Adding Iran to the list of countries that can publish games

[AAAALORD]

Dear Steam Team,

I hope this email finds you well. I am writing to express my concern and disappointment regarding the current status of Iran's inclusion as a Steam partner. As an avid supporter of Steam and a member of the Iranian gaming community, I believe it is essential to address this matter in the interest of fostering a fair and inclusive gaming environment.

I have noticed that, despite Russia and Yemen being on the list of Steam partners, Iran is conspicuously absent. This omission not only hinders the progress of the game development industry in Iran but also puts Iranian developers and gamers at a significant disadvantage. The repercussions of this exclusion are far-reaching and threaten the livelihoods of countless individuals who are passionate about gaming.

It is important to highlight that, contrary to any misconceptions or policy interpretations, Iran does not pose any threat or conflict to any country, and the Iranian gaming community is committed to providing quality content and experiences for gamers worldwide. We firmly believe that Steam's mission of providing a global platform for gamers should extend to Iran as well.

I kindly request that you reconsider your stance and work towards resolving this issue promptly. By including Iran as a Steam partner, you not only support the local game development community but also contribute to fostering international cooperation and inclusivity in the gaming industry.

I am confident that a mutually beneficial solution can be reached, one that aligns with Steam's values of bringing people together through gaming. I would be more than willing to engage in a constructive dialogue to provide any additional information or clarification needed to facilitate this process.

Thank you for your attention to this matter. I look forward to hearing from you soon and hope for a positive outcome that will benefit gamers and developers in Iran.

Sincerely,

Spiritgoal team love from Iran

[Cathulhu]

Most likely won't happen as there are still sanctions active regarding Iran.
https://ofac.treasury.gov/faqs/topic/1551
Valve will not violate such sanctions.

[Crazy Tiger]

There is no mutual beneficial solution to find. Iran is a sanctioned country and Valve has to follow the sanctions.

[AAAALORD]

I would like to emphasize that Russia has faced more extensive sanctions compared to Iran, despite Iran never initiating any wars that would warrant such actions. This stark contrast raises questions about the fairness and consistency of Steam's policies. It is my hope that Steam takes into account the fact that Iran has a history of non-aggression and should not be subjected to sanctions that hinder its gaming industry and community

[AmsterdamHeavy]

Iran is under hard sanction from the US and has been since 1984.

Steam cannot by law do business in Iran.

[Azure Fang]

Originally posted by AAAALORD:

I would like to emphasize that Russia has faced more extensive sanctions compared to Iran, despite Iran never initiating any wars that would warrant such actions. This stark contrast raises questions about the fairness and consistency of Steam's policies. It is my hope that Steam takes into account the fact that Iran has a history of non-aggression and should not be subjected to sanctions that hinder its gaming industry and community

Irrelevant. Both countries have sanctions in place against them, both countries are blocked from profiting here. The only way to change this is to have the sanctions lifted.

[AAAALORD]

Originally posted by Azure Fang:

Originally posted by AAAALORD:

I would like to emphasize that Russia has faced more extensive sanctions compared to Iran, despite Iran never initiating any wars that would warrant such actions. This stark contrast raises questions about the fairness and consistency of Steam's policies. It is my hope that Steam takes into account the fact that Iran has a history of non-aggression and should not be subjected to sanctions that hinder its gaming industry and community

Irrelevant. Both countries have sanctions in place against them, both countries are blocked from profiting here. The only way to change this is to have the sanctions lifted.

You can check steam partners and Russia is there and they can profit from steam !

[nullable]

Originally posted by AAAALORD:

I would like to emphasize that Russia has faced more extensive sanctions compared to Iran, despite Iran never initiating any wars that would warrant such actions.

Different sanctions. Different consequences.

It's not always fair, international affairs of state are often unfair and harsh. Nothing new there unfortunately.

Originally posted by AAAALORD:

This stark contrast raises questions about the fairness and consistency of Steam's policies. It is my hope that Steam takes into account the fact that Iran has a history of non-aggression and should not be subjected to sanctions that hinder its gaming industry and community

Valve is not in a position to make decisions about how governments sanction Iran. Valve is not responsible for U.S. policies. Or your ignorance concerning the differences between how various nations are sanctioned and by whom.

And ultimately Valve is not gaming's mom. Sony, MS and Nintendo don't need Steam, why does Iran?

[AAAALORD]

Originally posted by AmsterdamHeavy:

Iran is under hard sanction from the US and has been since 1984.

Steam cannot by law do business in Iran.

Yes I agree but why Russia can profit and Iran not ? What is difference between them ?

[cSg|mc-Hotsauce]

Originally posted by AAAALORD:

Originally posted by AmsterdamHeavy:

Iran is under hard sanction from the US and has been since 1984.

Steam cannot by law do business in Iran.

Yes I agree but why Russia can profit and Iran not ? What is difference between them ?

Russia and Belarus can not profit from Steam sales.

