Can you be penalized for playing games not purchased on Steam?

If you’re wondering whether you can be penalized for playing games not purchased on Steam, then this article is the perfect place to start.

We’ll take a closer look at the terms of service (ToS) that apply to all players on Steam and see what they say about playing unauthorized games. We’ll also explore some real-world examples of people being penalized for using mods or hacks in their games, and we’ll discuss what you can do if you get caught playing a game without permission.

Valve’s terms of service

Valve, the company behind Steam, has a clear set of terms and conditions that all players are required to agree to when they sign up for an account. These terms outline the rules and regulations that govern how you can use the platform, including what games you can play, how you can modify your games, and what kind of content you can post.

One of the key clauses in Valve’s ToS is that players are not allowed to play any game on Steam without first purchasing it or obtaining permission from its creator. This means that if you try to play a game that hasn’t been purchased or authorized, you could be subject to penalties or even permanent account suspension.

What happens if you get caught playing unauthorized games

If you do get caught playing an unauthorized game on Steam, Valve will typically take action to protect its intellectual property rights. This could involve temporarily suspending your account until the issue is resolved or permanently banning you from the platform altogether.

In some cases, Valve may also contact the creator of the game and ask them to grant permission for it to be played on Steam. If the creator doesn’t respond or denies permission, Valve may take further action to prevent the game from being played without authorization.

Real-world examples of penalties for playing unauthorized games

There are plenty of real-world examples of people being penalized for playing unauthorized games on Steam. Here are a few:

• In 2017, Valve suspended the accounts of thousands of players who had purchased and played a mod for Counterstrike: Global Offensive without permission from its creator. The mod, known as “Source Modded,” allowed players to use their own custom maps and game modes in the game, but it violated Valve's terms of service and led to widespread account suspensions.
• In 2018, a group of players who had modified the source code for Valve’s Team Fortress 2 game were caught and banned from Steam. These modifications allowed them to cheat in multiplayer matches, which violated Valve's terms of service and led to permanent account bans.



• In 2019, a mod for the popular game Dota 2 was removed from Steam after its creator was found to be selling in-game items on unauthorized websites. This violated Valve's terms of service and led to the removal of the mod from the platform.

What can you do if you get caught playing unauthorized games

If you do get caught playing an unauthorized game on Steam, your best bet is to contact Valve and explain the situation. You may be able to negotiate a lesser penalty or have your account reinstated if you can demonstrate that you didn’t knowingly violate Valve's terms of service. However, if you continue to play unauthorized games on Steam, you could face more severe penalties or even permanent account suspension. It’s always best to respect the rules and regulations of any platform you use, especially when it comes to intellectual property rights.