What are Steam Gifts?
Before we dive into the topic of whether or not you can gift a game on Steam, let’s first define what a Steam gift is. A Steam gift is essentially a digital copy of a game that can be given away by one player to another. These gifts can be redeemed by the recipient and played on their own account.
Why Gift Games on Steam?
There are several reasons why you might want to consider gifting games on Steam. Firstly, it’s a great way to show your appreciation for your fans and supporters. By giving away free copies of your game, you can demonstrate your commitment to your community and help build a loyal following.
Secondly, gifting games on Steam can also be an effective marketing strategy. When someone receives a free copy of your game, they’re more likely to try it out and share their experience with others. This can lead to increased visibility and exposure for your game, which can ultimately result in more sales.
Finally, gifting games on Steam can also be a great way to attract new players who might not have otherwise tried your game. By giving away free copies, you can introduce your game to a wider audience and help them discover its unique features and gameplay mechanics.
What About the Rules?
While there are many benefits to gifting games on Steam, there are also some rules that you should be aware of. For example, according to Valve’s policies, you cannot give away copies of your game unless you have obtained permission from the publisher or developer of that game. This is because giving away free copies can potentially undermine the value of the original game and harm its sales.
In addition to obtaining permission, you should also be careful about how you promote your gifting campaigns. Valve has strict rules around advertising and spamming, so it’s important to avoid using misleading or deceptive practices. You should also be transparent with your fans and clearly communicate the terms and conditions of any gifting campaigns that you run.
Case Studies: Gifting Games on Steam in Action
Now that we’ve discussed the pros and cons of gifting games on Steam, let’s take a look at some real-life examples of game developers who have successfully implemented this strategy.
One great example is indie game developer, Thomas Brush, who created the popular puzzle game, “The Sinking City.” In 2019, Brush decided to give away free copies of his game on Steam as a way to thank his fans for their support and promote his upcoming projects. He used social media and other marketing channels to spread the word about the gifting campaign and encouraged players to share the news with others.
The result was overwhelmingly positive, with thousands of people downloading free copies of “The Sinking City” and sharing their experiences with friends and family. Brush reported that the gifting campaign helped him attract new fans and generate interest in his other games.
Another example is game developer, Markus Persson, who created the popular sandbox game, “Minecraft.” In 2015, Persson decided to give away free copies of “Minecraft” on Steam as a way to celebrate the game’s anniversary and thank his fans for their continued support.
The result was equally successful, with thousands of people downloading free copies of “Minecraft” and sharing their experiences on social media.
