Steam GIFT CARDS

[Sharky]

I just noticed that Steam is now offering Gift Cards. Why can't they be purchased for members by people that don't know anything about Steam?

Currently, it says that both the buyer and receiver must have Steam accounts and be Friends on Steam. If you have friends/family that are looking for a gift idea (for Christmas?), this would be a wonderful idea. But I know I have a lot of family that would consider buying me a gift card for Xmas, but they would not be willing to set up a Steam account or figure out how to become a "Friend" with my account. It is a lot of UN-necessary work involved that will greatly reduce the customer base for the gift cards.

Steam should make it EASIER for outsiders to purchase the cards for members!

[Cathulhu]

Those are available for many years now.
And for many reasons they require the recipient not only to have a Steam account but also be on your friendlist for three days.

Main reason, scammers, reselling Steam gift cards through inofficial channels and more.

[cSg|mc-Hotsauce]

2 reasons.

1. People abused it commercially.

2. People were sending it to the wrong emails, just like game gifts.

[vizthex]

Physical gift cards have been around for awhile now - I've gotten a few over the years, and even saw some at Walmart a couple weeks ago.

You could have your friends/family buy the physical card, or send you money with an e-transfer app (or even write you a cheque if they're that archaic, lol).

But as others said, the digital gifts (including directly buying a game for a Steam friend) are limited to Steam accounts prevent abuse & confusion.