“Just pirate it”: Roguelike dev would rather you download its games illegally than buy from Steam code resellers
The developer of the roguelike The Slormancer has said players should pirate its games rather than buy keys from unauthorised Steam code resellers. The comments highlight concerns that grey-market sellers may obtain keys through fraud or resell codes intended for other purposes, meaning developers may receive no payment and can face financial losses.
Slormite Studios said it would prefer players to use piracy over supporting businesses it regards as harmful to small developers. The studio urged people who want to buy legitimately to use Steam or authorised retailers, while acknowledging that some players may be unable or unwilling to pay full price.
- Developer condemns unauthorised Steam key resellers.
- It says piracy is preferable to supporting grey markets.
- Legitimate purchases should use Steam or authorised shops.
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Steam game keys are codes that let someone add a game to their account. Developers can sell keys through Steam or give them to approved retailers, while unauthorised resellers offer keys outside those channels, sometimes at lower prices.
Slormite Studios makes The Slormancer, a roguelike game in which players tackle repeated, changing challenges. The studio says unauthorised sellers may trade keys obtained through fraud or meant for other uses, so a sale may bring the developer no income and could cause losses.
The issue matters because small studios rely on game sales to fund their work, while players may look for cheaper ways to buy. Slormite Studios recommends Steam or authorised retailers for legitimate purchases.
Both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
Grey-market key resellers often obtain codes through fraud, chargebacks, or resale of promotional keys intended for specific regions or bundles, directly damaging small developers' finances beyond lost sales. An indie studio operating on tight margins argues that piracy represents forgone revenue, whereas fraudulent key sales inflict active financial harm and undermine developer trust with platforms. This reflects a practical harm-reduction stance when faced with broken market protections—choosing the lesser of two harms.
The case against
Publicly suggesting piracy is preferable to any commercial transaction normalises copyright infringement and undermines the intellectual property protections that allow creators to earn sustainable livings. The appropriate remedy lies in platform enforcement, legal action against fraudulent resellers, and improved regional market controls—not acceptance of piracy as acceptable. Endorsing piracy as a solution, even conditionally, sets a troubling precedent across creative industries and contradicts the principle that creators deserve fair compensation for their work.