Steam begins offering Nexon games, starting with Vindictus

Valve has entered a partnership with Nexon America to offer some of the publisher's free online games through Steam.

The lineup is modest for now, and it looks like Nexon is picking 'n' choosing regional favorites to release on Steam, beginning with Vindictus. The action RPG -- developed with Valve's Source engine -- is currently up for download, while other North American hits Dungeon Fighter Online and Combat Arms are expected to join Vindictus by the end of June.

This is actually a pretty smart move on Nexon's part. Integrating Steam also simplifies the microtransaction process, allowing players to make in-game purchases using Steam Wallet rather than having to buy separate NX Cash (Nexon game currency). Much of the Steam community has also been "softened," so to speak, by Valve's own dabblings in the microtransaction model.