Steam's new Curator Connect feature targets key-scamming

Valve has rolled out new tools for both developers and curators in an effort to cut off fraudsters fishing for game keys.

Curator Connect encompasses a series of features designed to bring both sides closer together and hopefully prevent studios from being fooled by scammers. In the past, Steam users have claimed to be journalists, Twitch streamers or YouTubers with large audiences in order to request free keys from developers, which they have then sold.

In order to combat this, developers will now be able to send games directly to curators they want to work with via Steam to ensure they reach the correct person. If the offer is accepted, the title in question automatically activates in the curator's Steam Library, negating the need for keys and therefore preventing anything from being sold on the grey market.

Studios will also be able to see curator's actual reach and any linked social accounts through their page, making it easier for studios to check influencers have the audience they claim. Additionally, a tweaked tagging system will enable developers to search for curators that cover or recommend games similar to theirs, enabling them to better target their pitches.

These features and more have been in beta for a few weeks following the announcement in October, but Kotaku reports that Curator Connect is now live.

Curators will also be able better emphasise their audience and content, thanks in part to the ability to embed videos and personalise their home pages. Interestingly, they will also be able to access data on what their audience has bought - essentially allowing them to see if they have genuinely influenced purchasing decisions.