Valve has made a low-key move on Steam that’s catching the attention of both gamers and developers. Now, Early Access games that haven’t been updated for months or even years are being highlighted, showing their latest update dates right below the ‘Early Access Game’ label. This small yet significant change seems aimed at boosting transparency and responsibility within the Early Access program.
Spotlight on Heartbound
One title under scrutiny is Heartbound. Gamers quickly voiced their concerns when Steam indicated it had gone 13 months without updates. The surprising part? Developer Pirate Software had actually shared an update in January 2025, but it was hidden away in an opt-in development channel not accessible to all players. This brings up a key question: what kind of updates does Steam really want from Early Access creators? And how can developers improve their communication about progress?
Ripple Effects in the Community
This adjustment is already creating waves. Some developers, likely wanting to dodge the dreaded “abandonware” label, have increased their communication with players. This might encourage studios to follow their roadmaps more closely and meet their commitments—a definite plus for gamers who spend their time and money testing these changing games.
Unanswered Questions Persist
Still, since Valve hasn’t officially rolled out this feature, several questions linger. Is there a specific standard for what counts as an “acceptable” update frequency? Will developers face repercussions if they concentrate on backend improvements or cater to niche communities instead of making visible updates? At this point, the absence of clear guidelines leaves a gap for speculation.
All in all, this appears to be a positive move. The Early Access program has faced backlash for housing abandonware—games that developers have simply left behind, leaving players hanging. By introducing this level of accountability, Valve could be trying to restore player trust and clarify expectations for both developers and their communities.
Source:
Link
