Source code for Counter-Strike: Global Offensive (CS:GO) and Team Fortress 2 (TF2) has leaked, which could result in increased cheating, unwanted exploits, RCE hacks and malware. 

Valve, the games’ publisher and developer, confirmed that these source code leaks are real, and they are aware of the situation according to WIRED. The source code that was leaked for CS:GO was from a 2017 build of the game, and the source code for TF2 was from a 2011 build. The TF2 code came from within the CS:GO leak. 

CS:GO has over 1 million players logging in daily, and has a huge esports scene. Players for this leak will affect competitive play in these games, and may prevent potential players from buying the game if it is insecure.

Cheat-makers and malware developers rely on games’ source code to identify exploits and design software that modifies the gaming experience. For that reason source codes are normally very protected and controlled on who has access. Usually only people such as engine license and Valve employees have access. 

Tyler McVicker, who runs a youtube channel called ValveNEwsNetwork, says that a small group of people gained unauthorized access to the code since 2018 (which Valve confirmed) but attempted to keep it contained and secret. However on Tuesday, April 21 a member of that group leaked the code widely as a retribution to getting removed from a  discord group. 

“We have not found any reason for players to be alarmed or avoid the current builds,” a Valve representative told WIRED.

Although Valve is reassuring players that the game is safe, they are recommending that players only play on official servers for the best security available.