Steam Key Situation - Steam Won't Give Enough Keys
Added 2025-08-12 22:07:08 +0000 UTCI have some unfortunate news regarding Steam keys. As you can tell by the title, Steam refuses to release me enough keys to cover all the patrons that have paid the price of the game (tentatively $30).
Around 2 years ago Steam changed their key policies to be more restrictive thanks to abuse by shovelware developers. At that time I sent a support request explaining that I have been promising Steam keys to patrons prior to the policy change, and asked if I would be granted enough keys when the game was nearing release. I told Steam that at that time I needed 21k keys, but that the number would increase by the time I requested the keys. Steam said without ambiguity that yes, they would provide enough keys.
Fast forwarding to now, my requests for 34k keys have been denied. After some back and forth with Steam support they reluctantly agreed to provide me 21k keys I originally quoted in the ticket, despite me clearly stating that I would need more.
So, right now I have about 60% of the Steam keys I need to fulfill my promise. Steam said they may provide me more keys if I request them after the game has launched. I'm hoping this will cover the rest of the patrons that are owed a key.
The only thing I can think of moving forward to be fair as possible with these 21k keys is to increase the lifetime amount requirement to be higher than $30. Currently it's in the realm of $61. If I get more keys from Steam, I will lower the eligibility requirements.
If an Itch key is acceptable (or you're in Germany), those will be available from the beginning at $30. If I'm denied further Steam keys, the only option I can think of is to give the remaining patrons an Itch key instead.
I'm sorry that I may have to break or delay my promise for a Steam key. Steam decided to not honour their commitment, and I'm left with few options.
Thank you for supporting Anthro Heat. I hope you'll stick with me and the Anthro Heat team despite this complication.
Comments
Ah i had to stop paying in 2024 because i barely had money to feed myself.. but all in all i have payed over $100 so I should be fine! I am interested in how we get the keys tho.. but I bet we'll figure it out when it's time hehe
Kam
2025-12-12 15:23:22 +0000 UTCYooo how do i get a steam key? I have been a member for exactly 1 year with 3 months break in between totalling to almost 100 dollars ahaha 😅
Bug
2025-12-12 06:44:36 +0000 UTCSorry to hear that Steam has been difficult to work with. How do I go about requesting an Itch key for the game?
Lt. Kitsuragi
2025-12-05 22:20:21 +0000 UTCWould the itch version be compatable with use on a meta quest 3 headset?
Jimmy John
2025-12-04 16:32:09 +0000 UTCAs others have said, I'm not currently subscribed to a paid tier, but I was subscribed for long enough that I would have covered the cost of the game. I would be happy with either Itch or Steam key.
Downunda Thunda
2025-11-28 23:45:43 +0000 UTCI have no idea how much I gave, but I was subbed for a while. If it was enough for a steam key I'd be keen, but I'd understand if you wouldn't want to give one to me since it's been a while since I've been subbed.
Jay The Sound Hound
2025-11-28 23:37:47 +0000 UTCI'd prefer Steam if possible and within the lifetime estimation for hte keys if it all works out (thanks again for your work!). My main question is, how will the distribution happen, btw? Patreon DMs or some other system?
Franubis
2025-11-28 12:04:18 +0000 UTCi have been a patreon for a long time with diferent tiers soo
k S
2025-11-11 16:13:01 +0000 UTCi just was a member ;3 i will buy the game ;3 i want yall to continue this masterpiece ;3
nate hadfield
2025-11-11 03:08:55 +0000 UTCBeen a patron member since 2023 so i should be well above that 61$ threshold. :)
Witty Magnus
2025-11-05 22:20:41 +0000 UTCI just realized I spent 340 dollars over the last 3 years XD damn I didn't even realize
Jackwolf999
2025-10-31 20:04:18 +0000 UTCriiip, that sucks, I havent been on VR in a while due to issues but I am recovering so I thought id check in on the #1 goongame(in vr) , hope steam ends up working with you on this, tbh, valve needs to kill the shovelware ai slop and start an actual vetting process.
