Steam has removed a game from its platform after discovering it included malware that siphoned funds from the cryptocurrency wallets of numerous players, as first reported by Bleeping Computer. The free 2D platformer called BlockBlasters allegedly stole more than $150,000, with one streamer losing $32,000 they had collected for cancer treatment.
According to a post by malware tracker vx-underground, scammers targeted certain streamers with a spearphishing campaign, enticing them into promoting the game for a fee. The post described the game as a “cryptodrainer” disguised as a genuine video game.
As Bleeping Computer mentions, BlockBlasters made its debut on Steam on July 30, eventually incorporating a cryptodrainer by August 30. Developed by Genesis Interactive, the game had over 200 glowing reviews. It largely went unnoticed until Latvian streamer Raivo Plavnieks (Rastaland.TV), who is battling stage 4 cancer, reported a $32,000 loss after downloading the game.
Steam has previously removed several games plagued with malware, including PirateFi, Sniper: Phantom’s Resolution, and Chemia. The platform took down BlockBlasters on September 21. An inquiry was made to Valve by The Verge for their comments, but there was no immediate response.
