Valve's content distribution system turned fully-fledged publishing platform has introduced a new feature this week which will allow you to spread the word about the games you're playing via the burgeoning service. The idea is that instead of videos and descriptions of your favourite videogames, you'll simply be able to let your friends try the game for free, using the new Steam option.

The new service goes under the rather grandiose name of Steam Guest Passes, and will allow you to send your pals a time-limited trial of games on Steam. The service isn't officially live yet, and is in fact entering a closed beta test shortly, and once the creases are thoroughly ironed you'll be able to offer Day of Defeat: Source to your friends for starters.

The menu option to send the Guest Passes will be present from the beginning of the beta test, though you won't actually be able to do anything with it until say so, and as we've mentioned, only Day of Defeat will be available for trialing initially. We'll keep you posted as this service expands.

Now, back to looking in disgust at prices on eBay, sniffle...

By Luke Guttridge