Valve has updated its pre-release checklist, requiring developers to launch their games through the Steam client and run them for at least five minutes before submitting for review. This change aims to reduce broken builds and missing depots that previously caused review delays. Playtime must be logged within the past seven days or since the last build upload.
The move comes as Steam's review backlog has grown, with build reviews now taking up to 12 business days instead of the usual 3–5. Other new requirements include at least five gameplay screenshots, a test save in Steam Cloud, a list of required redistributables like DirectX or Visual C++, and complete achievement setup. Valve attributes the surge in submissions to increased game releases, though it has not banned low-effort AI-generated games, instead relying on content survey disclosures to flag mature or AI-related content.
Reviewers now compare submissions against their declared content. More changes are expected.
Source: TechPowerUp News · Summarized by HeadlinesBriefing