Messages

["Valve doesn't get any money.I don't know exactly why they let us sell Steam keys like this. I think it's mainly because 97% of the sales are still on Steam, and they see Steam key sales as a way to get new people to start using Steam (so they can buy Steam games later). It also reduces the incentive for developers to move off Steam."]

Since Ludeon apparently doesn't monitor their support forums I e-mailed them. I will post the answer here to help anybody else wondering.

"Valve doesn't get any money.

I don't know exactly why they let us sell Steam keys like this. I think it's mainly because 97% of the sales are still on Steam, and they see Steam key sales as a way to get new people to start using Steam (so they can buy Steam games later). It also reduces the incentive for developers to move off Steam."

It makes sense for Valve to do this. 97% still buys via Steam though, that's awful. People should try to buy directly from the developers themselves - they make the game so they should get the money. Valve usually takes a very unfair cut.

@harpo99999: Copy that, thanks!

No official reply today even though it's Monday, I'll repeat the question to make it more clear:

Hello Ludeon, if I buy RimWorld on your homepage does Valve get any money from my purchase?
Really want to play your game, thanks!

Valve allow the game developer to give out steam key's because they hope

That's why I'm asking if I'm buying a steam key on this here website or a standalone product. I've no problem paying Ludeon if I actually are buying just from them. If Valve will receive a penny I won't. Today's Monday so I hope to receive an official answer.

If you are so paranoid that Valve could benefit from it then don't.

This is very annoying. Why do you think I'm here? If it was clear what I would be buying I wouldn't be here asking. Consumers vote with their wallet but it's getting harder and harder to do, sometimes I could buy a physical copy of a game in a store and in the package I just receive a steam key without warning. Don't come nagging at me when I'm just trying to find out where my money goes.

@Canute & @harpo99999:
Any of you two running the game on a computer without Steam installed at all?

It kind of sounds like harpo99999 is guaranteeing that I don't need Steam but I'm a little unsure if you're just making a joke.

I'm also suspicious that if I buy the game Valve will still get some money even if I don't have Steam installed, since it apparently can be redeemed on Steam. Because why would Valve allow that unless they do get some money even if I buy from the Ludeon homepage?

@5thHorseman: Really want to buy this game but I'd rather wait a couple of days for an official answer from Ludeon Studios to know for sure. I assume they lurk and answer their own support forum.

Check out https://rimworldgame.com/

You didn't think I checked the homepage of the game before making the thread? It says "all versions can be immediately registered on your Steam account through the automated Steam registration system", which is why I'm asking if it's possible to play this WITHOUT STEAM. They don't actually specify before purchase if I need Steam or not, what they write makes me suspect that I will be buying a steam key. I want to make 100% sure I can get the game without a penny going into Valve's pockets.

Hello, is it possible to buy and play RimWorld without having Steam installed?