Steam has been told to freeze the account of the bankrupt and now criminally charged 'Crypto King' after he spent $430,000 across platforms. This incident has brought to light the importance of understanding the rules and regulations surrounding digital assets, particularly in the case of death.
The internet became locked in a somewhat morbid but perhaps practical conversation around death recently after Steam said players couldn't transfer their accounts to another person after their passing. This raises questions about what happens to the digital content and games accumulated over years of gaming.
Doing the rounds right now is a post from Valve's Steam support, when a user asked about what would happen to their Steam account when they pass away. Valve has confirmed that Steam accounts cannot be transferred to another person after the account holder's death. This policy means that the digital content and games purchased on the account will essentially be lost.
Unfortunately, your backlog will also die when you do. This harsh reality highlights the need for users to plan ahead and consider the fate of their digital assets in the event of their passing.
Steam says you can't leave your account in your will. US law says maybe you can. But even if it's technically legal, there's still a gray area when it comes to digital assets like Steam accounts.
No, you can't transfer your games in a will. The confirmation came from the Steam support staff earlier this month when Resetera forum user delete12345 asked Steam support if he can put his Steam account in his will.
Steam accounts cannot be inherited after the owner's death. It will also be impossible to transfer content and games. This limitation poses a challenge for users who may have invested significant time and money into their Steam libraries.
In conclusion, it is crucial for Steam users to be aware of the limitations and restrictions surrounding their accounts in the event of their passing. Planning ahead and exploring legal options for transferring digital assets can help ensure that your Steam account is handled according to your wishes. The evolving landscape of digital ownership highlights the need for clear policies and guidelines to protect users and their digital legacies.
