Online Game Account Inheritance: Can It Be Inherited?
TimeWill Editorial · Updated 2026-07-05 · Product Team Review
Game accounts usually cannot be inherited, because the operators own them and users hold only a licence. The virtual property inside an account, such as equipment and currency, does have property value, and it has been successfully inherited in court cases. Keep the account details current, because operators often ask for proof that the account belonged to the deceased. The gap between the two is why a plan matters. Record the game account information in advance, keep it in an encrypted vault, and leave clear instructions so your family knows which accounts exist and how to ask the operator to handle them.
A game account played for 5 years may hold equipment worth thousands. Can these virtual properties be inherited? Further reading: Digital Legacy, Crypto Inheritance, and Legal Analysis.
Legal Status of Virtual Property
Article 127 of the Civil Code explicitly protects data and network virtual property. Game equipment and virtual currency can be legally recognized as personal property.
Platform Policy Comparison
- Steam — User agreement prohibits transfer; no official inheritance channel
- Tencent Games — Accounts cannot be transferred; contact via bound phone
- NetEase Games — Accounts cannot be transferred; virtual property can be inherited with proof
- miHoYo — Accounts cannot be transferred; no official policy
Successful Inheritance Cases
Multiple court rulings have supported virtual property inheritance. Virtual property has economic value and falls within the estate.
Recommended Preparations
Record all game accounts, screenshot valuable equipment, consider notarization for high-value accounts, and store info in encrypted digital legacy tools.
This article is for reference only and does not constitute legal advice.
FAQ
Q: Can game accounts be inherited?
Accounts typically cannot be inherited, but virtual property within has property value and courts have supported inheritance.
Q: Can Steam accounts be inherited?
Steams user agreement prohibits transfer. Family can continue using with credentials.
Q: Can valuable game equipment be notarized?
Yes. High-value virtual property can be notarized or included in a will.
Q: How to handle Genshin Impact or Honor of Kings accounts?
Accounts cannot be transferred. Record bound info so family can contact customer service.