Corrupted or missing DLLs (like steam_api.dll ) can trigger this error. Steam can automatically scan and replace these. Open your . Right-click DmC: Devil May Cry and select Properties . Navigate to the Installed Files tab. Click Verify integrity of game files . 3. Delete the ClientRegistry.blob File
Antivirus software falsely flags the game's executable. Top Fixes for "DmC: Devil May Cry Steam Must Be Running"
: Right-click Steam.exe and select Run as Administrator . Do the same for the game's executable ( DMC-DevilMayCry.exe ) found in the game’s installation folder. Verify Game Integrity : Open Steam Library . Right-click DmC: Devil May Cry > Properties . Select Installed Files > Verify integrity of game files .
The error can arise from several different causes, including: Corrupted or missing DLLs (like steam_api
: Turn off the Steam Overlay or third-party overlays like Discord or RivaTuner, which can sometimes interfere with the game's initial startup sequence . DMC Devil May Cry - Steam must be running to play this game
Then restart Steam.
We have collected data from Reddit, the ProtonDB community, and Steam forums. Here is the order of operations that works for 99% of users. Right-click DmC: Devil May Cry and select Properties
If you are trying to launch Capcom's stylish hack-and-slash action game on PC and get hit with the error, you are not alone. This frustrating issue typically occurs when the game executable fails to communicate with your active Steam client, often due to corrupted application files, background process glitches, administrative permission conflicts, or overzealous antivirus software interference.
Each solution targets a specific root cause of the error:
This is a "pro tip" for older Capcom titles on Steam. It forces the game to recognize its own ID. : In Steam
: In Steam, go to Settings > Downloads and click Clear Download Cache . 4. Compatibility Mode (Windows 10/11)
If this sounds too technical, a simpler "nuclear" option is to uninstall the game, then manually delete the game's folder (e.g., ...\steamapps\common\DmC Devil May Cry ) to ensure all old files are gone, then reinstall the game from Steam.