14 DAY TRIAL // It seems that the team at Valve in charge of the Steam digital distribution service is getting ready to announce that it will allow users to soon pay for the content that they pick up using the Bitcoin virtual currency.
The information comes from an image on Reddit that also mentions that developers are already getting details about the new feature, which means that an official announcement for the public might be coming soon.
Valve explains that "Bitcoin is becoming an increasingly popular online payment method in some countries, and we’re enabling a system that insulates partners from risk and volatility while still providing value to the end customer."
The company plans to use a third-party firm that is not mentioned to process payments using the new currency, and all gamers who want to use the new option will be charged the price in their local currency before the mediator converts the amount into Bitcoin using the current exchange rate.
Valve makes it clear that it does not have plans to receive or hold any of its funds in the new currency, which means a new option is offered to the customers and developers while the company adds no new responsibilities.
Steam will probably deliver Bitcoin support over time
Valve will probably first roll out support in a few big countries to make sure that it eliminates all potential problems as quickly as possible and to give players and game creators a little time to adjust to the new payment option.
Only then will be the company introduce Bitcoin support all over the world, although it's possible that some state regulations might get in the way of this move.
Bitcoins are seen by many as more secure and easier to use than traditional currency because of their peer to peer nature and because all transactions are linked to a block chain.
Valve has said that it wants Steam to offer as many options as possible for its users, including extra ways to pay for the content that they are interested in and more types of experiences to download and enjoy.
The company has recently launched, in partnership with HTC, the Vive virtual reality platform, which is already getting solid support from some developers, although headset availability is at the moment limited.
Valve has also been improving security for all Steam accounts, asking all gamers to use two-factor authentication when they list items on the market or seek to trade them with friends.