What do most games use the "steam_api.dll" / "steam_api64.dll" for ?

[link]

I tried looking it up and found absolutely no answer.

[Brujeira]

So that they can interact with the Steam client itself?

[Phantom]

Sometimes it's best to stay in the dark especially when it's nothing to worry about.

[The HopelessGamer™]

My guess is games need the steam api to utilize certain features of steam... Such as... bans, leaderboards... etc etc.

[trans-serif]

I guess it's required to connect somehow to the steam servers/client

[VaLiuM]

The Steamworks API allows your game to take full advantage of Steam by accessing all of the underlying systems provided through the API. This includes things such as pausing your game when the user opens the Steam Overlay, inviting friends to play, allowing players to unlock Steam Achievements, letting players compete on the Steam Leaderboards and much more.

https://partner.steamgames.com/doc/sdk/api