Valve Just Put Game Publishers On Notice.

Summary

Valve has introduced new policies for season passes on Steam, aiming to protect consumers from broken promises by developers and publishers. The rules require clear descriptions of all DLCs, release windows, and a commitment to delivering at least one DLC upon purchase. If developers fail to meet these standards, they risk penalties including refunds to customers and the removal of their season passes from sale. The video highlights how these changes are a win for consumers, ensuring transparency and accountability, and stresses that developers must deliver on their promises or face financial consequences.

Takeaways

• 😀 Valve has introduced new season pass rules on Steam to protect consumers and hold developers accountable for promised content.
• 😀 Developers must clearly list all DLCs included in a season pass, with descriptions and expected release windows before the pass can be sold.
• 😀 Season passes can no longer be sold with undated promises—Valve requires a clear timeline or release window for each DLC included.
• 😀 If any DLC in a season pass is canceled, Valve will enforce refunds for the value of that DLC, ensuring consumers aren't left out of pocket.
• 😀 At least one DLC must be released before a season pass can be sold to prevent customers from paying for empty promises.
• 😀 Valve’s policy aims to prevent the common industry practice of selling season passes for unfulfilled content, improving consumer trust.
• 😀 Developers are allowed to delay DLCs, but if they miss a set deadline, they must negotiate a new timeline with Valve, which could lead to financial penalties.
• 😀 Games that violate Valve’s new rules, like *Tekken 8*, can have their season passes removed from sale and face financial consequences.
• 😀 In extreme cases, such as *City Skylines 2*, where DLCs are delayed beyond a year, Valve will enforce refunds and consider the season pass a breach of contract.
• 😀 The new rules could push publishers to be more transparent about content and release dates, reducing consumer frustration over undelivered promises.
• 😀 While the new rules may cause some discomfort for developers, they aim to shift the market toward better practices, where promises are kept, and consumers are respected.

Q & A

What is the main focus of the video?

The main focus of the video is Valve's new consumer protection policies on Steam, specifically regarding season passes and DLC, and how these policies aim to hold developers accountable for delivering promised content.

How does Valve's new policy impact developers and publishers?

Valve's new policy requires developers and publishers to clearly communicate the content and expected release dates of season pass DLCs. If the DLC is canceled or delayed beyond a certain timeframe, customers must receive refunds, and the season pass may be removed from sale.

What does Valve require developers to include when selling a season pass?

Valve requires developers to list all DLC included in the season pass, provide basic descriptions of each DLC, and specify the expected release window for each piece of content, such as a quarter or year. At least one DLC must be released when the season pass is offered.

What happens if a season pass DLC is canceled?

If a listed DLC in a season pass is canceled, Valve mandates that customers receive a refund for the value of the canceled DLC. This policy ensures that customers are protected financially.

What is the significance of Valve's refund policy for season passes?

Valve's refund policy ensures that customers are not left with incomplete or unfulfilled promises when a season pass or DLC does not meet its expected delivery. It holds developers accountable and guarantees refunds if the content does not arrive as promised.

Can developers delay DLC beyond three months without consequences?

No, if a developer delays DLC beyond three months, Valve requires them to negotiate with the platform for an extension. If the delay exceeds three months without approval, Valve may take action, including removing the season pass or offering refunds to customers.

How does Valve handle undated season pass promises?

Valve does not allow developers to sell season passes without a clear, defined release window. If a game like *Tekken 8* fails to provide an expected release timeframe, it violates Valve's rules, and the season pass may be flagged for removal.

What example is given of a game that meets Valve's season pass criteria?

An example of a game that meets Valve's criteria is *Star Wars Outlaws*, which provides clear descriptions of its DLC content and includes expected release dates, passing Valve's requirements for season passes.

How does Valve ensure that developers do not exploit the season pass system?

Valve's policy mandates that season pass content be delivered on time, with a clear refund process if content is delayed or canceled. Developers who fail to meet deadlines face financial consequences, including refunds and the removal of their season passes from sale.

What is the stance on developers offering season passes for games with a troubled launch like *City Skylines 2*?

In the case of *City Skylines 2*, although the DLC was delayed beyond its expected window, Valve's policy would still require developers to refund customers if the DLC is delayed more than 12 months from the original release date. This ensures consumers are not left waiting indefinitely for promised content.