Valve looks set to introduce Bitcoin payments to its digital distribution platform Steam, according to references found on Steam's translation servers. The move will make the enormously popular platform the first major gaming service to support Bitcoin.

There has been no official word from Valve yet but the references – posted on Reddit with a screenshot – seem fairly definitive. These include information regarding how the payments will work, and a messages that would be sent out to people in the process of paying with Bitcoin.

It also appears that Steam will use third-party software, in the form of BitPay API, to process the payments. Below are the extracts as found.

bitcoin_authorization_explanation Bitcoin transactions are authorized through the BitPay website. Click the button below to open a new web browser to initiate the transaction. bitcoin_payment_tips_header Tips for Bitcoin customers bitcoin_payment_tips_text This process can take up to 60 seconds. To avoid purchasing failures, please do not hit your back button or close the bitpay window before the process is complete. checkout_payment_method_specific_note_bitcoin Note: Any approved refunds for purchases made with Bitcoin can only be credited to your Steam wallet checkout_receipt_pending_bitcoin_long Your purchase is currently in progress and is waiting for confirmation of Bitcoin delivery from BitPay. This process can take several minutes to a few days for confirmation. Valve will send an email receipt to you when payment is received for this purchase. During this time you may continue shopping for other games, though you will not be able to re-purchase any products that are pending in this transaction. checkout_receipt_pending_bitcoin_text For questions regarding your payment processing status, please contact BitPay

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