An August 2025 paper published in Frontiers in Psychology has raised significant concerns regarding the rise of right-wing extremism on the gaming platform Steam. The research, conducted by Alex Bradley-Newhouse and Rachel Kowert from the Universities of Colorado Boulder and Cambridge, reveals that neo-fascist groups are increasingly utilizing Valve’s platform to initiate “wars,” primarily aimed at recruiting new members and orchestrating harassment against various opposing entities.
Recruitment and Targeting Strategies
The study highlights a troubling trend where these extremist factions label their targets—ranging from other Steam communities to organizations like the Anti-Defamation League (ADL)—as “enemies,” while designating their allies as supportive groups. Bradley-Newhouse and Kowert assert that neo-fascism is gaining traction on Valve’s platform, pointing out that the existing moderation systems appear inadequate in curbing this alarming trend.
According to the researchers, Steam’s moderation efforts falter against bad actors who frequently create new accounts and cleverly obscure fascist-associated symbols through unique vernaculars. The study notes that members of these right-wing communities often share common interests and utilize rewards to entice other players into their circles.
Popular Games and Their Influence
When examining the gaming habits of these individuals, the researchers found that their libraries prominently feature some of Steam’s most popular titles, including Counter-Strike 2, Dota 2, and Wallpaper Engine. Interestingly, Hearts of Iron 4 stands out as a notable exception, attracting over 60,000 daily players compared to the staggering 1.4 million for CS2 and 800,000 for Dota 2. The game’s World War II theme, which allows players to assume the roles of Nazis and other fascist factions, is cited as a contributing factor to its popularity among these groups. Furthermore, the ability to create alternate historical narratives through mods may also facilitate the spread of extremist ideologies.
In response to these findings, PCGamesN has reached out to Paradox Interactive for comment and will provide updates as more information becomes available.
Challenges in Moderation
The study critiques Valve’s content moderation as being both inconsistent and insufficiently comprehensive. While various right-wing groups have faced bans, they often resurface shortly thereafter. In one instance, evading a ban is even celebrated within the group’s description as a tally of “wars won.” Another community has reportedly been banned eight times yet continues to reemerge with slightly altered language.
Despite a spike in bans following a 2024 report from the Anti-Defamation League, Bradley-Newhouse and Kowert contend that extremist groups remain easily discoverable through Steam’s social features. Valve has been contacted for comment; however, a post from the company dating back to 2018 indicates a longstanding policy of allowing a wide range of content on the Steam Store, only restricting what is deemed illegal or overtly trolling. This statement, while informative, raises questions about the evolution of moderation policies in the intervening years.
