Steamworks

What Steamworks is

Steamworks is Valve’s collection of tools and services for managing and operating games on Steam. Developers use its partner portal to distribute games or software to Steam customers and administer their products. Available features include matchmaking, leaderboards, achievements, microtransactions, Steam Cloud, Steam Input, Steam Overlay, and Steam Workshop. Teams can select the features they need; some require implementation in the product, while others can be configured in the portal. The Steamworks SDK is required to upload content, although its other features are optional. The HTTP-based Web API has public methods and protected methods intended for trusted back-end applications. Partner-only API requests require HTTPS and a publisher Web API key, with IP allow lists available as an additional safeguard. Steam offers anti-cheat APIs and game-ban infrastructure, while developers may use their own anti-cheat system. Steamworks itself is free, but distributing each new app requires a $100 USD (or equivalent) Steam Direct Fee. The fee can be recouped after at least $1,000.00 Adjusted Gross Revenue. Onboarding includes paperwork, payment and tax details, identity verification, and electronic agreements.