Careful — this popular new game is corrupting Steam Decks | Digital Trends
In the realm of handheld gaming PCs, the Steam Deck reigns supreme. However, a new challenger has emerged, not in the form of competition, but as a potential threat to the device’s integrity. A recent game launch, complete with native Linux support for the Steam Deck, has been causing quite a stir due to it corrupting installations on the gaming device, including both the standard and OLED versions of the Steam Deck.
The game in question, The Jackbox Megapicker, acts as a free launcher for various Jackbox party games, but it has unfortunately been linked to corrupted SteamOS installations. This issue was highlighted after numerous reports surfaced across Reddit and Discord, where users found their Steam Decks unresponsive post-installation. While the game itself doesn’t render the device unusable, it forces users into a cumbersome process of reinstalling SteamOS and erasing all stored data.
In response to the crisis, a quick fix has been deployed. It specifically involves setting the game to run through Proton by default, sidestepping the native Linux version that appears to be the culprit behind these corruptions. Despite this measure, the recommendation is to hold off on installing The Jackbox Megapicker altogether until a more permanent solution is devised.
The developers of the game have issued a cautious statement, advising against the game’s installation on the Steam Deck in light of these issues. They acknowledge the inconvenience and are urging users to steer clear of downloading The Jackbox Megapicker for the time being. An update to rectify the situation is anticipated, though no specific timeline has been provided.
The launch of The Jackbox Megapicker was intended to be a celebration, coinciding with a sale on all Jackbox titles on Steam. The notion of a launcher might seem convenient for managing multiple Jackbox games; however, the unforeseen consequences have raised alarms. Questions are being asked about how a seemingly harmless application could wreak such havoc on an entire operating system.
This incident is especially concerning given the popularity and widespread use of the Steam Deck among gaming enthusiasts. The fact that a single game’s launcher could lead to significant corruption issues is unprecedented. Valve, the creator behind Steam and the Steam Deck, has taken notice of the problem and is presumably investigating the cause, aiming to fortify SteamOS against similar vulnerabilities in the future.
For users who have already fallen victim to this issue, there is a lifeline. The Jackbox support team is on standby, ready to assist those affected in recovering from the unexpected disruption. While the situation is undeniably frustrating, it provides a crucial reminder of the delicate balance between software compatibility and system integrity—a balance that developers and platform creators are continually striving to maintain.
The community eagerly awaits further updates, hoping for both a resolution to the current predicament and strategies to prevent future incidents of this nature. In the meantime, caution is advised when exploring new content on the Steam Deck, highlighting the importance of community vigilance and developer responsiveness in the ever-evolving world of gaming technology.
