SteamAPI_WriteMiniDump is your "black box" flight recorder. For indie devs and AAA studios alike, it bridges the gap between a frustrated user's bug report and a definitive code fix. By integrating it early in your development cycle, you ensure that when things go wrong, you have the data you need to make them right.
LONG WINAPI CrashHandler(EXCEPTION_POINTERS* pExceptionInfo)
The function is defined in the Steamworks SDK (specifically within isteamutils.h and implemented via the ISteamUtils interface). The standard signature is as follows:
Dumps are uploaded to your Steamworks dashboard under Reports > Crash Reports . 2. Basic Syntax The function signature in steam_api.h is: SteamAPI WriteMiniDump
Minidumps can occasionally capture snippets of memory containing sensitive info. Steam handles this securely, but be aware of GDPR/privacy regulations if you plan to move these files to your own servers.
The WriteMiniDump function in the Steam API is a debugging tool that allows developers to generate a mini-dump file for a specific process. This file contains information about the process's memory, threads, and other relevant data, which can be used to diagnose and troubleshoot issues.
You must:
Pro Tip: Ensure you have your saved for every build you release. A minidump is virtually useless without the corresponding symbols to translate memory addresses back into readable function names. Best Practices
// Use build number as uBuildID for tracking SteamAPI_WriteMiniDump(nExceptionCode, pException, BUILD_NUMBER);
Only trigger a minidump for fatal, unrecoverable crashes. Generating dumps for minor logic errors will clutter your users' hard drives and your bug tracker. SteamAPI_WriteMiniDump is your "black box" flight recorder
If multiple games show the same error, the Steam client service may be corrupted.
: Ensure your uBuildID is less than 10,000,000 , as larger values can cause the reporting system to fail. Viewing the Reports
The response should be formal yet accessible, suitable for developers seeking to implement or understand this Steamworks feature. I will cite the relevant sources from the Steamworks documentation and related GitHub issues. Basic Syntax The function signature in steam_api
Below is an engineering example demonstrating how to correctly hook up the Win32 _set_se_translator loop to trigger minidumps: