Valve is making significant updates to its policies regarding Season Passes and downloadable content on its platform, aiming to address issues related to delays and unmet expectations that affect player experience. These changes are designed to enhance transparency and accountability for developers while ensuring that customers are well-informed about what they are purchasing.
Recently highlighted by a notable developer tool creator, an update to Steam's regulations details the essential elements of Season Passes, along with guidelines for developers on how to properly implement them. One of the key expansions to these policies includes commitments to launch timelines and clear restrictions on extensive delays. Developers are now required to provide detailed information about the content they are promising with each Season Pass.
The updated policies clarify that by offering a Season Pass, developers make an explicit promise regarding future content availability. When initiating a Season Pass, they must commit to specific release schedules for each content piece within that Pass. This commitment reflects an obligation to both the customers and Steam itself. If a developer cannot provide precise details about the content and its release timing, they are discouraged from offering a Season Pass.
Furthermore, developers must supply a comprehensive list of all downloadable content bundled with a Season Pass, along with brief descriptions for each item and an anticipated release timeframe. The new guidelines specify that developers can only adjust their initial release date one time, with a maximum extension of three months from the original date. For any additional delays or significant rescheduling beyond that period, they need pre-approval from Valve. Non-compliance with these regulations may result in Valve taking measures such as removing the Season Pass option or issuing refunds to customers.
While this update may seem minor since indefinite delays have not been rampant on the platform, the articulation of these rules serves to bolster consumer protection and enhance clarity about what players can expect to receive and when. In conjunction with these directives, there are also resources provided for developers who are new to setting up Season Passes.
While the reception to this policy update appears positive, Valve is currently facing criticism in the U.S. regarding its handling of discriminatory accounts and rhetoric on its platform. Additionally, the company is navigating the challenges posed by leaked information about forthcoming hardware, including a new Steam Controller and an updated VR controller.