Steamworks

Steamworks is a suite of tools and services provided by Valve Corporation that enables developers to integrate Steam features into their games or applications. The Steamworks Software Development Kit (SDK) exposes APIs for user authentication, cloud saves, achievements, leaderboards, workshop integration, and in-game purchases, among other capabilities. Access is available to publishers and developers who publish titles on Steam.

Key features include Steam Cloud for cross-device saves, Achievements and Leaderboards to track progress, Steam Workshop for user-created content, and the Steam Inventory and micropurchase systems for in-game items. Steamworks also provides multiplayer networking and content delivery through the Steam client, as well as features for social integration such as friends lists and broadcasts.

Steamworks supports Windows, macOS, and Linux, with ongoing integration for Steam Deck. The tools are designed to work with the Steam client and store pages, enabling automatic updates, achievements, and content delivery when players install or purchase a game.

Licensing and access: Valve does not charge upfront fees to use Steamworks; developers join the Steamworks partner program and ship games on Steam. Valve retains a standard revenue share on sales, typically around 30% of revenue, with the remainder going to the developer or publisher. Fees and terms may vary by region and program.

Impact and usage: Since its introduction in the late 2000s, Steamworks has become a core part of Steam’s platform, supporting thousands of titles and enabling features such as Steam Workshop and Cloud Saves. It facilitates distribution, updates, and community-created content across PC titles and the Steam Deck ecosystem.