Does steam allow NordVPN while gaming?

[EldenMoon]

I'm asking because I heard it can get you banned but I just wanna also state that I won't be using a VPN servers outside the US. I live in the US

[Chompman]

If you do not use it to abuse prices as they can vary on each state then the risk is minimal but it's still "technically" against the rules as steam does have a rule about disguising your location and remember that the use of vpn's will increase your ping in online games almost always so there is no real reason to use one for online gaming like that.

[Supafly]

Use my VPN all the time and have done for years. I'm UK based so always connected to UK servers. so not trying to circumvent regional anything

[mimizukari]

Steam is a popular platform for gamers that offers a wide range of games for download. However, some users may want to use a VPN (Virtual Private Network) to enhance their gaming experience. A VPN can help you access games that are not available in your region, protect your online privacy and security, and reduce lag and latency by connecting to a closer server.

However, using a VPN with Steam comes with some risks and limitations. According to Steam's Subscriber Agreement, you are not allowed to use a VPN to make purchases from the Steam Store while using a VPN. This is because Steam may adjust the prices of games based on your location, and using a VPN to buy games at lower prices is considered fraud. If you violate this rule, Steam may suspend or terminate your account.

Therefore, it is ok to use a VPN while gaming on Steam, as long as you do not use it to make purchases from the Steam Store while using a VPN. You should also make sure that you use a reliable and fast VPN that works well with Steam, such as ExpressVPN, NordVPN, or Surfshark. These VPNs have strong security features, large server networks, and fast speeds that can enhance your gaming experience on Steam.

[Iceira]

Originally posted by Chompman:

If you do not use it to abuse prices as they can vary on each state then the risk is minimal but it's still "technically" against the rules as steam does have a rule about disguising your location and remember that the use of vpn's will increase your ping in online games almost always so there is no real reason to use one for online gaming like that.

well put, there is not a grey area to debat, steam way, until they want to change it.

[Epii]

Originally posted by mochikaeru:

According to Steam's Subscriber Agreement, you are not allowed to use a VPN to make purchases from the Steam Store while using a VPN. This is because Steam may adjust the prices of games based on your location, and using a VPN to buy games at lower prices is considered fraud.

With this logic in place, I owe it to myself to use a VPN. See, my internet provider is Starlink. Even though I live in the mountains of Maine (population of my small town = 900), Starlink reports that I live in the middle of Manhattan (population of New York City ~8 million) - over 400 miles and 5 states away. How am I to know if I am being charged more for a game since Steam "thinks" I live in New York City than a possible lower price offered to rural, or Maine-residing, or any-other-criteria-I-don't-know-about gamers? For the same reason that it's being said that VPNs are not allowed, I am being encouraged to use one.

Which is just another example of why the rule is effectively meaningless. It's arbitrary, and it's only purpose, if the stated information is true, is to increase profits (but not sales!) for Steam. It expects gamers to forego their security to a company that actively spies on them anyway. Maybe it's time to put up a google alert for "Steam" and "class action lawsuit" again.

[kingjames488]

why is steam charging some people more tho?

[FFL2and3rocks]

Originally posted by kingjames488:

why is steam charging some people more tho?

Because they live in a part of the world where people earn more money. Someone who earns $800 a month is not going to spend $70 on a video game. Plus tax laws that are different everywhere.

Also, publishers choose what regional prices they want.

[Chompman]

Originally posted by kingjames488:

why is steam charging some people more tho?

Currency values are different across the world plus standard of living and different types of taxes.

[kingjames488]

Originally posted by FFL2and3rocks:

Originally posted by kingjames488:

why is steam charging some people more tho?

Because they live in a part of the world where people earn more money. Someone who earns $800 a month is not going to spend $70 on a video game. Plus tax laws that are different everywhere.

Also, publishers choose what regional prices they want.

sounds like they charging some people more because they can to me...

[EldenMoon]

okay, well I don't really plan on using it to buy games or anything like that. I would just rather use it while gaming, since you tend to be more vulnerable while gaming. I like to stay straight and narrow with rules regarding steam. Never been banned before, don't plan to cheat and get banned now lol

[mimizukari]

Originally posted by EldenMoon:

okay, well I don't really plan on using it to buy games or anything like that. I would just rather use it while gaming, since you tend to be more vulnerable while gaming. I like to stay straight and narrow with rules regarding steam. Never been banned before, don't plan to cheat and get banned now lol

vulnerable to what? almost no modern games, especially AAA games expose your IP in any way to anyone else, and if it did, so what? just reset the router and get a new IP, you should never use an isp that gives you a static IP