Originally posted by IÖmerFaruKK:

Steam Family

My name is Ömer, and I’m a long-time Steam user. I want to share an idea that could improve both player satisfaction and Steam’s sales system.

Many players want to try a game before buying it, especially story-based games that are usually played only once. My idea is to add a Try&Buy system directly inside Steam.

Each player would receive a unique, encrypted key that allows them to play a game for a limited time (for example, 1 or 2 hours). The key is personal, works only for one account and device, and cannot be shared. When the trial time ends, the player will see two options:

Buy the full game (with or without a discount), or

End the trial if they didn’t enjoy it.

This system protects developers’ work while giving users a fair chance to experience the game. It works like a safe version of a refund — but simpler and faster.

Additionally, there could be a feature for “Antique Games.” These are games that players usually finish once and don’t replay again. Owners of such games could allow others to try them securely using the same key system. In return, they might earn a small bonus or credit. This keeps old games active and creates a self-sustaining cycle in the Steam community.

All keys would be encrypted and automatically expire after use. No one could share or duplicate them. Only the Steam system could generate and validate these keys. Game files would also stay protected, so no one could copy them outside the platform.

This system would help Steam by increasing sales, improving user trust, and keeping the platform active. Players would feel safer trying games, developers would gain new customers, and Steam would continue leading the gaming market with innovation and user care.

Thank you for reading my idea.

Originally posted by cSg|mc-Hotsauce:

Originally posted by IÖmerFaruKK:

Steam Family

My name is Ömer, and I’m a long-time Steam user. I want to share an idea that could improve both player satisfaction and Steam’s sales system.

Many players want to try a game before buying it, especially story-based games that are usually played only once. My idea is to add a Try&Buy system directly inside Steam.

Each player would receive a unique, encrypted key that allows them to play a game for a limited time (for example, 1 or 2 hours). The key is personal, works only for one account and device, and cannot be shared. When the trial time ends, the player will see two options:

Buy the full game (with or without a discount), or

End the trial if they didn’t enjoy it.

This system protects developers’ work while giving users a fair chance to experience the game. It works like a safe version of a refund — but simpler and faster.

Additionally, there could be a feature for “Antique Games.” These are games that players usually finish once and don’t replay again. Owners of such games could allow others to try them securely using the same key system. In return, they might earn a small bonus or credit. This keeps old games active and creates a self-sustaining cycle in the Steam community.

All keys would be encrypted and automatically expire after use. No one could share or duplicate them. Only the Steam system could generate and validate these keys. Game files would also stay protected, so no one could copy them outside the platform.

This system would help Steam by increasing sales, improving user trust, and keeping the platform active. Players would feel safer trying games, developers would gain new customers, and Steam would continue leading the gaming market with innovation and user care.

Thank you for reading my idea.

Free weekends exist...

https://partner.steamgames.com/doc/marketing/discounts/freeweekends

Valve also allows free 90 minute trials devs can use...

https://www.pcgamer.com/steam-just-quietly-added-a-new-free-trial-system/

:nkCool:

Originally posted by ZiffyHead:

If I understand you correctly, this "feature" is basically already available using the 2 hour / 2 week refund policy.

Buy the game and refund it in less than 2 hours of play time if you don't want it.

Originally posted by Chika Ogiue:

What does any of this have to do with "Steam Families"?!

Originally posted by ZiffyHead:

If I understand you correctly, this "feature" is basically already available using the 2 hour / 2 week refund policy.

Buy the game and refund it in less than 2 hours of play time if you don't want it.

Well, yes and no. Despite what Valve's PR about the refund system says, Valve's actual stance is that the refund system is NOT for demoing games. And if you do it too much they will revoke your refund privileges.