Warning Implemented for Abandoned Early Access Games on Steam for Buyers

Valve Introduces Warning for Long-Overdue Early Access Games on Steam

For regular visitors of Valve’s Steam platform, the prevalence of early access titles is a common sight. These games, which are still under development, allow players to purchase and engage with them in their nascent stages, providing financial support to developers before the official version 1.0 launch. However, there are instances where certain early access games linger for extended periods without significant updates, often far exceeding the timelines set by the developers. This has led to frustration among players who invest in these projects.

New Store Update Features

In response to these concerns, Valve has implemented a new notification system for early access games that have not seen updates for an extended duration. When a user navigates to the store page of such a game, they will now encounter a warning message within the information box, signaling a mismatch in expected timelines:

Note: The last update made by the developers was over 13 months ago. The information and timeline described by the developers here may no longer be up to date.

Impact on Players and Developers

This warning has already been implemented on some game pages, such as BattleBit Remastered, where the duration displayed will vary per title. It is important to note that this alert will only activate if an early access game has not been updated for at least 12 months. As a result, developers who provide less frequent updates won’t immediately face this notification, offering a buffer for those actively working on their projects.

However, games that issue updates in beta builds might face challenges, as the warning for a lack of updates will still apply to the main game, potentially skewing user perceptions. Previously, prospective buyers would have had to conduct substantial research or sift through user reviews to ascertain the game’s development status before making a purchase. With this new feature, an update—no matter how small—will effectively remove the warning, promoting transparency without hindering sales.

Community Reaction

Overall, this initiative is anticipated to be a positive development for the Steam community, addressing the issue of purchasing abandoned or stagnant projects. By simplifying access to pertinent information regarding game updates, Valve encourages informed purchasing decisions while continuing to support developers.

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