Gaming

Valve no longer automatically fulfilling key requests from devs

Published

7 years ago

August 18, 2017

Update: Since this screenshot leaked, a Valve representative has given the following response, clearing up once and for all the reason behind this policy.

“Steam keys have always been available for free to our partners to help them sell PC games at physical retail and on other digital stores. In return, we’ve asked that partners offer Steam customers a fair deal, similar to what they’re offering on other stores. None of that is changing.

But over the last few years, new features and additions to Steam have changed the way Steam keys were being used, for instance as a means for game-shaped objects to monetize on Steam through methods other than actually selling fun games to customers. Most notably, this meant farming Steam Trading Cards. We shared a lot of info about that issue, and our response to it, here.

While our changes did impact the economics of trading card farming for new products coming to Steam, there are still a lot of games and game-shaped objects using Steam keys as a way to manipulate Steam systems. As a result, we’re trying to look more closely at extreme examples of products on Steam that don’t seem to be providing actual value as playable games-for instance, when a game has sold 100 units, has mostly negative reviews, but requests 500,000 Steam keys. We’re not interested in supporting trading card farming or bot networks at the expense of being able to provide value and service for players.

It’s completely OK for partners to sell their games on other sites via Steam keys, and run discounts or bundles on other stores, and we’ll continue granting free keys to help partners do those things. But it’s not OK to negatively impact our customers by manipulating our store and features.” (Source: Gamasutra)

So bundle sites such as Humble Bundle and even marketplaces like Green Man Gaming have nothing to fear. It seems this is aimed more at devs taking advantage of the Trading Card System, effectively stopping card farming and the profit that can come with that.

Phew.

Original Post: Valve could be looking to implement a new policy that limits how many keys will be available to developers, removing the automatic fulfillment process entirely.

In a screenshot that was leaked to Reddit and appeared on Twitter, Sean Jenkin, a software engineer at Valve, implies that Valve may soon start denying requests for keys by developers.

It reads, “If we are denying keys for normal size batches it’s likely because your Steam sales don’t reflect a need for as many keys as you’re distributing, and you’re probably asking for more keys because you’re offering cheaper options off Steam and yet we’re bearing the costs.”

“For example, say you’ve sold a few thousand copies on Steam but have requested/activated 500k keys, then we are going to take a deeper look at your games, your sales, your costs, etc.”

This has apparently leaked from a private Steam group so it’s important to take it with a pinch of salt. It does, however, fall in line with Valve’s attempts at dealing with illegitimate key sellers and gray markets.

Whether this is an attempt at dealing with shady key dealers, combating developers taking advantage of the key generation system or an aggressive tactic in a market they pretty much dominate is unsure.

It also makes sense that Valve would move in this direction if they’re having to shoulder a huge amount of cost when it comes to their infrastructure but only seeing limited returns directly.

What is definitive is that if this change is forceful in its implementation, it could have an effect on everyone from bundle sites to grey market sellers and more. The promising take from the screenshot is that the numbers used in the hypothetical situation have a massive disparity, (‘few thousand sold’ vs ‘500k keys requested’) meaning if Valve continues to follow this logic, indie developers should be relatively unaffected.

It’ll be interesting to see Valve’s official line on this as the story progresses.

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Gaming

Gran Turismo 7 Update 1.46 introduces an exciting addition to the roster of exclusive cars available in the PS5 and PS4 racing game

Published

1 day ago

April 25, 2024

Zach Riley

Gran Turismo 7 has just received an exciting update to version 1.46 on both PS5 and PS4. This latest update introduces a unique addition to the game: the Škoda Vision Gran Turismo, a car that you won’t come across in any other game. Škoda makes its debut in the franchise with a visionary study of a single-seater, all-electric racing concept car, designed exclusively for the Polyphony Digital racer.

Once you’ve downloaded update 1.46, you’ll have the opportunity to test drive not one but two additional cars: the AFEELA Prototype 2024 and the iconic Chevrolet Chevelle SS 454 Sport Coupe ’70. Get ready for an exhilarating ride! Watch as they take to the track in the video above.

Additionally, the update introduces a new menu for players to tackle in the GT Café. At Collector Level 38, players have the opportunity to delve into the fascinating world of Ferrari 12-cylinder engines, gaining knowledge and expanding their collection. In World Circuits, players can look forward to exciting new events such as the Japanese Clubman Cup 550, the American FR Challenge 550, and the Vision Gran Turismo Trophy. For all the avid fans of Photo Mode, there’s an exciting opportunity to explore the captivating city of San Diego in a brand new Scape.

What are your thoughts on the latest update for Gran Turismo 7? Feel free to leave your thoughts in the comments section.

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Gaming

ReFantazio Takes a Different Approach to Romance, Setting Itself Apart from the Persona Games

Published

1 day ago

April 25, 2024

Zach Riley

Atlus’ highly anticipated RPG, Metaphor: ReFantazio, appears to incorporate familiar systems reminiscent of the developer’s acclaimed Persona series. The game features turn-based battles that heavily rely on exploiting enemy weaknesses. Additionally, players have the ability to summon warrior spirits during combat. However, the most significant aspect of this game, which will be discussed in this article, is the bonding system. Through this system, players can spend time with important characters and gain deeper insights into their personalities and stories.

In contrast to the Persona games, the bonding system ends at that point. Unfortunately, players will be unable to pursue romantic relationships with their beloved waifus, which may come as a disappointment to those who have developed strong feelings for Hulkenberg, the party’s charismatic red-haired elven knight.

According to Siliconera, the absence of romance came up during a recent question and answer session. Atlus emphasized the continued opportunity to develop meaningful relationships with your allies while also introducing additional narratives through substories. In addition, familiarizing yourself with the supporting characters will grant you access to new archetypes, which serve as the game’s character classes.

In the Persona games, romance is not obligatory; rather, it serves as a means to customize your playthrough. However, it is quite unexpected that Metaphor has chosen not to pursue such a venture, considering the significant amount of discussion it typically generates!

Were you anticipating any romantic elements in Metaphor? If you’re not satisfied with your pre-order, feel free to share your thoughts in the comments section below.

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Gaming

Shift Up unveils the intriguing details behind the physical packaging of Stellar Blade for the PS5

Published

2 days ago

April 24, 2024

Zach Riley

It appears that many

are eagerly anticipating the launch of the highly anticipated PS5 exclusive, Stellar Blade. Shift Up, the developer, has shared a lengthy video showcasing the “secrets” found in the physical box of the game for PS5. From what we can gather, these secrets include a reversible cover/dust jacket and a download code for cosmetic items.

We must clarify that while we do appreciate the variant cover, it may be more appealing than the game’s standard art. However, it is not something we would typically classify as a “secret.”. However, what’s interesting is that Shift Up has confirmed through the comments section that this will be the case in all regions. Additionally, the visually striking action RPG will remain uncensored worldwide.

「Stellar Blade」 Physical Package Secrets⚠️#StellarBlade #PS5 #Disc pic.twitter.com/WQSzKUSDQ4

— StellarBlade (@StellarBlade) April 22, 2024

It’s refreshing to witness a developer going the extra mile for physical collectors, and it’s evident that the developer is determined to leave a favorable mark in the console realm. Stellar Blade is set to make its highly anticipated debut this Friday, April 26th, exclusively on the PS5.

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