There's also games without DRM on Steam if you'd rather not spend more that what's been gifted. As Steam itself doesn't track those, there's those two wikis keep track of it if you want:
https://steam.fandom.com/wiki/List_of_DRM-free_games
https://www.pcgamingwiki.com/wiki/The_big_list_of_DRM-free_games_on_Steam

There are many independent small indie games, many DRM free, for less than $20 on steam. What kind of games do you play if any?

I don't think it really goes here, but here's my advice lol:

Unless you really need steam hardware (the steam deck is amazing for commuters, for example), you probably don't need to buy it. That being said, they are fun to use, so feel free if you'd like to.

You can also get some games that are difficult to play pirated during a steam sale (mainly live service games, I believe). Just wishlist and wait.

The next Steam Sale is supposed to start December 12, so I'd browse around for any games that look interesting to you, add them to the wishlist and wait until the sale to make the most of your money.

If looking specifically thru the Piracy angle, maybe a game that you want to play but hasn't been cracked yet, or one you want to play the Multiplayer

Wait for the next big Steam sale and go wild.

I would wait for a sale and then put that money into indie titles you are interested in

Steam as soms sales so...

I understand your point and there are many reasons why people pirate stuff.

If possible I would spend it on a game or software if you like.

May I suggest games that can be played offline like indie titles if your into them.

Not an indie but still great: Sleeping Dogs Definitive Edition it's 20 euros and when at a discount drops till 3 euros.

I play on Linux myself work great and if your not into those online games with anti-cheats you can consider buying a steam deck.

Pick something that interests you but is made by a small, indie, maybe even solo dev. Check out some of the stuff made by people on lemmy in the Godot community maybe. Lots of cool projects to consider.

Sometimes it's more convenient to have games on steam if you like their workshop content or they are still receiving significant updates. 

Balatro

Here's my rule of piracy if you're buying something

• You're really passionate about the product and you really want to support the developer or publisher

• The game gets frequent updates which you see value in which causes issues whenever you have to download updates separately from another site

• there is some type of online or connect feature that you cannot get offline that you see value in... This can be mods or multiplayer etc

Or if you want to play a game on a steam deck and it's really cheap. After all, you and I both know it's incredibly easy to play something on steam deck straight from Steam rather than having to shortcut to a pirated exe

Put the money towards some purpose that you think could really benefit from it. Giving it to ubisoft or silksong is, comparatively, useless. Giving it to a true indie dev that hasn't hit success, and giving a thorough review, could actually make a big difference.

What do you play?

I ask because the games you play may not run well on the Steam deck, and if you don't play enough on Steam, you may not want a deck to begin with.

If you're mainly a console gamer and have an OK PC, you may wanna redeem the card and pick up a game or two that work on your PC.

It should also be noted the Winter sale is in approximately two weeks, so whatever you decide to do, I'd suggest holding onto the $20 until then.

Happy birthday!

Welcome to Lemmy!

If you want a steam deck, get a steam deck.
It's harder to run non steam games on it though.

But it's taken over my pc in terms of usage.
(Edit: I also sprang for the dock. It's been my living room machine ever since i got it)

I really like the game Necesse. It's 17 euros I think. Schedule 1 is also nice. Also other small indie games are nice. They deserve our money. AAA games are fucked, they deserve to be pirated. Getting a steam deck with a 20 euro gift card is weird, as it's much more than that. Is go for a nice indie game with very or overwhelmingly positive review. And check YouTube reviews/gameplay to check if it's something you'd like.

kitsune tails or thimbleweed park

Wait for an indie game you like to go on sale, then buy it. Once you have the base game, you can add DLCs unofficially and steam will add recognize them.

I like Lobotomy Corporation. It is basically a SCP-roguelike, where you manage a facility full of monsters. A 100% playthrough will take over 150 hours, probably closer to 300. It is a difficult game that demands your full attention, else you will hear trumpets.

I'll trade it for money