Steamworks

Spec sheet

Purpose

Steamworks is a set of tools and services by Valve for configuring, managing, and operating games on Steam.Read 7 Oct 2026 · partner.steamgames.com

Audience

Developers use Steamworks to distribute games or software to Steam customers and manage products through the partner portal.Read 7 Oct 2026 · partner.steamgames.com

Platforms

The SDK documentation includes build instructions for Linux and a DirectX-to-OpenGL compatibility layer for macOS.Read 7 Oct 2026 · partner.steamgames.com

Support

Steamworks developer support is available by support ticket, and developer discussion boards are another place to seek advice.Read 7 Oct 2026 · partner.steamgames.com

Anti-cheat

Steam offers anti-cheat APIs and game-ban infrastructure, and developers may also use their own anti-cheat solution.Read 7 Oct 2026 · partner.steamgames.com

API security

The partner-only Web API host is HTTPS-only and requires a publisher Web API key for every request; IP allow lists are available as an added security layer.Read 7 Oct 2026 · partner.steamgames.com

Distribution limits

Steam’s onboarding guidelines exclude advertising-based applications and applications built on blockchain technology that issue or allow exchange of cryptocurrencies or NFTs.Read 7 Oct 2026 · partner.steamgames.com

Features

Available features include matchmaking, leaderboards, achievements, microtransactions, Steam Cloud, Steam Input, Steam Overlay, and Steam Workshop.Read 7 Oct 2026 · partner.steamgames.com

Onboarding

Onboarding requires digital paperwork, payment details, bank and tax information, identity verification, and electronic signatures on agreements.Read 7 Oct 2026 · partner.steamgames.com

Optional integration

Developers can use as few or as many Steamworks features as they choose, and some features require product implementation while others can be configured in the portal.Read 7 Oct 2026 · partner.steamgames.com

Release requirements

For first releases, the app fee must be paid at least 21 days before release and the public Coming Soon page must be live for at least two weeks.Read 7 Oct 2026 · partner.steamgames.com

Review

Valve reviews the store page and game build before they can go live; the documented review takes between 1 and 5 days.Read 7 Oct 2026 · partner.steamgames.com

SDK

The Steamworks SDK is required to upload content to Steam, while its other features are optional.Read 7 Oct 2026 · partner.steamgames.com

Web API

The HTTP-based Web API has public methods and protected methods that require authentication and are intended for trusted back-end applications.Read 7 Oct 2026 · partner.steamgames.com

Plans and prices

Every Steamworks plan and price →

Where Specifiction places it

• Sdk#6 of 207.5
• Game Networking Middleware#22 of 297.4
• Game Leaderboard Software#29 of 377.5
• Game Backend Services#24 of 277.4