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Steam Removes Account Requirement to Gift Games via Email

Simon Ellis 2 min read

Steam now allows users to gift games directly to an email address without requiring a Steam account or friend connection, simplifying cross- region purchases.

Steam interface showing game gifting options
GAMES

has removed the requirement for friends, accounts, or region locks to gift games. This change allows users to send games directly to an email address without being logged into Steam. Buyers no longer need to coordinate account details or worry about regional restrictions when purchasing gifts. The update simplifies the process for anyone looking to share digital purchases with others.

Steam interface showing game gifting options
Valve has simplified the gifting process on its platform.

Valve drops friend and region locks to let buyers send games via email

The platform now supports cross-region gifting, though recipient region pricing requires knowing their Steam account. Users can create custom categories for wishlists and share these lists with others. The overhaul of wishlisting features provides more control over how users organize their desired games. These updates aim to make the Steam ecosystem more flexible for both gifters and recipients.

The new gifting flow lets buyers complete transactions without requiring the recipient to have a Steam account. This removes the previous barrier where both parties needed to be connected as friends on the platform. Region locks that previously prevented gifting across different marketplaces have been lifted. The system now handles the necessary region pricing adjustments internally when the recipient's account is known.

We looked at DIY Steam game cartridges earlier while tracking launches. The platform continues to evolve its social and organizational tools to better serve its user base. These changes reflect a broader effort to streamline how users interact with the store and their libraries. The updates are now available to all Steam users without additional configuration.

Source: TweakTown

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