How to get free Steam games from game developers? There are many platforms that provide this opportunity. I will talk about keymailer here that I have tried myself. Keymailer is one of platforms where content creators can receive free Steam game keys directly from game developers and publishers. If you’re a YouTuber, Twitch streamer, or TikTok creator, this is a solid way to build your game library without spending money.
Even if you are not a YouTuber, you can create a YouTube channel, play some free games, upload those gameplays to your YouTube channel and participate in keymailer’s program to get free steam games. Okay so here are the details.
How Keymailer Works
Before you get steam game keys, here’s how the keymailer platform works:
- Sign up with your content creator profile on keymailer. This includes linking your YouTube, Twitch, or other social accounts so Keymailer can verify your content and followers. One account is sufficient. You got only YouTube channel? Use only YouTube account.
- Game developers browse creator profiles and choose who gets access to their game keys. I get random offers in my keymailer account to access the game key and review the game.
- You can also request keys for games listed on the platform or wait for direct offers if your profile matches their promotion needs. I would say don’t wait. Browse available games and request keys for games of your choice. Some game developers will accept your request and grant you free key for their game to play.
Keymailer acts like a middleman between creators and game publishers, making it easier to connect and collaborate.
Requirements and Eligibility Criteria
To receive Steam game keys through Keymailer, you need to meet some basic eligibility requirements.
- You must be a content creator on platforms like YouTube or Twitch.
- Your account should be active, with regular video uploads or live streams featuring games.
- You should have a minimum following. There is no official number, but creators with consistent content and some engagement have better chances.
- Steam account must be linked so Keymailer can send you the correct keys.
- Your profile must match the game’s audience. For example, if you mostly play indie games, you’re more likely to receive indie titles.
Tips to Increase Your Chances
Here’s how you can improve your chances of getting accepted for game keys.
- Keep your content updated and relevant on your gaming channel.
- Use thumbnails, titles, and descriptions that show you’re serious about game coverage.
- Tag the games you play accurately so developers know what kind of content you create. Use hash tags and tags in YouTube description and tags area. When they grant you a game key they ask to use specific tags and hash tags in your video details and description. Those tags are mostly related to game names so that the game can get exposure from the community.
- Share honest reviews and gameplay footage to build credibility.
- Play the game as much as possible and upload those gameplays on your gaming channel. Although one gameplay is sufficient.
Are All Requests Accepted?
No. But that is fine. There are a lot of games on the platform. Almost all new indie games are listed there. You can request keys for few different games and you will get most of those keys.
What To Do After You Receive The Game Key
Once you receive the key, open Steam and redeem it. The game will be added to your Steam library and downloaded automatically. You’ll typically have around 30 days — or possibly longer — to play and upload gameplay content.
Keymailer will track your activity through the tags you use, so it’s important to tag your content correctly as instructed by the game developer. If you don’t play or tag the game as requested, it may affect your trust rating on the platform. To maintain credibility and continue receiving keys, make sure to play the game and follow the developer’s tagging guidelines.
Real Examples
I know few small YouTubers personally with just 1,000+ subscribers who have gotten free keys for upcoming games simply by applying through Keymailer and having consistent gameplay videos. It’s not just for big influencers but smaller creators can also benefit if they’re active and niche-focused. Go check @aPrincessPlays and @MJKHPlays. They have received free keys from keymailer and have played those games on their youtube channels.
If you want to know more about it, let me know in comments because I can explain more on this topic. I love games and I am very passionate about these cozy indie colorful games.
More Ways to Get Free Steam Games.