What Can I Do With Unwanted Steam Games?
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So, you’ve amassed a collection of Steam games, some gathering digital dust, and you’re wondering, “What can I do with these unwanted titles?” The answer is multifaceted, ranging from attempting a refund to exploring creative ways to gift or even repurpose them. Let’s break down your options. Unfortunately, you cannot directly sell games purchased directly from the Steam store. What you can do depends on how you acquired the game and the state of your account. Your best options are usually based on the following:
- Attempt a Refund: Steam offers a relatively generous refund policy.
- Gift the Game (If Possible): If you received the game as a gift, you might be able to re-gift it to someone else, though this is rare.
- Accept That It’s Part of Your Library: Sometimes, the best course of action is to simply accept that the game is part of your digital collection and move on. You might revisit it later, or it might serve as a reminder to be more selective with future purchases.
- Consider Trading Items (Not Games): Within Steam, you can trade items earned in games or Steam Trading Cards.
- Use the Game as a Learning Experience: Explore the game’s design, mechanics, and narrative, even if you don’t enjoy playing it. You can use it as an educational resource for understanding game development principles. This can be useful for aspiring game designers and developers, and for anyone interested in the art of game creation. Consider exploring resources from organizations such as the Games Learning Society, who are dedicated to advancing research and education in the field of games and learning.
Ultimately, the most suitable option depends on your circumstances and priorities. Let’s delve deeper into the possibilities.
Understanding Steam’s Limitations
It’s essential to understand Steam’s restrictions. Games directly purchased and activated on your account are permanently tied to your account. You don’t own the game, per se; you own a license to play it. Steam does this to fight piracy and resale fraud.
Exploring Refund Options
Steam’s refund policy is your first line of defense. You can request a refund if:
- The request is made within 14 days of purchase.
- The game has been played for less than 2 hours.
To initiate a refund:
- Go to Steam Help (help.steampowered.com).
- Log in with your Steam account.
- Find the purchase you want to refund.
- Select the problem you’re having.
- Complete the request form.
Valve typically grants refunds that meet these criteria, but they reserve the right to deny requests if they suspect abuse of the system.
Gifting Games (Past and Present)
In the past, Steam allowed users to store purchased games in their inventory as “gifts” before activation. These gifts could then be traded or given to other users. However, this feature has been largely phased out. Most games are now directly added to your library upon purchase, making re-gifting impossible.
If you do have a game in your inventory as a gift, you can:
- Send it to a friend directly through Steam.
- Trade it with another user for something else.
Trading Items, Not Games
While you can’t trade games directly from your library, you can trade Steam Items, In-Game Items, and Steam Trading Cards. These items can be acquired by playing certain games or participating in Steam events. You can trade them with other users for items they have, or you can sell them on the Steam Community Market for Steam Wallet credit.
To sell items on the Steam Community Market:
- Open Steam.
- Go to Community > Market.
- Click “Sell an Item.”
- Select the item and set a price.
- Confirm and list the item for sale.
Selling Game Keys (Use Caution)
If you acquired the game through a third-party retailer and received a Steam key, you could potentially sell that key on a third-party marketplace. However, proceed with extreme caution. Selling keys obtained through illegitimate means or from untrustworthy sources can result in:
- Your Steam account being banned.
- Legal repercussions (if the keys were obtained illegally).
- Financial loss (if the marketplace is fraudulent).
It’s generally advisable to avoid selling Steam keys altogether unless you are absolutely certain of their origin and the legitimacy of the marketplace.
Accepting and Moving On
Sometimes, the most practical approach is to accept that you made a purchase you regret and move on. Consider it a lesson learned and be more mindful of your future purchases.
Using Unwanted Games for Learning
Don’t discard an unwanted game entirely! Think of it as a learning opportunity. Even if you don’t enjoy playing the game, you can learn from it. Pay attention to:
- Game Design: How are the mechanics implemented? What makes the game engaging (or not)?
- Narrative: How is the story told? Is it effective?
- Art Style: What visual choices were made? How do they contribute to the overall experience?
- Programming: How the developers approached the technical side of things.
By analyzing the game critically, you can gain valuable insights into game development principles, regardless of whether you enjoy the game itself. Consider supplementing your exploration with resources from organizations such as the GamesLearningSociety.org, dedicated to advancing research and education in games and learning.
FAQs: Unwanted Steam Games
1. Can I really sell a Steam game I bought directly on Steam?
No. Games purchased directly from the Steam store are tied to your account and cannot be resold.
2. What happens if I try to sell a game I got on Steam on a third-party site?
The sale will likely be invalid as the game is tied to your account. If you attempt to sell a key you didn’t legitimately obtain, you risk account suspension and potential legal consequences.
3. How long do I have to refund a game on Steam?
You have 14 days from the date of purchase and must have played the game for less than 2 hours.
4. Does Steam always grant refunds?
Steam typically grants refunds that meet the time and playtime criteria, but they reserve the right to deny requests if they suspect abuse of the system.
5. Can I gift a game I already have in my Steam library?
No, unless you received the game as a Steam Gift before it was added to your library. Most purchases are now directly added, making gifting impossible.
6. What are Steam Trading Cards, and what can I do with them?
Steam Trading Cards are virtual cards earned by playing certain games. You can collect them to craft badges, trade them with other users, or sell them on the Steam Community Market for Steam Wallet credit.
7. Can I get banned for selling Steam items for real money?
Selling GAMES from steam are against the rules and can get your account banned. Selling items and skins is technically not against the rules but Valve will offer no protection and scams run rampant.
8. What is the Steam Community Market?
The Steam Community Market is a platform where you can buy and sell Steam items, such as trading cards and in-game items, for Steam Wallet credit.
9. If I uninstall a Steam game, do I lose it forever?
No. You can uninstall and reinstall any game you’ve purchased on Steam as many times as you want.
10. What happens if Steam shuts down? Will I lose all my games?
While unlikely, there’s always a risk. If Steam were to shut down, Valve would likely provide a way for users to download their games for offline play, but there’s no guarantee.
11. Can I hide a game in my Steam library? What does that do?
Yes. Hiding a game makes it invisible to your friends and hides it from your profile. This can be useful for games you’re embarrassed to own or games you don’t want others to see you playing.
12. How do I permanently remove a game from my Steam account?
You can permanently remove a game from your account via Steam Support, but this does not grant a refund, and you will need to repurchase the game if you change your mind.
13. Will uninstalling Steam delete my games?
Uninstalling Steam will remove Steam and its associated files, including game files, from your computer. But, if you move the steamapps folder to an external drive or different folder, you may keep your games and mod configurations when reinstalling Steam.
14. How can I avoid buying unwanted games in the future?
- Read reviews: Check multiple sources for objective opinions.
- Watch gameplay videos: See the game in action before you buy.
- Try demos or free weekends: Test the game yourself.
- Be mindful of hype: Don’t get caught up in marketing.
- Wait for sales: You’re less likely to regret a cheaper purchase.
15. Can I gift a game key that I purchased from a third-party website?
Yes, if the key is valid. Be sure the third-party website is reputable and that the key has not been previously activated.