Valve explains why it’s running behind on Steam game approvals, asks developers to perform basic release checks to prevent re-reviews
Valve has announced it is running behind on Steam game approvals due to an unprecedented surge in game submissions in recent months. While the company typically reviews game builds within three to five business days, the current backlog has extended approval times to as long as twelve business days.
According to Valve, much of the delay stems from re-reviews required when games fail initial quality checks or require corrections. These re-submissions are clogging the approval queue, significantly impacting timelines for new releases. To help address the backlog, Valve is now asking game developers to conduct more thorough pre-submission checks before sending their builds for approval.
The company is encouraging developers to perform basic quality assurance and verification steps themselves, which could reduce the number of failed submissions requiring re-review. This collaborative approach aims to streamline the approval process and help clear the existing backlog more efficiently. By shifting some responsibility to developers for ensuring their submissions meet baseline standards, Valve hopes to reduce bottlenecks in its review system.