The online service Steam serves to digitally distribute and support software and computer games. One of the functions of Steam is to protect copyright by technical means. To use the game, you must register on Steam with a digital key.
What is Steam
The software shell of the Steam service provides not only the installation of games, but also their regular updates. There is a possibility of cloud saving of computer game programs, voice and text messages between players.
Several thousand games that run on the Microsoft Windows operating system, as well as games for macOS and Linux, are distributed via Steam. The number of user accounts on the Steam system exceeds 100 million. Up to 15-18 million users can be connected to the network at the same time.
Steam allows you to download PC games directly from servers, so there is no need for an intermediary between the developer and the buyer. The developer can then quickly respond to user needs.
When using the Steam service, it becomes possible to buy the game as a gift to another person. At one time, gifts became the most common purpose for buying games among those who did not have a credit card.
Since 2015, Steam has introduced a refund system for games if the user's computer does not meet the requirements of the operating system.
About digital key
A digital key is a serial number in the form of a combination of numbers and letters (the number of characters may vary). This number is applied to the sticker of the game packaging or inserted into the box in the form of a card. If you buy a software product from an online store that does not send physical games, the digital key is usually attached to the receipt the customer receives by email.
Steam Support may require you to prove that you own a particular account. When the key is registered, it just becomes proof that you are the owner of the account and the game. It should be remembered that if the digital key is not part of the packaging of the software product, it cannot prove that you are the owner of the account. To keep your account secure, keep the key in a safe and secure place.
Key activation on Steam
To activate a retail key on Steam, you must:
- launch Steam and log into your account;
- go to the "Games" menu;
- select the item "Activate via Steam";
- follow the instructions that appear on the screen;
You can activate Steam only through the application of the same name; you will not be able to activate it on the system's website.
If the retail digital key is for activating a product in Sream, you will see a note on the e-game packaging or in the email containing the key. If the key cannot be activated on the Steam system, when you try to register, you will see an error in the form of the inscription "Invalid key". If the key you received was previously activated, when you try to re-register, an inscription will appear stating that this key has already been activated.
To add a new game to your Steam account using the activation key, log into the service client and click the "Add game" button. It's in the bottom corner of the Steam client, on the left side. Select "Activate" and follow the instructions that appear.
Steam does not accept activation keys: what to do?
If, for some reason, the Steam service does not accept the activation key, make sure that it is intended for registration with this particular service. This should be written in the email where you received the key, or on the packaging of the computer game.
If the game involves registration on Steam, carefully check the combination of numbers and letters. Follow these steps:
- instead of the number 0, enter the letters Q, O or D;
- instead of 1, enter the letters L or I;
- instead of the letter O, enter Q;
- instead of G, enter the number 6;
- instead of B, enter the number 8.
If, when you try to register, you receive a message that this key has already been activated, this means that the key has been registered on Steam and cannot be used again. Please visit the Steam support site to clarify this issue. If necessary, you can restore your account here.
If you are convinced that you have never registered this key before, contact the seller of the software product and ask him to send a new copy of the game. If the seller refuses to help, you should file a claim with the publisher of the particular game.
