Add Keys

Use FirstLook to distribute game keys to players across all major platforms — including Steam, Epic Games Store, PlayStation, and Xbox.
This page walks through the process for Steam keys in particular, however other platforms offer similar experiences.

Overview

When you upload keys to FirstLook, they are automatically assigned to players after they complete the onboarding process. This ensures that only verified, onboarded players receive access to your build.

For more details about key management, formats, and advanced configuration, visit the Keys Management documentation.

Adding Steam Keys

If this is your first time distributing Steam keys for testing, we recommend reading the Steam Keys and Playtest Guide for background on how key distribution works and how to request them on Steam.

Consider using a Steam Playtest App

When running playtests, we recommend utilizing the Steam Playtest feature with Standard Release Keys instead of using Release State Override Keys for your main game.
This approach offers several advantages:

• Your main game remains on players’ wishlists (it won’t disappear when they playtest).
• You can generate up to 50,000 keys for a playtest app, compared to 2,500 for Release State Override Keys.
• Playtesters can purchase your main game later, and their reviews will count toward your final rating.

Learn More →

Requesting Steam Keys

You can generate Steam keys in the Steamworks Partner Portal. You need Generate Steam Keys permissions within Steam to do so.

1. Log in to the Steamworks Partner Portal
   Visit the Steamworks Partner Portal and log in with your developer account.

2. Select your App
   Find your game in the list of apps and open it. If you’re using a dedicated Playtest App, select that version instead.

3. Request Product Keys
   Click the Request Steam Product Keys button.
   Enter the number of keys you want (1,000 is a good starting point) and select the key type:

   • Standard Key for playtests
   • Release State Override Key if not using a Playtest App

4. Download the Keys
   Once generated, download the .zip file. Inside, you will find a plain text file with one key per line.

5. Upload the Keys to FirstLook
   Open your FirstLook Dashboard → Keys. You will notice some placeholder Demo Keys, which will be removed once you add your own.

   • Click Manage & Import Keys, then choose the Steam Key row.
   • Click Choose File to upload your .txt file
   • Or paste the keys directly into the input field
   • Click Import to complete the upload.

   

6. Done!
   Your Steam keys are now uploaded. You can add more keys or remove them at any time.

   Players who sign up for your playtest will automatically receive a key once invited or approved.

Next Steps

Once your keys are uploaded, continue setting up your playtest:

• Plan your player segmentation
• Build your onboarding flows
• Configure roles and access