“This one is especially bad”: Steam game about mistreating ragdolls suffers second bout of mod-based malware this year
People Playground, a physics-based sandbox game on Steam, has had its Steam Workshop temporarily disabled following a malware incident involving user-created mods discovered on September 21st. Developer Mestiez announced the shutdown on September 22nd, urging all players who accessed the game with mods enabled that day to run antivirus scans immediately and refrain from launching the game until further notice.
This marks the second malware outbreak connected to People Playground mods in 2026, indicating a recurring security vulnerability in the mod distribution system. The incident highlights persistent challenges facing digital storefronts in preventing malicious content from reaching users through community-contributed materials, particularly in games where user-generated content is central to the experience.
People Playground’s Steam Workshop is the primary channel for sharing mods and custom content, making it essential to the game’s long-term appeal. The temporary closure significantly impacts player experience while the developer addresses the security breach.
While Mestiez has not disclosed detailed technical information about the malware’s nature or distribution method, the recurring incidents suggest systemic vulnerabilities in mod vetting and monitoring. The situation underscores the tension digital platforms face between fostering creative communities and safeguarding user security.