Can you legally pass down your digital game libraries on Steam, PlayStation, or Xbox to your heirs?

You cannot legally bequeath digital game libraries on platforms like Steam, PlayStation, or Xbox because platform terms of service classify purchases as non-transferable personal licenses; heirs must instead inherit physical console devices or receive automated access credentials through private digital vaults.

For modern gamers, a digital library is a significant financial asset. It's common for active players to own hundreds of games on Steam, PlayStation Network, Xbox Network, or Nintendo eShop, with portfolios valued in the thousands of dollars. They may also own rare virtual skins, in-game currency, and premium account trophies.

But under the hood, you don't own these games — you own a non-transferable personal license to play them. When you die, that license terminates. Most platform terms of service explicitly prohibit transferring, selling, or gifting accounts to other users.

In a 2025 class-action review, gaming platforms defeated inheritance claims by pointing to licensing agreements. This means that legally, your digital library dies with you.

Use our Death Audit Checklist to evaluate the size and value of your digital gaming estate.

Platform-specific rules and licensing agreements

Steam (Valve) • Terms of Service: "Your Account, including any information pertaining to it... is personal to you. You may not sell, charge others for the right to use your Account, or otherwise transfer your Account." • Support policy: Valve explicitly refuses to transfer Steam accounts to heirs, even with death certificates and wills. The account is terminated. • Practical workaround: Steam doesn't actively monitor user mortality. If your heir has your login and password, they can log in and play your games without Valve knowing.

PlayStation Network (Sony) • Terms of Service: "You may not sell, buy, trade, or otherwise transfer your Account or any access to your Account." • Support policy: Sony will not transfer accounts. They will close the account and cancel subscriptions upon proof of death. • Practical workaround: Keep your primary console set as the "Home Console" for your account. This allows other accounts on the same console to play your downloaded games.

Xbox Network (Microsoft) • Terms of Service: Non-transferable personal license. • Support policy: Microsoft will not transfer account ownership. However, if your Xbox is configured as your "Home Xbox," family members can access your games. Microsoft support may assist in closing accounts but won't hand over logins.

Nintendo eShop • Terms of Service: "Licenses are non-transferable." • Support policy: Accounts are personal and cannot be transferred. Nintendo will close accounts and delete billing details upon proof of death.

How to safely pass down your gaming legacy

Since legal channels refuse to transfer digital game libraries, you must plan for manual credential transfers:

1. Document all gaming credentials List your usernames, passwords, and 2FA backup codes for: • Steam, GOG, Epic Games Store • PlayStation Network, Xbox Network, Nintendo Account • Battle.net, EA App, Ubisoft Connect • In-game accounts (Roblox, Minecraft, Fortnite) • Discord and gaming forums

2. Store in your ZeroLatch vault Encrypt all gaming credentials and recovery keys. Include: • Physical location of gaming consoles, PCs, and VR headsets • Local Windows/Mac login passwords (heirs need these to open local launchers) • 2FA authenticator backup codes (crucial for bypassing login blocks) • Instructions on how to log in and keep the accounts active without alerting platform support • Instructions for setting up "Family Sharing" features (e.g., Steam Family Sharing) while alive, which lets heirs access your library legally

3. Configure the dead man's switch Set a 14-30 day check-in interval. Designate your gaming child, friend, or partner as the recipient. Include a personal message explaining what platforms they can access.

4. Keep payment methods active If you have active subscriptions (Xbox Game Pass, PlayStation Plus), heirs need to cancel or take over payments. Document linked payment methods in your ZeroLatch instructions.

This practical workaround ensures your thousands of dollars in games and virtual achievements are not lost to corporate licensing terms. Your heirs can continue to download, play, and cherish your gaming library for years to come.

Test your master vault password strength with our Password Strength Tester.