It would be fine IF iOS allowed other app stores to compete with their own. This is why it’s fine when steam does it, because the game developers can always go to GOG or Epic or itch if they want
You cannot generate Steam codes and sell them on alternative storefronts for less than you would sell them for on Steam for a similar length of time.
There is absolutely no rule saying that you cannot sell your game on alternative store fronts for less. There isn’t even a rule saying that you can’t sell Steam keys on alternative store fronts for less than you are currently selling them of Steam. Just not always selling Steam keys on alternative store fronts without at least sometimes selling them for that price on Steam.
I don’t think that’s a fair categorisations. I believe that is only for selling steam keys elsewhere.
Steam allows publishers to generate steam keys for their games at no cost. The publisher can then sell those keys elsewhere. The only requirement is the keys not be sold for less than the price charged on steam. ie if the publisher can sell the key on any other platform and valve gets $0.
Expecting valve to distribute your game and provide access to their steam works features for free while allowing a publisher to undercut them would be insanity.
Steam Keys are single-use, unique, alphanumeric codes that customers can activate on Steam to add a product license to their account. Steam Keys are a free service we provide to developers as a convenient tool to help you sell your game on other stores and at retail, or provide for free for beta testers or press/influencers. Steam keys are a free service, so we ask you to use good judgment and follow basic guidelines and rules around requesting and selling them.
Geoblocking keys within the EU market was deemed illegal, the key reselling policy wasn’t. It doesn’t seem unfair either as Steam allows developers to create keys for free. If they were to allow cheaper sales elsewhere, how would they keep the lights on?
Valve policy states you cannot undercut the base price on another site, sales happen all the time on GOG and Epic that do not happen on Valve. The steam keys mean the developer cannot resell the keys at a lower cost since it provides access to Steam features such as the workshop and cloud storage.
You also do not need to use Steam, Steam OS and Steam Deck are completely open source with alternative game stores, the 30% cut you give Steam is entirely voluntary.
It would be fine IF iOS allowed other app stores to compete with their own. This is why it’s fine when steam does it, because the game developers can always go to GOG or Epic or itch if they want
Steam has the biggest reach and has a Most Favored Nation policy. If you offer your product cheaper anywhere else, you’ll be exiled from Steam.
It’s required. And they’ll charge whatever the fuck they want and you’ll pay it. Otherwise, you’re never selling your game outside of your family.
This is completely incorrect.
The rule is that
There is absolutely no rule saying that you cannot sell your game on alternative store fronts for less. There isn’t even a rule saying that you can’t sell Steam keys on alternative store fronts for less than you are currently selling them of Steam. Just not always selling Steam keys on alternative store fronts without at least sometimes selling them for that price on Steam.
There’s a effective rule. It’s not written, because it could lead to legal trouble, but they’ll enforce it anyway.
https://www.lawinc.com/valve-steam-antitrust-lawsuit-pc-gaming
That PR site is NOT what is actually being sued.
https://arstechnica.com/gaming/2021/04/humble-bundle-creator-brings-antitrust-lawsuit-against-valve-over-steam/
The actual suit complains that you can’t resell keys for less.
As part of a larger suit.
I don’t think that’s a fair categorisations. I believe that is only for selling steam keys elsewhere.
Steam allows publishers to generate steam keys for their games at no cost. The publisher can then sell those keys elsewhere. The only requirement is the keys not be sold for less than the price charged on steam. ie if the publisher can sell the key on any other platform and valve gets $0.
Expecting valve to distribute your game and provide access to their steam works features for free while allowing a publisher to undercut them would be insanity.
https://partner.steamgames.com/doc/features/keys
I was speaking of selling. Nothing to do with steam keys.
Yes, we know.
And you are wrong.
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Geoblocking keys within the EU market was deemed illegal, the key reselling policy wasn’t. It doesn’t seem unfair either as Steam allows developers to create keys for free. If they were to allow cheaper sales elsewhere, how would they keep the lights on?
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That is exactly what is happening though?
“It is important that you don’t give Steam customers a worse deal than Steam Key purchasers.” https://partner.steamgames.com/doc/features/keys#%3A~%3Atext=It+is+important+that+you+don’t+give+Steam+customers+a+worse+deal+than+Steam+Key+purchasers.
Valve policy states you cannot undercut the base price on another site, sales happen all the time on GOG and Epic that do not happen on Valve. The steam keys mean the developer cannot resell the keys at a lower cost since it provides access to Steam features such as the workshop and cloud storage.
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You also do not need to use Steam, Steam OS and Steam Deck are completely open source with alternative game stores, the 30% cut you give Steam is entirely voluntary.
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