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What happens to your Steam collection when you die?

Can you leave your games to someone else, or are they destined to float around in the void until humanity meets what we're assuming will be a fairly sticky end?

Chris Kerr, News Editor

October 6, 2017

1 Min Read
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The folks over at Eurogamer have asked an interesting question in the latest episode of Here's a Thing: What happens to your Steam account when you eventually bite the dust? 

Where do all of those cherished digital games actually go? Can you leave them to someone in your will, as you could with any physical media library, or are they destined to float around in the void until humanity meets what we're assuming will be a fairly sticky end? 

It's a curious thought experiment. After all, as enter the digital age, it's highly likely that by the time some of us meet our maker, we'll have amassed a virtual library of considerable personal and monetary value. 

In the case of Steam, the subscriber agreement suggests that it'd be near-impossible for account users to leave their collection to another person when they shuffle off this mortal coil.

The document states that Steam accounts are "strictly personal, and may not be sold or transferred to others unless "specifically permitted by Valve."

Of course, that wording also implies that Valve could make an exception in certain cases. But would the company set a precedent by letting someone include their collection in their will? 

You can find out the answer to that question and more by watching the full video above. Props again to Eurogamer for this one.

About the Author

Chris Kerr

News Editor, GameDeveloper.com

Game Developer news editor Chris Kerr is an award-winning journalist and reporter with over a decade of experience in the game industry. His byline has appeared in notable print and digital publications including Edge, Stuff, Wireframe, International Business Times, and PocketGamer.biz. Throughout his career, Chris has covered major industry events including GDC, PAX Australia, Gamescom, Paris Games Week, and Develop Brighton. He has featured on the judging panel at The Develop Star Awards on multiple occasions and appeared on BBC Radio 5 Live to discuss breaking news.

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