this is the result of included executables getting infected and shipping without the developer's knowledge, necessitating a recall or emergency patch. However, in some cases it can also result directly from developer oversight or malice.
Through Mishandled Protections
In some cases, malicious code finds its way into a video game through developers making misguided attempts to protect their game's code. This can take the form of security measures which introduce unintended security flaws, or as intentionally malicious programs attached in hopes of using them against potential cheaters or software pirates.
Street Fighter V
In September 2016, Capcom introduced a kernel-level driver to Street Fighter V on PC. The driver was designed to stop players from cheating in-game. However, weak security checks on the driver meant that it would theoretically run any code it was given, with kernel-level permission, essentially acting as a rootkit for every system it was installed on. Due to user backlash, the driver was removed from the game within the same month.
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