Stellar Blade: Nikke launcher security incident

Incident details

The security issue was identified as a compromise of Nikke's PC launcher by a third party, which may have allowed the execution of malicious programs. The developers stated that the launcher files had been modified, thus exposing players' PCs and account information to security risks.

Players who have launched the game since 27 September at 15:41 (UTC+9) are particularly affected and are advised to take measures to protect their data. An update has been deployed to resolve the issue, but players are nonetheless recommended to check their system's security.

Impact on PC gamers

For Nikke PC players, this incident means they need to take precautions to ensure the security of their data. Players who have used the launcher since the specified date must perform a security check to detect and remove any malicious program that may have been installed. A feature has been added to the official Nikke PC client to facilitate this check.

It is also recommended that players change the passwords of their accounts and generate new API keys and access tokens for external accounts used on the affected PC. These measures aim to minimise security risks and protect players' personal information.

Background and connection to Stellar Blade

Shift Up, the studio behind Nikke, is also known for its work on Stellar Blade. Although the security incident specifically concerns Nikke, it raises questions about the security of games developed by Shift Up. Stellar Blade, which has been announced for release on Switch 2, has received positive comments for its graphics rendering and smoothness, but this incident could have an impact on player trust in Shift Up's productions.

Reactions and technical details

The developers of Nikke have expressed regret over the incident and ensured that measures are being taken to prevent such issues in the future. The addition of a security check feature to Nikke's official PC client demonstrates their willingness to quickly resolve the issue and protect players.

The technical details of the incident, such as how the launcher files were compromised, are not yet clear. However, it is evident that the developers are taking the incident very seriously and are working to improve the security of their game to prevent such problems from happening again.