This analysis describes what Steam's agreement states, permits, or reserves. It does not constitute a legal determination about enforceability. Regulatory applicability and practical outcomes may vary by jurisdiction, enforcement context, and individual circumstances. Read our methodology
The updated agreement no longer explicitly discloses that Steam Wallet funds held by Japanese users will expire six months after being added, or that expiration dates can be reviewed in the Steam Wallet. The removal of this disclosure eliminates the transparency mechanism previously available to Japanese subscribers regarding fund expiration timelines and monitoring options. Japanese law may still impose expiration requirements on stored funds regardless of contractual disclosure, but the agreement no longer notifies users of this expiration mechanism.
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"In the case of Hardware, we only accept your offer, and conclude the transaction for an item ordered by you, when we dispatch the Hardware to you and send e-mail confirming to you that we've dispatched the Hardware to you.Excerpt from Steam's Subscriber Agreement
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The clause states: “In the case of Hardware, we only accept your offer, and conclude the transaction for an item ordered by you, when we dispatch the Hardware to you and send e-mail confirming to you that we've dispatched the Hardware to you.”
ConductAtlas has identified this type of provision across 297 platforms. See the full comparison.
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