Krow
2025-10-31 14:38:28 +0000 UTCI paid on and off around 60 or 80 in total I believe but does it still count if I'm not longer subscribed ?
Sir Onyx
2025-10-24 17:38:03 +0000 UTCdoes it still count even if your no longer subscribed?
D00T SLAYER
2025-10-09 04:29:56 +0000 UTCIf i wanted a Itch.io key over a steam key anyways, how would i request that? and would the itch.io version stay up-to-date?
Yoda bruh
2025-10-02 23:50:34 +0000 UTCYes the post says the cutoff is close to $61
Edef
2025-09-29 17:31:24 +0000 UTCOnly one or the other
Edef
2025-09-29 17:30:58 +0000 UTCSo I think at this stage I'm in the realm of $170 - I'd take an Itch key until the steam ones are ready :) Would I get both, considering the amount? or is it one or the other
Ra
2025-09-29 05:09:33 +0000 UTCI have paid a total of about 100/200 through the years of development through being a subscriber. Does that give me a key?
Captain Ez
2025-09-26 20:34:21 +0000 UTCHonestly with all of the restrictions that keep happening it will be a miracle when it releases if it even is able to be updated on Steam after release. It just keeps getting worse with the censorship everywhere
VRFox
2025-09-22 02:24:00 +0000 UTCsup, just here for the drinks and the bagel chips.
Raiun
2025-09-20 05:11:17 +0000 UTCSteam key would definitely be preferable, it's a lil inconvenient to create a whole new account on a site for one game. Steam have shown themselves to be relatively trustworthy when it comes to personal data, itch also requires an ID verification if I am not mistaken which, given the nature of the game, I'd rather not have tied to my ID lol
XanderYeenPup
2025-09-17 16:23:15 +0000 UTCHow did you check that?
Red
2025-09-15 00:38:04 +0000 UTCLol I just checked and I've spent over $100. Hope I get one, this game rules.
Bump Wonder
2025-09-13 19:27:00 +0000 UTCas much as a steam key would be nice for how much i have spent on the game i understand the current situation is les than ideal and honestly i really dont mind that much. tbf its been a while since i paid for a subscription and understand if keys arent sent out
SilentCodeLockTC
2025-09-05 20:03:04 +0000 UTCLol I just checked. I think I’m good on both ends. I’ve been buying memberships since 2023 and racked up 60dollars and a little more plus tax. So I just need to give a dollar more? Or will the tax save me there since I’m paying 10 dollars and something cents every time
Sog
2025-09-05 00:46:48 +0000 UTCAh rip I’ve been around for a while and I’ve definitely gone over 30 dollars. Honestly as long as I’m able to get the game on my PC. So if I can get a itch.io key then that’s great. Although I have never used itchio or know how it even works lmao
Sog
2025-09-05 00:43:17 +0000 UTCSo no matter what if I spent 30$ I can still get a itch key? That's totally fine with me :) thanks for being so open with this!
Lyzz_Budgie
2025-09-03 18:43:48 +0000 UTCSteam is also now preventing games with mature themes from being in Early Access models so its just yet another thing that is being caused by the push for censorship and Steam is being browbeat by payment processors over.
VRFox
2025-09-02 02:01:24 +0000 UTCYou don't have to keep your promises they deliver great results
Vlad
2025-08-30 14:51:53 +0000 UTCSorry steam is screwing you over on this looks like a total shit show
kiyiya
2025-08-29 22:22:53 +0000 UTCI would love to get a key when possible uwu
Sammy Da Rabbit
2025-08-26 12:53:08 +0000 UTCif i counted correctly i'm roughly about a total of 150$ though the years, i hope i'll be in the line for the few keys offered x)
Amon
2025-08-25 19:55:24 +0000 UTCI'd be fine with buying the game once it's available
Trace
2025-08-23 21:16:07 +0000 UTC🥰
Karolina Quevedo +18
2025-08-23 18:30:09 +0000 UTCI have no problems getting an itch key. I would prefer a steam key but I can settle for an itch key if necessary.
