Key management
Key links
A key link is a public URL (/r/…) that gives one Steam key to whoever claims it — no Vulkain login required. Each link belongs to one game and draws from that game's pool. If the pool is empty, the claim fails even when the link still has room under its claim limit. A key link never counts traffic. That is a tracking link, under Traffic.
Two link types
Personal key link
One key for one person. You bind a recipient email when you create the link; only that address can claim the key. The claim limit is fixed at 1. Use this for a review copy or any one-to-one handoff.
Shared key link
Anyone can open the same URL, up to a claim limit — press packs, creator waves, giveaways. Leave the claim limit empty to stop only when the key pool runs out, or set a maximum. Email options are configurable (see below). This is not a creator campaign. Campaigns live under Traffic and issue tracking links.
Shared options
Both types support the following when you create a link:
- Game — which inventory pool to draw from
- Label — an internal name so you can find the link later (e.g. “Jane at IGN”)
- Channel — how you categorize the audience (see table)
- Starts / ends (optional) — schedule when the link can be claimed and when it expires
- Password (optional) — recipients must enter it before seeing a key
- Publish immediately — leave on for an active link, or save as draft
- Note (optional) — private reminder for your team
Channels
| Channel | Typical use |
|---|---|
| Press | Reviewers, outlets, embargo windows. |
| Creator | Streamers, YouTubers, influencers. |
| Giveaway | Contests and community drops. |
| Beta | Playtests and closed betas. |
| Internal | Team, QA, partners. |
| Other | Anything that does not fit the above. |
Options by type
Personal key link only
- Recipient email (required) — bound to the link; that address must be entered to claim
- Claim limit is always 1
- Email is always required; one claim for that email
Shared key link only
- Claim limit (optional) — leave blank for unlimited (until the game pool runs out); when the limit is hit the link becomes exhausted
- Require email — collect an email before revealing a key (useful for follow-up)
- One per email — when email is required, block a second claim with the same address on this link (on by default)
Link lifecycle
Links move through statuses such as draft, active, paused, exhausted, expired, and revoked. You can pause or revoke from the dashboard; exhausted and expired are applied automatically when the claim limit is reached or the end date passes.
Related: keys & batches · get started.