Valve will allow up to 90 percent Steam game discount from March 28

From March 28, companies are allowed to give up to 90 percent discount on games that they offer via Steam. If they give a discount, it should be at least 10 percent. The measure is part of a stricter policy to combat abuse with discounts.

If the measure goes into effect for up to 90 percent off on March 28, it means discounts like XCOM 2’s, which is 94 percent off the original price, will no longer be allowed. Companies can then no longer give smaller discounts of, for example, 1 percent; that must be at least 10 percent of the original amount.

In addition, Valve sets additional requirements in its amended policy regarding the duration and possible repetition of the discount. For example, companies are allowed to give a discount from the start of their offer, but as soon as the introductory discount ends, they are not allowed to give a new discount for 28 days. Game companies are also not allowed to give a discount after a price increase for 28 days. Steam’s four discount seasons, such as the Summer Sale, are excluded from this. Separate, individual discount promotions may not last longer than two weeks and no shorter than one day.

The measures should put an end to abuse of discounts by providers. They often offered fake deals to deceive Steam’s algorithms and gain extra attention on the platform. For example, the previous policies simply stated that a discount could not be 100 percent of the price of a game.