Billy Rouse
2025-08-22 22:08:20 +0000 UTCYou'll be able to tell when the website for the keys is up
Edef
2025-08-22 17:33:41 +0000 UTCI have been a member for a while will i be good to get one?
Kob
2025-08-22 07:13:38 +0000 UTCI've never commented on any post before, never interacted with the community (even Discord which Patreon refused to let me join for some reason), but I'm more than willing to pay $30. This is a quality game that deserves every penny. And if I do happen to get a key, I'll likely give it to a friend of mine who wants it anyways. Regardless, hope things work out between you and Steam.
Vex Ether
2025-08-19 20:58:06 +0000 UTCI forgot about the promise to get a key. I was going to purchase the game anyway
LuxIsBored
2025-08-19 14:46:20 +0000 UTCHonestly for me if it helps im willing to forgo my key so it could go to someone else who could use it more. Im willing to pick up the game on its own. I think what you all have made here is at least worth the price of entry once again. Now later on should like a backer shirt for all characters in game become available that would be cool, but not necessary
Kraigen44
2025-08-18 22:53:43 +0000 UTCI think I'd be OK with an Itch key. I don't have an itch.io account but I was really considering making one a few days before the payment processor stuff started. All the games I like on Itch are still hosted there despite being delisted so I guess making an account still makes sense.
PolkaEnjoyer3000
2025-08-18 14:48:52 +0000 UTCGermany person here, help 🥲
TheDarkzone
2025-08-18 02:12:48 +0000 UTCill still support this key or no key
celestia's grenadier cavalry
2025-08-18 01:53:34 +0000 UTCLet's look at the solution, not the problem (it's a motto I apply in my life and my work). As your own followers point out, some are entitled to a copy and would still like to support your incredible work. Others will look at it with suspicion, wanting their Steam copy, and there will simply be others who will buy it right away, as they will be so attracted by the publicity within the Fandom, whether from you or through word of mouth. So, I hope all the problems are that you are extremely successful in your work. My logic leads me to think, and after having issued your warning: Gather the resources at your disposal, and if they are not enough... Gather information on the demand you have, conduct surveys to find out what your followers are asking for. There will be those with greater empathy who adore and appreciate you for the love you are putting into it. And on the other hand, there will be those who want what the value of their subscription indicates. If supply still doesn't meet demand, I would prioritize those first in meeting the conditions (meaning, the first applicants are the beneficiaries), and I would explain the situation to the rest again (it's not in your hands to provide a solution). But perhaps the demand from the Furry Fandom and the subscribers who will buy and give away copies on Steam. Surely you can have more to negotiate with Steam and they will offer to meet the subscription promise. I know the timing isn't right, since you'll release the game and subscribers will want their copy and won't understand why they don't have it (that's their problem, not yours...). In exchange, you can offer to keep their Patreon with updated copies free of charge until the situation normalizes. That said, I think you should centralize this information-gathering work, delegate it to someone you trust on your team, and not stop the project's goals because of your success. I hope this helps. Because I truly hope you continue to bring joy to people the way you do.
