Add Keys

Use FirstLook to distribute game keys to players across all major platforms (Steam, Epic Games Store, PlayStation, Xbox, and more). This guide uses Steam as the primary example.

For additional key types, cofiguration, and management features, visit the Keys Management documentation.

Adding Steam Keys

You’ll first need to upload a batch of keys to FirstLook. Once uploaded, keys will be assigned to players after they complete the sign-up process, allowing them to access your game and playtest.

If this is your first time running a Steam Playtest, we recommend reading the Steam Keys and Playtest Guide to get a better understanding of how key distribution works and how to request them on Steam.

Consider using a hidden Steam Playtest

The recommended way to run large-scale playtests is to use the Steam Playtest feature with Standard Release Keys for the playtest. It offers several advantages over using Release State Override Keys for your main game:

• Your main game will remain on players’ wishlists, instead of disappearing when they join the playtest.
• You can redeem up to 50,000 keys for a playtest, instead of the 2,500 Release State Override Keys.
• Playtesters can still purchase the game after the playtest, and their review will count towards the final review score.

Learn More

Requesting Steam Keys

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

1. Log in to the Steamworks Partner Portal

   Head over to the Steamworks Partner Portal and log in with your developer account.

2. Go to your App

   Find your game in the list of apps and click on it. Make sure to navigate the Playtest App if you are using one.

3. Click the Request Steam Product Keys button

   Specify the number of keys you want to generate (1,000 is always a good number) and the type of key you want to generate. We recommend using the Standard Key type for playtests or the Release State Override Key if you are not using the Playtest feature.

4. Download the Keys

   Once the keys are generated, you can download them as a .zip file. This file contains a plain text file with the keys in it.

5. Upload the Keys to FirstLook

   Head over to the Dashboard > Keys. You will notice there are some placeholder Demo Keys, which will be removed once you add your own. Click on Manage & Import Keys at the top right.

   Click ‘Import Keys’ on the Steam Key row. Click Choose File and select the text file with the keys. You can also copy and paste the keys in the text field if you prefer. Click on Import to upload the keys to FirstLook.

   

6. Done!

   You have now uploaded your Steam Keys to FirstLook. Players that sign up for your playtest will receive a key once they are invited. You can always upload more keys or remove keys if needed.

Steamworks Integration

To track the playtime and wishlist status of your playtesters, you can integrate FirstLook with your Steamworks Account using a Steamworks WebAPI Key.