Quick answer: Steamworks Inventory GrantPromoItems returning failure for some accounts? Limited-user accounts can’t receive inventory items — check IsAccountLimited before granting.
Players report some accounts never receive their pre-order DLC. Limited-user accounts (under $5 lifetime spend) are restricted by Steam.
Limited User Definition
A Steam account is limited until it spends $5 (currency varies). Limited accounts can’t use community features, Workshop, or receive inventory items.
Detect via API
if (SteamUser()->BIsBehindNAT()) { ... } // example
if (!SteamUser()->BIsPhoneVerified()) { ... }There’s no direct “is limited” query; check BIsPhoneVerified and trust profile metadata. Phone-verified is a common proxy.
Show a Friendly Message
If the grant fails because the account is limited, show a UI that explains why and links to help.steampowered.com. Users blame your game otherwise.
Retry on Status Change
Cache failed grants. After authenticating again later, retry — the account may have crossed the $5 threshold.
Verifying
Granting items to a non-limited account succeeds. Granting to a limited account returns the documented failure code; your UI explains the situation.
“Inventory grants fail silently for limited accounts. Detect and explain.”
Always handle the “limited account” case in your store flow — it’s common in regions with prepaid Steam wallets.