Digital Distribution
Ongoing coverage on Digital Distribution.
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Steam's tired of gift card scams, so it's killing them off for good
Valve is discontinuing the sale of Steam gift cards at retail stores due to ongoing scams. Despite implementing various preventative measures since 2012, scammers continue to exploit the untraceable nature of gift cards to defraud customers. The company expects gift cards to exit circulation by the end of 2026, though unredeemed cards will remain usable.
Valve won't let retailers stock physical Steam gift cards anymore because "scammers have adapted" to whatever security measures they've tried
Valve has decided to discontinue the sale of physical Steam gift cards in retail stores due to ongoing issues with scammers adapting to security measures. While digital gift cards will remain available, the cessation of physical cards means an end to using trade-in credit for gift cards and limits options for purchasing Steam currency. Valve expects existing stock to be depleted by the end of 2026.
Valve to no longer offer physical gift cards due to scammers
Valve 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.
Kingdom Hearts Cloud Versions Shut Down Today, And You’ll Have To Buy New Versions To Keep Playing
Square Enix is delisting the cloud versions of Kingdom Hearts games on Nintendo Switch today, June 9, requiring players to purchase new digital versions to continue playing. Owners of cloud versions are eligible for a 50% discount on the new Switch and Switch 2 digital releases, with save data transferable to the Switch 2 versions. Kingdom Hearts 4 was also teased for a simultaneous release on Nintendo Switch 2, PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S.
Kingdom Hearts Collection requires 131GB of storage on Nintendo Switch 2
The Kingdom Hearts Collection will require a substantial 131GB of storage space on the Nintendo Switch. The collection, which includes all the games, is priced at $75 and will be available for digital download.
Kingdom Hearts Cloud Version Switch Games Delisted
Square Enix has delisted the cloud versions of four Kingdom Hearts titles from the Nintendo Switch, following announcements of their upcoming release on the Switch 2 in 2026. While existing owners can still play the games until June 9, 2027, new purchases are no longer possible. The company is offering discounts on the full versions for those who previously bought the cloud-based compilations.
Kingdom Hearts HD 1.5 + 2.5 HD Remix coming to the original Nintendo Switch, cloud versions being delisted
Kingdom Hearts HD 1.5 + 2.5 HD Remix is coming to the Nintendo Switch, with cloud versions of prior Kingdom Hearts titles being delisted. Square Enix will also offer an upgrade path for the native Nintendo Switch and Switch 2 versions of the games.
"Product visibility needs a more cohesive and structural approach" – How VaultN aims to unify the digital distribution ecosystem
VaultN, a digital distribution platform, aims to unify the gaming ecosystem by centralizing transactions for publishers, distributors, and retailers. Co-founder Julian Migura explains the platform's goal to streamline processes, improve product visibility, and enable better cooperation between various industry players, including a desire to integrate with Steam. VaultN currently partners with platforms like Epic Games Store and GOG, and takes a small percentage of publisher royalties.
Steam's store home page gets a fresh coat of paint and new tiles, but indie discoverability could take a hit
Valve has updated the Steam Store's home page with a focus on visual consistency and larger tiles, including features like trailer autoplay and a personalized calendar. However, changes to the 'Popular Upcoming' section may reduce discoverability for niche and indie PC games, potentially impacting their visibility.
Sony’s PS5 Follow-Up to Beloved PS2 Game Suddenly Delisted
Fantavision 202X, the PlayStation 5 and PC follow-up to the PlayStation 2 puzzle game Fantavision, has been delisted from digital storefronts. Developer Cosmo Machia cited the end of a licensing agreement with Sony Interactive Entertainment as the reason for the removal. Players who already own the game will retain access.
Steam just got a huge new "refresh" as Valve updates its storefront from top to bottom, pulling it into the…
Valve has implemented a significant "refresh" of the Steam storefront, updating its design from top to bottom to be cleaner, more detailed, and easier to use. The changes include a more cohesive overall design, bigger images, detailed descriptions, personalized recommendations, and new sections for wishlists and DLC, aiming to improve game discovery and user experience on PC.
Valve Reportedly Threatened to Delist Rainbow Six Siege on Steam After Ubisoft Offered Cheaper Alternative
Valve allegedly threatened to delist Ubisoft's Rainbow Six Siege from Steam if the publisher offered a cheaper alternative to its PC marketplace. This incident highlights Valve's efforts to maintain Steam's dominance in digital game distribution.
Gabe Newell hits back at claims that Steam has a monopoly on the PC marketplace
Valve President Gabe Newell has testified that Steam does not hold a monopoly in the PC gaming market, despite facing antitrust lawsuits from Wolfire Games and others. Newell claims consumers have numerous purchasing options and denies Valve enforces price parity obligations on other platforms. While Steam holds a dominant market share, Valve attributes its success to continuous innovation rather than a monopoly.
Valve Boss Testifies “Consumers Have Enormous Choice” on PC During Antitrust Lawsuit
Valve president Gabe Newell testified in a 2023 antitrust lawsuit filed by Wolfire Games, asserting that PC consumers have extensive choices for purchasing games. Newell denied claims of an unwritten rule preventing developers from offering lower prices on competing platforms, despite evidence presented to the contrary. Wolfire Games' lawsuit alleges that Valve's practices harm developers and gamers by leveraging Steam's dominant market position.
Valve's Gabe Newell argued gamers "have enormous choice" when grilled over Steam's alleged monopoly…
Valve boss Gabe Newell testified in a lawsuit alleging the company holds an illegal monopoly on PC gaming, denying claims that Valve dictates pricing on other platforms or punishes developers for offering discounts elsewhere. Newell argued that gamers have "enormous choice" in where they purchase games, citing Steam, Epic Games Store, Xbox, and direct developer sales as examples.
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GOG has expanded its local currency options to include Romania, Hungary, and South Africa. This move aims to make digital game purchases more accessible and affordable for players in these regions by allowing transactions in their native currencies.
Fortnite's return to the Apple App Store and iOS has caused an eight-year record surge in downloads, with a spike in daily activity, too
Fortnite has experienced an eight-year record surge in downloads and daily activity following its return to the Apple App Store on iOS devices. The game achieved its fourth-highest download week ever, nearing its 2018 launch popularity, with daily installs increasing by over 1,400 percent.
The Outer Worlds Dev Apologises for 'Free' PS5 Upgrade Mess-Up, Can't Provide Original Offer
Obsidian Entertainment has apologized for issues surrounding the promised free PlayStation 5 upgrade for The Outer Worlds: Spacer's Choice Edition. Due to unforeseen platform limitations, players who only owned the base game are now required to purchase the Expansion Pass to be eligible for the upgrade, a change from the initial announcement. The developer is working with affected players who purchased the game between April 30, 2026, and May 27, 2026, to rectify the situation.
Nintendo Download – May 28, 2026 (Europe)
Nintendo has released its latest European download list for the week of May 28, 2026. The list includes both retail and digital titles for the Nintendo Switch, featuring new releases and expansions.
Classic strategy games Empire Earth 1, 2 & 3 arrive on Steam
The classic real-time strategy games Empire Earth, Empire Earth II, and Empire Earth III have been released on Steam. While already available on GOG, their arrival on Steam allows for easier access, including for Linux users via Proton. The games have not been updated and official online support has ended, though community patches exist.