Panchodik
2025-08-17 09:32:26 +0000 UTCTL;DR Steam is most likely skeptical that you are trying to get passed their cut, once you sell some copies directly on steam they should loosen up and grant more keys. Ok, Steam is absolutely NOT in the wrong here. Steam already provides developers plenty of services for free (Steam SDK/API, CommunityWorks, Workshop, Analytics etc.) along with letting developers generate thousands of keys no questions FOR FREE (if any other platform were the industry leader they would most definitely make the standard to charge their cut for every key generated). makes it understandable from a business standpoint why they would not give you/be skeptical to give 34k keys. Steam has yet to make a dime off your game and you are requesting a bunch of keys for off site purchased copies (Patreon copies) Steam makes 0$ from and then they lose money on distribution and storage/caching. Normally steam is ok with this since you would need a steam account anyways and would possibly buy more games after but, 34k is A LOT more than the usual couple thousand they usually give developers. Steam is usually fine with large amounts here and there but because the game has yet to go on sale plus your a first upload and self published with no prior games they are most likely skeptical that you might be trying to bypass steams cut in some way (The same scummy shovel-ware games you mentioned are to blame). All in all you should be all good once some copies sell, me being one of them :3. Thank you for listening to- or well reading my TED Talk
Zypher
2025-08-17 06:58:01 +0000 UTCMind answering this question from me? With itch showing doubt about NSFW games. Would an itch key be guaranteed updates like a steam release would? I'd rather not link nsfw games to my steam account anyway. But not for an inferior product. I know that they'd unlist the game, and still allow downloads probably, but would you be able to distribute updates? If its likely to work the same as on steam, I wouldn't mind opting for a itch key anyway (if i even reach the threshold). But I understand you probably guarantee that.
U2054
2025-08-17 01:47:29 +0000 UTCThis is extremely exciting news! I admit, I have not played the game in a while but kept my subscription running to support you project all the way until steam release. It’s been a crazy couple of weeks for the smut industry. I’m really here to archive the latest update of the game for fear of losing access soon. Instead, I am greeted with the news of a steam release! Joy!
Joshua Fricke
2025-08-16 18:31:17 +0000 UTCThis game is so amazing that even if it becomes impossible to distribute keys, I will definitely purchase the Steam version without hesitation.
バジ
2025-08-16 07:22:51 +0000 UTCWhat is an itch key
Bigrowlz101
2025-08-16 01:19:52 +0000 UTCI’m happy with an itch key if worst comes to worst, try your best but please don’t overwork or overwhelm yourself, your doing such an amazing job already so there no pressure
TheOgToaster
2025-08-15 15:48:48 +0000 UTCI'll pre-order the game if that's not already available, just take my money 💕
K rest
2025-08-15 13:26:02 +0000 UTCAdmittedly, Steams new policies needs early access games to have a functional date, this game has been in development for years, and hasn't changed much. Therefore it violates the new policies. It would be best to release it fully, but continue with updates overtime.
Lake
2025-08-15 00:49:20 +0000 UTCWouldn't it be more fair to give keys to the earlier supporters?
UnpromiscuousPeach
2025-08-14 21:11:26 +0000 UTCCan you dm me if you can give me a key
Miracle Gaming
2025-08-14 10:32:22 +0000 UTCHaving switched back and forth from Patron to Supporter I don't need a steam key. You've been doing an amazing job and I already told myself I'm buying it out right when it's available. Keep on doing what you're doing!
notawolfinsheepsclothes
2025-08-14 04:50:42 +0000 UTCNot sure on my eligibility, but I think I’d want to buy the game on release anyways. I’ve loved it so far
GeekoTFG
2025-08-14 02:25:21 +0000 UTC*shrug* I don't find that to be a "broken promise", you made the promise and then one of the circumstances changed outside your control. Personally, if I don't get a key, I'll just save up a bit of money if I need to then buy the game--no skin off my back.
Decibel790
2025-08-14 02:19:50 +0000 UTCAll I can think to do is prioritize the people who supported the game the longest and ask if anyone is willing to receive their key after the game comes out if steam approves more. I don't play the game often so I'm willing to give up mine
YoBoySarge
2025-08-12 22:17:08 +0000 UTCThat’s fair enough, you don’t have any control over it, we can only hope steam will see your requests and the contact history and decide they were wrong here. If not, oh well, but we can only hope.
DippersVR
2025-08-12 22:15:46 +0000 UTC
