Indie Game Launches Delayed on Steam Due to Backlog Issues
Indie developers face significant delays on Steam, causing missed launch dates due to approval backlogs.
In a recent surge of reports, indie game developers are expressing frustration over unexpectedly lengthy approval processes on Steam. This delay has led many to miss their scheduled launch dates, impacting both developers and eager fans.
Challenges for Developers
One notable example comes from Studio Daimon, the creators of the upcoming title Food Devils. They intended to launch their game in early access today after submitting their build on October 12. However, as game director Alfred Kamon revealed, they are still waiting on approval. In a message shared online, he stated, "At this point, we are unsure when Steam will grant us the final approval to launch. We even reached out for assistance, highlighting the urgency of our situation, but so far, there has been no response."
Missed Deadlines and Frustrations
Another developer, 2 Left Thumbs, similarly faced delays that pushed back the release of Wheel Make It by nearly two weeks. Their struggles included issues with a minor accessibility aspect that wasn’t compatible with a controller, further complicating their plans. Their experience underscores a prevalent concern among indie developers navigating Steam’s approval process.
Valve's Response to Increased Submissions
According to Valve's developer website, the company typically completes a game review in about 3 to 5 business days. They recommend submitting requests at least a week beforehand to accommodate any necessary adjustments that might arise during the review. However, in light of a noticeable surge in game submissions, Valve acknowledged that they are falling behind on timelines and that reviews may now take up to 12 business days.
The October Steam Next Fest showcased over 7,240 games, marking a 65.2% increase compared to the festival held in June, as reported by How to Market a Game. Additionally, a recent Reddit analysis indicated that nearly half of the games released this year carry an AI disclosure, reflecting the changes introduced for game submissions.
Developers Express Concern Over Quality
Developers like Kamon believe that a significant portion of the delay is attributable to the influx of lower-quality submissions, colloquially referred to as "AI slop." He voiced concerns over the review queue being congested, stating, "It appears that the lengthy approval process is partly due to a surge in less suitable AI-related submissions. We are currently experiencing wait times that extend to several weeks, which is quite challenging for developers trying to launch their projects."
Other Platforms in a Similar Situation
The surge in submissions isn’t exclusive to Steam; Itch.io has also noted a remarkable increase in game page creation over the past two months, with figures doubling. In a light-hearted acknowledgment of the situation, Itch.io reported having to remove several terabytes of low-quality AI submissions recently.
As the indie gaming landscape continues to evolve, both Steam and platforms like Itch.io are working to improve their systems to manage the influx of content more effectively. Developers are hopeful that these enhancements will lead to a smoother approval process, allowing them to connect with players without extensive delays.
