eSAFETY GUIDE
Steam logo

Steam

13+
Minimum age according to Steam
13+ Minimum age according to Steam

What is Steam?

Steam is a gaming platform that can be downloaded to computers and mobile devices. It is a combination of a game store, a game library and a social space. Users can set up a profile and download, purchase and play games.

Users can add friends and communicate with others through private messages, group chat and voice chat. People can send images, videos, GIFs, links and other media in the chat. By default, users can see when their friends are online and what they are playing. These settings can be changed – for example, you can set your status to invisible so that you look offline to friends.

Steam also has community features. Users can join groups and take part in discussion forums about a range of different gaming-related topics. Steam also allows members to live stream their gameplay.

Steam has a payment feature called Steam Wallet. You can add money to your Steam Wallet and use these funds to buy games or in-game items. Funds can be added to this wallet using PayPal, credit cards, Steam Gift Cards or Steam Wallet codes, which are for sale at physical stores and online. Steam also has a wishlist feature, which lets users keep track of games they are interested in purchasing.

Steam has a number of different products that are designed to work with Steam. They let people access and play games from their Steam Library in different ways:

  • Steam Deck – a portable, handheld gaming computer with a built-in screen and controls. It can be carried around and used to play games from your Steam Library. It looks similar to some other handheld gaming devices, such as the Nintendo Switch, but uses Steam’s operating system, ‘SteamOS’.
  • Steam Machine – a gaming computer designed to stay at home and connect to a TV or monitor. It is a small cube that lacks a built-in screen or battery, meaning it must remain plugged into a wall outlet and connected to an external TV or monitor.
  • Steam Frame – a virtual reality (VR) headset for playing VR games and other VR content. Steam Frame has been announced but has not yet been released.
  • Steam Controller – a wireless game controller made for playing games on Steam. It can be used with devices such as Steam Machine, Steam Deck or your computer, allowing you to play games without using a keyboard or a mouse.

Users have the option to create ‘Steam Families’, which allows families of up to six people to share access to eligible games across their accounts. This feature also includes parental controls.

Steam is owned and operated by Valve.

Website: store.steampowered.com
Apps: Android app, Apple iOS

How do people use Steam?

Learn more about the benefits and risks associated with how people use gaming services like Steam.

Steam is used for: gaming, in-app purchasing, live streaming, messaging/online chat, online relationships, photo/video sharing, screen capture and voice chat.

How can you report online abuse or block someone?

This link is provided by Steam:

How can you protect your personal information?

This link is provided by Steam:

  • Steam profile privacy
    Learn how profile privacy works and how to make your account as secure as possible.

Key safety links

These links are provided by Steam:

  • Steam Families
    Provides information about how Steam's family feature works, including game sharing and parental controls.
  • Steam Support
    Offers a range of general help, how-to and troubleshooting information.
  • Rules and guidelines
    Discussions, reviews, and user-generated content as well as guidelines for the use of Steam.
  • Privacy policy
    Explains how your information is collected, stored and used by Valve, the owners of Steam.

Related eSafety links

Find other resources to help keep you safe online:

Other eSafety Guides:

About this Guide

This guide is provided by the eSafety Commissioner to help people stay safe online and better understand digital platforms.

Social media changes

From 10 December 2025, certain social media platforms are not allowed to let Australian children under 16 create or keep an account.

Find out more at eSafety’s social media age restrictions hub.

About The eSafety Guide

The eSafety Guide helps you find out how to protect your personal information and report harmful content on common social media, games, apps and sites. Entries are for information only and are not reviews, endorsements or assessments against any legislative definition by eSafety. Before choosing to use any online service or platform it’s best to:

  • do your own research to understand the risks and benefits
  • check the age rating and requirements
  • consider privacy
  • check the permissions and other settings
  • check the in-app reporting options.

If you are a parent or carer who is deciding whether a child should be allowed to use an online service or platform, you can also:

  • consider your child's readiness for the types of content and experiences they might encounter
  • help them understand what to do if they need help
  • provide ongoing support and monitoring, for example through regular check-ins with your child
  • agree to some rules about use of each service or platform.

To find out more, you can read the App checklist for parents, as well as information about parental controls in social media, games and apps and mental wellbeing resources for families.