New Steam Early Access Feature Is a Game-Changer

Steam is giving game developers who offer early access a new way to share their plans with players. They can now publicly announce a specific launch date for the full version of their game, or give a general timeframe for when the game will be fully finished. This is a change in how Steam handles early access games and builds on other recent improvements to the platform.

Valve first enabled early access games on Steam in March 2013. Since then, they’ve been continually improving the system with updated rules and new tools. Most recently, on February 6th, Valve gave developers the ability to publicly state when they expect the finished version of their game to be released.

How Steam’s New 1.0 Release Target Feature Works In Practice

Steam has added a new feature that lets developers set a target release date for games still in Early Access. This setting is found on the game’s Store Page, under the “Early Access” tab. Developers can choose how specific they want to be about the release date – they can share the exact day, the month and year, the quarter and year, or just the year. This helps them keep players informed about when the full version of the game is expected.

Steam’s New ‘Leaving Early Access’ Label Example

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After you set a target date for the full game release and make that date public, Steam will show this information on your game’s store page. It will appear right under the “Early Access Game” label, below the images and videos, and below any review prompts for players who already own the game. This release target will be clearly marked as “Leaving Early Access.” If you’ve also completed Steam’s Early Access form – explaining the differences between the current version and the final release, how you’ll use community feedback, and any plans for price changes – that information will be displayed right below the release date.

Steam’s Current Granularity Options for 1.0 Release Date Targets

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Show Exact Day
Show Month and Year Only
Show Quarter and Year Only
Show Year Only

Steam’s Latest Feature Was Added by Popular Request

Steam is making store pages more helpful by letting developers clearly state their target release dates for the full version of a game (version 1.0). This change came about because developers, especially those who have used or are using Early Access, asked for a better way to communicate these plans to players. They believed it would help both current and potential buyers understand when the finished game is expected. Valve realized the need for this feature after launching the Steam Personal Calendar, which highlighted that release dates were important information missing from store pages.

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This new feature aims to make it clearer when games in early access will be fully released, but its success depends on developers being honest and consistently meeting their stated goals. For example, a developer could promise a release date, month, or year, and then repeatedly push it back. If the promised timeframe constantly changes, it won’t actually clarify things for players and could even cause more frustration than if no timeframe was given at all. Game development is unpredictable, so delays happen, but a long history of changing deadlines could make players feel deceived. There’s a balance to be struck between setting expectations and disappointing players when those expectations aren’t met.

Valve is advising developers not to rush into announcing their game’s official release dates using the new feature, possibly because of potential issues or uncertainties. Their advice, as put by a company spokesperson, is simple: “If you’re unsure, it’s best to wait.”

2026-02-08 03:34