Valve Launches Steam Trading Cards

Valve has announced the launch of the beta for Steam Trading Cards, a system where you can earn cards by playing games and using said cards to earn badges, level up those badges, and even unlock goodies for your Steam account. Goodies include emoticons, discount coupons, and backgrounds for use on Steam. Best of all, you'll be able to show off your Steam profile to your friends, with all the badges you've earned and the games, the cards you've collected, and the games you've played.

High level accounts (yes, there's a leveling system) will also allow you to promote certain things through your account, such as your favorite games, items you have for trade, workshop mods, Greenlight submissions, and screenshots.

Thus far, there are only a few games that give you trading cards. They include:

• CS:GO
• Team Fortress 2
• Dota 2
• Portal 2
• Half-Life 2
• Don't Starve

If you'd like to partake in the beta, simply head on over to the Steam Trading Card Group and join it. You'll receive an invite sooner or later.