Why are Steam keys cheap?
Steam keys are cheap because authorized third-party retailers buy keys in bulk from developers at a discounted cost, which allows them to offer lower prices to customers, and websites like G2A offer commission rates as low as 10.8%, compared to Steam’s 30% cut, making it possible for developers to sell games at a cheaper price without losing profit. This bulk purchasing model enables retailers to pass the savings on to customers, resulting in lower prices for Steam keys.
Understanding Steam Keys and Pricing
To understand why Steam keys are cheap, it’s essential to delve into the world of digital distribution and the business models of game developers and third-party retailers.
FAQs
1. Do cheap Steam keys work?
Cheap Steam keys can work, but there’s a risk that the key may be stolen or invalid, and customers may not be able to get a refund from Steam since the vendors are not authorized.
2. Why are Steam keys cheaper than the game?
Steam keys are cheaper than the game because authorized third-party retailers buy keys in bulk from developers at a discounted cost, allowing them to offer lower prices to customers.
3. Why are game keys so cheap?
Game keys are cheap because sellers on G2A Marketplace purchase game keys straight from developers and publishers in bulk, enabling them to offer great discounts to customers.
4. Is there a risk to buying Steam keys?
The only real risk is that the key has already been used or is invalid, but it is a totally legit way to get a cheap game.
5. Should You Buy Games on G2A?
G2A is a gray marketplace where users can resell keys bought at a lower price from one region to another at a much higher price, but developers make little to no money from G2A sales.
6. Are Steam key resellers illegal?
It is against Steam’s rules to sell a Steam account or any Steam game keys, but it is not illegal, just against Steam’s TOS.
7. Can you get banned on Steam for buying on CDKeys?
No, as long as you got it from a legit source, you will not get banned on Steam.
8. Is G2A stolen keys?
G2A has sold stolen keys in the past, with 198 stolen keys for Factorio being sold on the platform.
9. Why is G2A cheaper than Steam?
G2A is cheaper than Steam because developers can sell games at a cheaper price without losing profit, thanks to G2A’s commission rate of 10.8%, compared to Steam’s 30% cut.
10. Are Steam keys legal?
It is not illegal to buy and sell Steam keys, but it is against Steam’s TOS, and the keys may be region locked.
11. Do Steam keys count as games owned?
After the key is registered to your Steam account, it acts as proof of purchase for the game and proof of ownership for your Steam account.
12. Do Steam keys expire G2A?
Steam Keys bought from Steam never expire, but G2A keys may have expiration dates or be region locked.
13. What is the point of Steam keys?
A Steam key is a unique code that allows you to download the game from Steam and play it.
14. Are Steam keys on CDKeys legit?
CDKeys is a legitimate website that sells game keys, but it operates in the gray market, and all games and services are sold legally but do not necessarily have the respective brand’s permission.
15. Can you get banned for using VPN to buy games on Steam?
If Steam detects that you are using a VPN to access the service, it may block your account or revoke your license for the game.