Steam Key Situation - Steam Won't Give Enough Keys (Patreon)

I have some unfortunate news regarding Steam keys. As you can tell by the title, Steam refuses to release me enough keys to cover all the patrons that have paid the price of the game (tentatively $30).

Around 2 years ago Steam changed their key policies to be more restrictive thanks to abuse by shovelware developers. At that time I sent a support request explaining that I have been promising Steam keys to patrons prior to the policy change, and asked if I would be granted enough keys when the game was nearing release. I told Steam that at that time I needed 21k keys, but that the number would increase by the time I requested the keys. Steam said without ambiguity that yes, they would provide enough keys.

Fast forwarding to now, my requests for 34k keys have been denied. After some back and forth with Steam support they reluctantly agreed to provide me 21k keys I originally quoted in the ticket, despite me clearly stating that I would need more.

So, right now I have about 60% of the Steam keys I need to fulfill my promise. Steam said they may provide me more keys if I request them after the game has launched. I'm hoping this will cover the rest of the patrons that are owed a key.

The only thing I can think of moving forward to be fair as possible with these 21k keys is to increase the lifetime amount requirement to be higher than $30. Currently it's in the realm of $61. If I get more keys from Steam, I will lower the eligibility requirements.

If an Itch key is acceptable (or you're in Germany), those will be available from the beginning at $30. If I'm denied further Steam keys, the only option I can think of is to give the remaining patrons an Itch key instead.

I'm sorry that I may have to break or delay my promise for a Steam key. Steam decided to not honour their commitment, and I'm left with few options.

Thank you for supporting Anthro Heat. I hope you'll stick with me and the Anthro Heat team despite this complication.