Antivirus detecting my game as malware

Help
,
1

Godot Version

4.6

Question

Hi !

Since I created a build of my game demo with Godot 4.6, several antiviruses detected it as a malware, something that didn’t happen with Godot 4.2.

Did someone have the same issue ?
And is there any solution ?

Thank you for your time !

2

Is the Embed PCK setting checked when you’re exporting? If so, try disabling it.
From the docs:

On Windows, PCK embedding is also known to cause false positives in antivirus programs. Therefore, it’s recommended to avoid using it unless you’re distributing your project via Steam as it bypasses code signing and antivirus checks.

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3

If that’s not it, just give it time. When a new version of Godot is released, it is untrusted even though it is signed until enough people have used it. Once enough people have run it, it becomes trusted in virus scanning databases. This happens with every new version.

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4

Yeah it’s common and quite uncontrollable. I even had a case when embedding the PCK “fixed” it.

The only guaranteed way, at least as far as windows defender goes, is to host on a “trusted” platform like Steam, if you can afford it.

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5

Thank you all for your answers !
As this demo if for Steam, I understand this false malware detection doesn’t matter at all.
If I ever intend to release my game elsewhere, I will try the Embed PCK tip.
But by then, this issue will surely be fixed with newer Godot version.

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6

It cannot really be fixed from Godot side. You as a developer need to buy a code sign certificate or host on a trusted platform. Both of which cost money. Steam fee is probably the least expensive option.

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7

Clearly, so I hope next time I post on this forum, this will be in the Showcase section ! ^^

1 Like