A Steam account cannot be inherited, making the library of purchased games unavailable after the owner's death.
Account Ban
Non-Portability Policy
The Steam digital video game distribution platform does not allow account inheritance. After the death of the owner, his game collection becomes inaccessible to other persons. This norm applies to hundreds of gaming products that the user has purchased during his lifetime.
On the ResetEra forum, user posted a response from Steam Tech Support regarding the possibility of account inheritance via will.
"Unfortunately, transferring Steam accounts and games is not possible," the message reads. — Support may not give others access to the account or combine its content with another. Your Steam account cannot be inherited by will."
Workarounds
There is an option to transfer Steam login and password to heirs along with instructions. However, this does not legally entitle them to an account due to a conflict with the Steam User Agreement.
If the games were installed on a desktop computer, the heirs will have access to them. However, downloading them to another device or reinstalling them in case of damage to the hard drive will not be possible.
Glossary
- Steam is the leading digital platform for the distribution of video games and software for PC.
- ResetEra is a popular forum for discussing video games and the video game industry.
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FAQ
What is Steam and how does it work with user accounts?
Can access to a Steam account be inherited?
Is it possible to bypass Steam rules and transfer an account unofficially?
Can I continue to use games from the library of a deceased Steam account owner?
Is there a legal way to inherit or transfer a Steam game library?
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Discussion of the topic – Shocking truth: Steam doesn't allow game library inheritance
A Steam account cannot be inherited. After the death of the account owner, his game library becomes unavailable to others, even family and friends. A ResetEra forum user posted a shocking story about how his father lost access to his game collection after his death.
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Михайло
Too bad Steam doesn't allow you to inherit accounts. All the money and time invested in games just goes to waste 😔
Іванна
Yes, it is quite unfair! I have dozens of games in my Steam library and would love for my children to enjoy them. I think this issue should be settled at the legislative level 💭
Олександр
Maybe you should store your games on an external hard drive? Then the heirs will be able to download them to their PC without access to the account 🤔
Петро
What nonsense! I myself have been collecting games on Steam for twenty years. Let them try to take her away from me! 😠 No chance! This is mine and belongs to me!
Ольга
And I always try to look at it from the optimistic side. At least while we are alive we can enjoy our games 🎮 There are people who are not even given that.
Андрій
An interesting point from a legal point of view. Can Steam games be considered my digital property? 🧐 After all, we only buy a license for use, not the game itself. Therefore, the issue of inheritance is quite controversial here.
Катерина
In my opinion, it would be fair if Steam allowed accounts to be transferred to next of kin. I would like my daughter to be able to play my games in the future 👩👧
Максим
You know, I agree that Steam's account legacy policy isn't exactly fair. But, on the other hand, they have the right to protect their interests as a company. Perhaps it is worth looking for alternative solutions, for example, creating special family accounts or subscriptions? 💻