Technical Proposal for Valve: Universal Local Anti-Cheat Runtime (ULACR)

1. Executive Summary

Traditional anti-cheat systems are becoming increasingly inadequate against growing cheat complexity and user privacy concerns. Kernel-level anti-cheat solutions pose serious problems regarding user security, operating system compatibility, and the Proton/Steam Deck ecosystem.

This report proposes a new approach for Valve's ecosystem:

→ An in-game mini-server anti-cheat system that runs on the player's computer, does not require kernel-level access, and is based on behavioral analysis and SQM (Statistical Query Model).

This system:

• Eliminates the need for kernel-level anti-cheat.
• Provides 100% compatibility with Linux/Steam Deck/Proton.
• Offers a single security platform that all games can share.
• Reduces anti-cheat development costs for companies.
• Maximizes user privacy and system security.

2. Problem Definition

Current anti-cheat systems face the following challenges:

2.1. Kernel-Level Anti-Cheat Problems

• Requires kernel drivers that threaten user security.
• Has low compatibility on Proton and Steam Deck.
• Risks system stability and privacy.

2.2. Server-Side Analysis Insufficiency

• Requires high server costs for all behavioral analysis.
• Micro-input anomalies cannot be detected due to latency.

2.3. Game-Specific Anti-Cheat Solutions are Fragmented

• Each game uses a different anti-cheat system.
• Integration is costly for developers.
• Complex compatibility issues arise on the user side.

3. Proposed Solution: Universal Local Anti-Cheat Runtime (ULACR)

The proposed model is an independent mini-server running on the player's device.

3.1. Core Principles

• No kernel access required.
• Operates independently of the game.
• Does not conflict with other applications.
• All games can connect via a common API.
• Analysis is performed locally, making it both fast and secure.

3.2. Working Structure

• When the user starts a game, the ULACR daemon runs in the background.
• The game engine sends all input/camera/network data to the ULACR API.
• ULACR performs the following analyses:
  • Micro-timing jitter analysis (SQM)
  • Camera movement curve analysis
  • Detection of inhuman movements
  • Detection of excessively flawless input behavior
  • Wallhack behavior profiles
• ULACR identifies anomalies in real-time.
• If a critical anomaly is detected, the game session is blocked.

3.3. Advantages

• No privacy risk as it does not use the kernel.
• Works seamlessly with Steam Deck, Proton, and Linux.
• Game studios do not have to write their own anti-cheats.
• Server costs are minimal (analysis is done on the player's computer).
• Pirated versions cannot run (Valve-signed distribution).

4. Architectural Design

4.1. Layer Model

• ULACR Daemon (signed by Valve)
• Behavioral Analysis Engine (closed source)
• Game-Integration API (open source)
• SQM-Based Micro-Analysis Layer
• Steam/Proton Interface

5. Security Model

5.1. Parts That Should Remain Closed Source

• Correlation algorithms
• Cheat detection logic
• SQM jitter profile definitions
• Manipulation protection layer

5.2. Parts That Should Be Open Source

• API documentation
• Steam/Proton integration layer
• Security protocol definitions

This way, community transparency is ensured while cheat developers cannot access the detection logic.

6. Why Is This Suitable for the Steam Ecosystem?

• Fully compatible with Steam Deck.
• Completely eliminates Proton compatibility issues.
• Reduces integration costs for developers.
• Increases trust in the Steam platform.
• A modern anti-cheat model that respects user privacy.

7. Conclusion

This proposal offers Valve a long-term and sustainable anti-cheat solution for its ecosystem. Considering the security and compatibility issues created by kernel-level anti-cheat systems, the ULACR model is a safer, faster, privacy-friendly, and platform-expansion-friendly alternative.

This system could provide a significant transformation for players, developers, and Valve's ecosystem alike.

8. Additional Items That Can Be Prepared

• Technical architectural diagram
• Flowchart
• Deployment roadmap
• API prototype examples

If you wish, I would be happy to prepare these.
(Tuncor)
(note : ularc is a name suggestion. If you find another name, you can use it for this idea.)