Sometimes the file is created on first run, other times it's hidden in a sub-folder, e.g. the one with DX etc redistributables, third times it's called runasadmin.vdf, or maybe even something else. It really depends on the game.

Regardless, in the vast majority of cases these scripts merely deal with the redistributables. If and when there are registry entries, the game rarely actually depends on them. For each game, you can parse the file yourself, using any old text editor and see what's going on.

And FFS, stop with the pointless DRM discussion. The trolls will keep at what they do, no need to keep feeding them. Learning tidbits about how Steam installs things, like the one above, will be much more helpful to people in making up their minds on these things than all the demagoguery in the world.