LONG WINAPI MyCustomCrashHandler(struct _EXCEPTION_POINTERS* ExceptionInfo)
Steam’s automatic crash handler (enabled via SteamAPI_Init ) often suffices for generic crashes. Use WriteMiniDump only if you have specific "Watchdog" threads detecting freezes or if you are implementing your own crash reporting UI (e.g., a "Game Crashed, Send Report?" dialog).
: Use SteamAPI_SetMiniDumpComment to include contextual data, such as the current game state, map, or player ID. Conclusion
This function captures the internal state of a game at the moment of a crash, including the call stack CPU registers exception codes SteamAPI WriteMiniDump
: The game executes optional contextual logging via SteamAPI_SetMiniDumpComment to bake relevant live environmental stats directly into the file headers.
SteamAPI_WriteMiniDump is a core utility function within Valve’s Steamworks API Framework designed to capture, record, and upload user-mode crash minidumps.
This post breaks down what this function does, how it fits into the Steam ecosystem, and how developers use it to keep their games running smoothly. What is SteamAPI_WriteMiniDump? Conclusion This function captures the internal state of
: Increment the uBuildID parameter with every build pushed to QA testing or public distribution. This lets you quickly filter out historical bugs that were already patched in a previous update.
The function is defined in the Steamworks SDK (specifically within isteamutils.h and implemented via the ISteamUtils interface). The standard signature is as follows:
Someone had weaponized Steam’s own crash reporter. What is SteamAPI_WriteMiniDump
What are you using? (C++, Unity, Unreal Engine?) Do you need an automated way to upload dumps to a server ? Are you targeting Linux / Steam Deck users as well?
. Native Unix/Linux environments rely on distinct mechanisms ( coredump / breakpad ). Architecture Scope