[Azure Fang]

Originally posted by AAAALORD:

Originally posted by Azure Fang:

Irrelevant. Both countries have sanctions in place against them, both countries are blocked from profiting here. The only way to change this is to have the sanctions lifted.

You can check steam partners and Russia is there and they can profit from steam !

Not sure where you're getting this information, but you're wrong. A good example is the developer Four Corners, makers of Loop Hero. They are Russian and have not been able to receive earnings from Steam due to sanctions.

Again, that is irrelevant. As long as sanctions exist against Iran, Steam cannot work with the country. Full stop.

[AAAALORD]

Originally posted by nullable:

Originally posted by AAAALORD:

I would like to emphasize that Russia has faced more extensive sanctions compared to Iran, despite Iran never initiating any wars that would warrant such actions.

Different sanctions. Different consequences.

It's not always fair, international affairs of state are often unfair and harsh. Nothing new there unfortunately.

Originally posted by AAAALORD:

This stark contrast raises questions about the fairness and consistency of Steam's policies. It is my hope that Steam takes into account the fact that Iran has a history of non-aggression and should not be subjected to sanctions that hinder its gaming industry and community

Valve is not in a position to make decisions about how governments sanction Iran. Valve is not responsible for U.S. policies. Or your ignorance concerning the differences between how various nations are sanctioned and by whom.

And ultimately Valve is not gaming's mom. Sony, MS and Nintendo don't need Steam, why does Iran?

In our view, Steam holds a unique position as the international standard for game publishing. As such, it's expected that the rules and policies set by Steam should apply uniformly to all regions. While it's true that other gaming platforms like Sony, Microsoft, and Nintendo exist, Steam's reach and influence within the global gaming community are unparalleled. Therefore, ensuring equitable treatment for all countries, including Iran, is crucial to maintaining fairness and consistency in the gaming industry

[AmsterdamHeavy]

Originally posted by AAAALORD:

Originally posted by AmsterdamHeavy:

Iran is under hard sanction from the US and has been since 1984.

Steam cannot by law do business in Iran.

Yes I agree but why Russia can profit and Iran not ? What is difference between them ?

Iran took over our embassy and held American hostages for a over year in the 70s.

Iran was basically committing piracy in the Straights of Hormuz in the 80-90s

Iran insisted upon a program to develop nuclear weapons.

Theres a number of reasons.

Russia is a made up enemy of the US but Russian developers still cant sell in the US. They have committed no acts of aggression against the us, but the US has committed aggression against Russian in the last 6 years (bombings in Syria).

[AAAALORD]

Originally posted by AmsterdamHeavy:

Originally posted by AAAALORD:

Yes I agree but why Russia can profit and Iran not ? What is difference between them ?

Iran took over our embassy and held American hostages for a over year in the 70s.

Iran was basically committing piracy in the Straights of Hormuz in the 90s

Iran insisted upon a program to develop nuclear weapons.

Theres a number of reasons.

Russia is a made up enemy of the US. They have committed no acts of aggression against the us, but the US has committed aggression against Russian in the last 6 years (bombings in Syria).

My man I don't answer you can go and read what US did and doing it is not related to this topic but if you want we can talk later

[nullable]

Originally posted by AAAALORD:

Originally posted by Azure Fang:

Irrelevant. Both countries have sanctions in place against them, both countries are blocked from profiting here. The only way to change this is to have the sanctions lifted.

You can check steam partners and Russia is there and they can profit from steam !

Valve had partners in Russia, but sanctions have shut down commerce. Expecting all evidence of that to be erased as part of the sanctions is a bad assumption on your part and it doesn't seem you really understand what's going on or what Valve complying with the law looks like. But one thing is certain your assumptions are wrong.

[Azure Fang]

Originally posted by AAAALORD:

Originally posted by nullable:

Different sanctions. Different consequences.

It's not always fair, international affairs of state are often unfair and harsh. Nothing new there unfortunately.



Valve is not in a position to make decisions about how governments sanction Iran. Valve is not responsible for U.S. policies. Or your ignorance concerning the differences between how various nations are sanctioned and by whom.

And ultimately Valve is not gaming's mom. Sony, MS and Nintendo don't need Steam, why does Iran?

In our view, Steam holds a unique position as the international standard for game publishing. As such, it's expected that the rules and policies set by Steam should apply uniformly to all regions. While it's true that other gaming platforms like Sony, Microsoft, and Nintendo exist, Steam's reach and influence within the global gaming community are unparalleled. Therefore, ensuring equitable treatment for all countries, including Iran, is crucial to maintaining fairness and consistency in the gaming industry

Your view is irrelevant. As long as sanctions exist, Valve's hands are tied. If they defy sanctions, they will be subject to extreme fines and, in cases of ongoing defiance, suspension of licensing and the inability to function as a corporation. The only way for this to change is for Iran-United States relations to improve, and as long as Ali Khamenei continues to espouse the same rhetoric Ruhollah Khomeini did, it's unlikely relations will improve any time soon.