The internet is connecting more people than ever before, and as the digital age permeates our daily lives, digital assets are becoming increasingly valuable. Consider the vast Steam libraries some gamers amass, representing thousands of games and significant financial investments. However, the question of what happens to these digital assets in the event of the owner’s passing remains a pressing issue. Currently, there are no laws compelling companies like Valve to transfer Steam accounts to inheritors, even if they are named in a will. Earlier this year, a user proposed this very scenario to Valve, only to be met with a firm statement: Steam accounts are non-transferable, and Steam Support cannot merge account contents. “I regret to inform you that your Steam account cannot be transferred via a will,” a Valve representative wrote. However, this situation may soon change thanks to the European Law Institute (ELI), a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting European legal development. The ELI has launched a project aimed at creating new laws that facilitate the inheritance of all digital assets, including what they call “digital remains.” This initiative could have far-reaching implications for how we manage our online identities and possessions in the digital age. As digital assets become more central to our lives, it is vital that we consider the legal framework surrounding their ownership and inheritance. The ELI’s efforts may signal a shift towards a more comprehensive legal approach to our digital legacies.
Digital Inheritance: The Future of Steam Accounts and Other Online Assets
