Valve updates Steam game-launch rules

Jakarta (ANTARA) — Valve has updated its rules for launching games on the Steam digital distribution platform to address a backlog of approval requests caused by a surge in new games, including titles made using artificial intelligence.

According to an Engadget report on Wednesday (4 November), the rule changes follow reports that technical issues have delayed the launch schedules of several independent games by weeks.

Valve aims to complete reviews of new game titles within three to five days, but the process currently takes up to 12 working days.

The delays are thought to stem from Steam being flooded with low-quality games and AI-based titles that have not been adequately tested before release.

A Reddit user with the account name u/ploz found that around 49 per cent of games released on Steam last October disclosed the use of AI-generated content.

To speed up reviews, Steam now requires developers to test and run their games on the platform for at least five minutes before submitting them.

Valve also requires developers to confirm that supporting components such as DirectX and Visual C++ are available, check their Steam Cloud save settings, and categorise gameplay screenshots.