India, July 23 -- Steam has removed one of the most awkward parts of buying a PC game for someone else: the need to know their account name and add them as a friend first.

The updated Steam gifting system now allows buyers to send games using an email address, complete purchases without a Steam account, buy directly from a shared wishlist, and send eligible gifts across regions. The result is a simpler process for relatives, friends, and occasional buyers who may not use Steam themselves.

Previously, gifting a game through Steam was tied closely to the platform's social system. Buyers generally needed a Steam account and had to select the recipient from their friend list. That made surprise gifts difficult. It also created unnecessary w...