What is "Steam API key integration" worth or used for?

[dmanas0]

What is "Steam API key integration" worth or used for?

[akiver]

Hi, I added a documentation here.
Does it answer your question? My recommendation is to generate a key.

[dmanas0]

Sure but what's the difference between not having it? I see it retrieves the Valve matches the same way. Does it retrieve some additional information with the API Key or something?

[akiver]

If you don't use a custom API key you may have a notification saying "Steam API returned a 429 status code" because the key bundled in the application reached the rate limit.
Valve matches are not retrieved with the Steam web API but with this tool - the key is used to retrieve VAC ban stats and players' avatars.

[dmanas0]

Now I understand. Thanks.