Developer-run item stores arrive on Steam

Valve has rolled out a new developer-run storefront on Steam that lets developers sell in-game items.

The scheme hasdebutedwith Facepunch’s open-world survival game Rust. It runs similar to existing community markets, but developers can now curate the store themselves. Developers can either sell their own items, or potentially sell items made by Steam Workshop creators and share the profit. Items can still be sold by users separately on the community marketplace.

Explaining the scheme in further detail, Facepunch’s Garry Newman said if he’d been asked five years ago if one of his games would have microtransactions in them, he wouldhave probably laughed in your face”.He claims however that Valve’s method ensures no-one loses out.

Develop has the full story.