Valve Surrenders Physical Steam Gift Cards as Fraud Pressure Mounts

This marks a significant retreat by a major gaming platform in the face of persistent cybercrime—despite years of anti-fraud initiatives, scammers have proven too adaptable. The trend signals a broader industry shift toward digital-only distribution models for digital goods, likely reshaping how consumers purchase game credits across the sector. For Steam users, convenience takes a back seat to security, highlighting the real-world costs of sophisticated fraud operations.