Steam
Steam has recently announced a significant update to its minimum price thresholds for products and discounts on its platform. The change aims to align non-USD currencies with the recommended currency conversions introduced in October, maintaining the 0.99 USD minimum. Below are the key details of the policy adjustment:
Minimum Price Thresholds on Steam
Steam's new pricing structure entails two minimum price thresholds:
- Minimum Base Price: Any and all products on Steam must have a base price equivalent to Steam's recommended currency conversion for the 0.99 USD tier.
- Lowest Transaction Price: 50% off the minimum base price, allowing some discounting off the minimum base price. That makes the minimum transaction price roughly 0.49 USD.
Additionally, the policy outlines potential discount levels for various USD price tiers, such as 50% off for a 0.99 USD tier and up to 90% off for a 4.99 USD tier.
The Changes
These new minimum price thresholds replace the previous ones, which were aligned with Steam's older pricing conversion recommendations. The update adjusts for fluctuations in currency values over time, ensuring that minimums match the latest recommendations.
Impact and Required Actions
Developers with products priced or discounted below the new minimums will need to take immediate action. Here's what could happen:
- Products with a base price below the lowest possible transaction price will become unavailable for purchase in affected countries.
- Scheduled discounts resulting in a final price below the minimum allowed will render products unpurchasable.
- New discounts may be limited or unavailable if the base price is too low.
Tools for Necessary Changes
Steam has provided two tools to assist developers in making required adjustments:
- Pricing: The Price Management Tool highlights products and specific prices that are below the minimum allowed, offering options to select USD price tiers or manually adjust prices.
- Discounts: The Discount Management Tool identifies products with scheduled discounts that will fall below the allowed price, requiring changes to the specified discount percentage.
Implications for Future Discounts
Steam will automatically adjust any scheduled discounts if developers change the base price of their games. However, price increases will generate a 30-day cooldown on discounting.
Microtransactions and Item Store Options
For content that must be priced below these minimums, developers can explore Steam Microtransactions API and the Steam Item Store for alternate selling options.
Conclusion
Steam's adjustment to its minimum price thresholds marks a notable shift in the platform's pricing and discounting strategies. Developers are urged to review the new guidelines and tools to ensure compliance, while consumers may notice changes in the availability and pricing of products. The announcement signifies Steam's commitment to maintaining a balanced and up-to-date pricing structure, accommodating global currency fluctuations and market demands.
Source: Steam