Digital video game distributor Steam’s parent company, Valve, has removed the free-to-play game PirateFi from its Steam storefront just days after its release. This move follows word that its developer and publisher, a studio called Seaworth Interactive, incorporated malware into specific builds. The Steam team has begun reaching out to gamers they believe may be affected by the malware, though the short-lived pirate sim’s SteamDB page shows it peaked at just five concurrent users and 165 followers. SteamDB findings also show that the service, a platform used by tens of millions of gamers globally, has released nearly 2,000 titles since January 1, 2025, an overwhelming figure that likely contributes to some releases’ ability to slip malicious content through the cracks.

One disheartening review from Steam user BoboVsTheWrld details their PirateFi experience, revealing their decision to download the title “ran [their] Steam wallet dry.” They explained: “So i downloaded the game the day it came out while i was bored i tried to turn the game on but it wouldn’t start so i deleted it. Well a few days later someone started buying dota skins or like add ons (idk i never played it) and now my money is gone and steam support said they cant do anything about it lmao it is what it is i guess [sic]”

According to one post in Reddit’s Steam subreddit, users believed to be impacted by the malware received a foreboding direct message from Steam. “The Steam account of the developer for this game uploads builds to Steam that contained suspected malware,” it reads. “The builds containing the suspected malware have been removed from Steam, but we strongly encourage you to run a full-system scan using an antivirus product that you trust or use regularly, and inspect your system for unexpected or newly installed software. You may also consider fully reformatting your operating system to ensure that no malicious software remains on your machine.”

PirateFi appeared to draw inspiration from successful seafarer simulators like Sea of Thieves. Its Steam bio urged fans to “Dive into PirateFi, a thrilling survival game set in a vibrant, low-poly world where you can choose to play solo or with others in multiplayer mode.” Despite a fully fleshed-out listing on Steam, the studio purportedly behind the title has no traceable social media presence. For more information on how to identify suspicious files before you click “install,” check out our article detailing the rise of “shovelware.”