(often written as steam_api.dll ) is a dynamic link library file provided by Valve for game developers. It acts as the bridge between Black Ops 2 and the Steam client. It handles:
Install the game outside of Program Files . black ops 2 cannot create steam-api.dll
Some users need to give Steam itself permission: (often written as steam_api
To understand why Black Ops II suffers from this specific error more than other titles of its era, one must look at the intersection of "Write Permissions" and "Heuristic Scanning." Some users need to give Steam itself permission:
There is a special kind of frustration reserved for a Saturday night gaming session. You’ve just convinced your old squad to reinstall Call of Duty: Black Ops 2 . The nostalgia is high. You’re ready to quickscope on Hijacked or hold down the radar dome on Raid. You click "Play," your heart races, and then... nothing.
Check your or Protection History to see if steam_api.dll was already removed; if so, select Restore . 3. Verify Game Integrity If you are using the official version on Steam: Steam_api.dll errors and how to fix it - ThinkMobiles
This is the most common fix. Running as Administrator gives the processes the elevated rights needed to create or write DLL files.