Steam
Steam business and news from across the web.- NO MORE BLIND SPOTS. ROKKY LAUNCHES NEW TOOL FOR GAMES STUDIOS TO MANAGE STATUS OF STEAM KEYSPC game distribution platform Rokky has launched the Steam Key Checker, a free tool designed to help game studios manage and track the activation status of their Steam keys. This new service aims to combat gray market sales by providing visibility into unredeemed keys, allowing publishers to revoke them safely and prevent revenue loss. The tool runs as a browser extension and does not share publisher credentials with Rokky.
The new Epic Games Launcher might not suck so much thanks to 'ground-up' rebuild with 5–6.5x improved performance—still a long way to catch up with SteamEpic Games is rebuilding its PC launcher from the ground up, promising significant performance improvements including a 5-6.5x faster startup time. The redesign aims to enhance user experience with features like personalized recommendations, improved browsing, and detailed product pages, drawing comparisons to Valve's Steam platform.
Adult Gaming Backlog: The 2026 Data | TAGAnalysis of public Steam profiles in 2024 reveals that the median player has over half their game library unplayed, with an average unplayed share of 51.5%. This suggests many players are collectors who occasionally play games rather than active gamers with a backlog problem. The trend is also observed in the board game community.
This Google Chrome extension warns you about Steam games are made with generative AIA new Google Chrome extension called 'AI warning for Steam' helps users identify games on Steam that disclose the use of generative AI in their development. The extension alerts users with a pop-up detailing the AI usage, allowing them to decide whether to proceed with viewing the game's page. This tool addresses Valve's requirement for developers to disclose AI usage, which is often buried deep within game descriptions.
Steam Hardware Survey finally shows AMD GPUs properly, and the results are unexpectedThe latest Steam Hardware Survey for June 2024 now accurately reflects AMD GPU usage, showing a significant increase in AMD's overall market share to 19.1%. While AMD's Radeon RX 9070 XT is the most popular AMD card, Nvidia continues to dominate the top positions with its GeForce RTX series, particularly the RTX 3060.
'Great job, scammers': Valve is officially done with Steam physical gift cards thanks to fraudsters — and it could be the start of a frustrating trendValve is discontinuing its physical Steam gift cards due to widespread fraud and scams. Scammers have adapted to exploit the system, leading Valve to make the difficult decision to cease restocking physical cards once current inventory runs out. This move has frustrated users who will now primarily rely on digital gift cards.
Valve confirms it won't restock Steam Gift CardsValve has confirmed it will no longer restock physical Steam Gift Cards at retail locations, with current stock expected to run out by the end of 2026. The decision comes as scammers have increasingly exploited gift cards as a method for fraudulent activities, a problem Valve has been unable to fully mitigate despite various countermeasures.
Valve Discontinuing Physical Steam Gift Cards Because of ScammersValve is discontinuing the sale of physical Steam gift cards after 14 years due to persistent issues with scammers. Despite efforts to combat fraud, the company found it impossible to keep up with fraudulent schemes. Physical gift cards will cease production, and existing stock will be depleted by the end of 2026, with Valve exclusively offering digital gift cards through its storefront moving forward.- Danger ZoneValve is discontinuing physical Steam gift cards due to their misuse by scammers. The company cited instances where scammers used these cards to defraud individuals, such as tricking them into believing they needed to purchase gift cards to bail out relatives.
Physical Steam Gift Cards Are Being Killed Off Due To Rampant ScammersValve is discontinuing the distribution of physical Steam gift cards due to rampant scams, with retailers expected to run out of stock by 2026. The company has attempted various anti-scam measures but found them ineffective. Digital gift cards will continue to be available, and existing physical cards will remain valid.
Physical Steam gift cards are being ended by Valve because scammers keep using them to trick peopleValve is discontinuing physical Steam gift cards due to their frequent use by scammers to defraud individuals. Despite various implemented restrictions and warnings, scammers have continued to adapt, leading Valve to make the decision to end the retail gift card program. Physical gift cards currently in stock are expected to sell out by the end of 2026, after which digital gift cards will be the only option.
Valve to no longer offer physical gift cards due to scammersValve is discontinuing physical Steam gift cards due to ongoing issues with scammers who exploit them. While current stock will be sold off, Valve will not be restocking retailers and expects them to be out of stock by the end of 2026. Digital Steam gift cards will remain available.
With a lot of events and announcements this week - Valve make it easier to followValve has launched a new Steam Summer Showcase page to help users track the numerous gaming events and announcements occurring during the Summer Game Fest period. The article lists several upcoming showcases, including The Mix Summer Game Showcase, Black Voices in Gaming, Latin American Games Showcase, Summer Game Fest, PC Gaming Show, and more, highlighting the dense schedule of reveals.- Ludeo Opens Indie Dev Program Offering Instant Playable Game Discovery, Creator Grants, and Up to $10K for Top CampaignsLudeo has launched its Indie Program, an initiative designed to help independent game developers leverage creator content for instant game discovery. The program allows players to jump directly into playable gameplay moments from creator clips without downloads. Indie developers can apply until June 15, with top campaigns eligible for up to $50,000 in creator marketing support.
New Windows 11 update will actually make your PC fasterA new Windows 11 update, KB5089573, is designed to improve PC performance by optimizing application launches and core system experiences. Microsoft is implementing 'Low Latency Profiles' to boost CPU frequency during app opens, potentially making them up to 40% faster. The update also includes reliability improvements and aims to bring Windows 11 performance closer to that of SteamOS.- How To Play Non-Steam Games With A Steam Controller On PCThis guide explains how to use a Steam Controller with games not purchased through Steam on PC. It details adding non-Steam executables to your library and using tools like UWPhook for Universal Windows Platform (UWP) applications, enabling Steam Input and the Steam Overlay for a unified gaming experience.
- Weekend PC Download Deals: Steam Deckbuilders FestSteam is hosting a Deckbuilders Fest, offering special download deals on PC. This event allows players to assemble their decks and engage in gaming this weekend.
- How to reserve a Steam ControllerValve has opened reservations for the Steam Controller, allowing Steam users to secure one of the upcoming input devices. Further details on pricing and availability are expected soon.
Steam Controller (2026) – 15 Important Things to Know Before BuyingValve's new Steam Controller is set to launch on May 4th, offering significant improvements over its 2015 predecessor. Key features include responsive TMR sticks, dual trackpads, Grip Sense gyro, and extensive customization via the Steam Input Configurator. Priced at $99, it is designed primarily for Steam users and is not compatible with existing consoles.
The Steam Controller Is Already Being Scalped For Triple The PriceValve's new Steam Controller sold out immediately upon release, leading to scalpers reselling the device for triple its retail price of $99 on platforms like eBay. Valve has acknowledged the high demand and is working to increase stock, but potential buyers are advised to act quickly to avoid inflated prices. The controller is designed for use with the entire Steam library across various platforms including PC, Steam Deck, and Steam Machine.