I’ve had this question for awhile, but cant seem to find an answer. What determines if a game has trading cards? Is it just developer discretion, or determined by Valve? I was thinking it had to do with game size/player base, but I’ve seen small/unknown games that have them, and relatively popular games that don’t. 192.168.1.254
Also, is it determined pre-launch on steam if there will be cards, or can a developer add them as an update later in the game’s life? Thanks. 10.0.0.0.1
P.S. I was playing Evolution, the one based off of the board game (that has cards as gameplay), when I wondered what the steam cards were, and saw there weren’t any.
As far as I know, there is a certain list of games with which you can get cards. From the collected cards in the game, you can improve your hero inventory.
A game on Steam gets trading cards if the developer opts into the Steam Trading Card system and meets certain criteria, such as community engagement and sufficient sales.
Steam trading cards are determined by the game’s developer opting into the feature and meeting specific criteria set by Steam, like popularity and engagement metrics.
A game gets Steam trading cards if the developer chooses to enable them and meets Steam’s criteria, including sufficient player engagement to prevent abuse or manipulation.
A game has Steam Trading Cards if it is integrated with Steam’s API that supports card drops. This is typically determined by the game’s developer or publisher, who opts to include the feature. The system allows players to earn collectible cards through gameplay, which can be traded, crafted into badges, or sold.
The presence of Steam Trading Cards in a game is determined by a few factors established by Valve, the company behind Steam. These factors revolve around specific game requirements, functionality, and Valve’s guidelines for integrating Trading Cards into games. Here’s what determines if a game can have Steam Trading Cards:
1. Game Developer/Publisher Eligibility
- Developer/Publisher Participation: For a game to feature Steam Trading Cards, the developer or publisher must be enrolled in the Steamworks program, which is Valve’s platform for integrating various Steam features, including trading cards, into a game.
- Steamworks Access: Developers need to opt into the Steam Trading Cards system through Steamworks, which includes setting up the game’s card system, designing the art assets, and configuring how cards drop during gameplay.
2. Steam Game Requirements
- Release Status: Only games that are released (not in Early Access) are eligible for Steam Trading Cards. Valve typically requires the game to be playable and complete before activating Trading Cards.
- Duration of Gameplay: The game needs to offer a substantial playtime experience. Trading cards are typically rewarded for progress in a game, and shorter games or those with limited content might not meet the criteria.
- Active User Base: Games with a healthy user base and consistent playtime from players are more likely to be considered for Trading Cards, as it incentivizes engagement.
3. Valve’s Decision
- Valve’s Approval: Ultimately, the decision for a game to include Steam Trading Cards is up to Valve. While a developer can set up Trading Cards, Valve will review whether the game meets their criteria, including gameplay depth, content, and overall fit for the Trading Card system.
- Market Trends: Valve may choose to enable Trading Cards for certain games based on market trends, popularity, and potential engagement, even if the game does not fit into the typical mold of longer playtimes or traditional content.
4. Trading Card Drop System
- In-Game Progression: Steam Trading Cards are generally awarded as players progress through a game. Once a player reaches certain milestones, the system triggers the chance to drop Trading Cards. A typical Steam game might have up to 5-15 cards, with players earning them through regular gameplay.
- Card Drops: Players can earn cards during gameplay and later collect or trade them. Trading Cards are automatically distributed to players as they play the game, based on playtime and the game’s drop rate. Some games feature special achievements that also unlock cards.
5. Game Type and Genre
- Single-player Games: Most single-player games with a steady progression system, achievements, or complex gameplay are more likely to feature Steam Trading Cards.
- Multiplayer Games: Online multiplayer games or live-service games (like MMOs or shooters) may or may not support Trading Cards, depending on how they are structured and whether they meet the criteria set by Valve.
- Casual Games: Some games with more casual or simple mechanics, or shorter playtimes, may not be eligible for Trading Cards due to their limited scope and engagement.
6. Community and Player Engagement
- Card Market and Trading: Trading Cards also exist because of the Steam Community Market. Valve often decides to add Trading Cards to games that will likely be actively traded in the market. A game with high player activity can create a healthy economy for the cards, driving both engagement and in-game purchases.
- Achievements and Rewards: Trading Cards act as additional rewards for achievement hunting or collectibles in a game. Players can trade, sell, or craft these cards into items like badges, which may also contribute to community engagement.
7. Steam Workshop Integration
- Some games that have a Steam Workshop integration can also be eligible for Trading Cards, especially if they allow for significant player-generated content, contributing to the ecosystem of rewards and trading.
Conclusion:
To summarize, Steam Trading Cards are determined by a combination of factors:
- Developer participation in the Steamworks program.
- The game being released (not in Early Access) and having substantial gameplay.
- Valve’s approval based on game content, popularity, and market trends.
- The game’s progression system and player engagement are also important, as Trading Cards are rewarded based on in-game achievements or milestones.
If you’re a developer, you can apply for Steam Trading Cards through the Steamworks dashboard, and if you’re a player, you’ll know a game has them when they are listed on the Steam store page under the game’s “Trading Cards” section.