Steam Changes the Way Developers Can Handle Season Passes

Steam has been the pinnacle of the Launcher industry pretty much since it originally released. Even when competition arose to try to take over its spot, it has remained steadfast as the primary launcher for all things new releases, and this has been mostly due to features implemented throughout the years that are customer-friendly. From profile customisation, wishlists, user reviews, and more, there's plenty of things that Steam has done to keep that leading position, and Valve isn't slowing down in these plans.

A publisher-only change has just shipped to Steam's Steamworks Documentation that, at first glance, might not really affect the way the customer interacts with the store. But in reality? It's a pretty big shift that'll ensure fewer players are being screwed over.

Valve is changing the way that publishers can upload Season Passes, offering a brand-new set of guidelines that are meant to ensure the user is informed of all things even before its release. This modification to the documentation is focused around clarity of release and content even before everything is set up and ready to go for the Season Pass.

By offering a Season Pass, you are promising future content. In the process of launching a Season Pass you will be asked to commit to a launch timing for each content release in the Season Pass. That launch timing is a commitment to both customers and Steam.

If you aren't ready to clearly communicate about the content included in each DLC AND when each DLC will be ready for launch, you shouldn't offer a Season Pass on Steam.

One of the significant changes coming to Season Pass is the fact that, when offering one, publishers will now have to supply a DLC alongside the Season Pass the moment it goes on sale. So, no more pre-purchasing DLC and getting nothing for a few months, as the Season Pass will need to be shipped alongside at least one of the items, meaning that you should start getting your money's worth earlier; of course, this won't apply to pre-order purchases (like Deluxe Edition) as the game won't even be out at that time.

The guidelines explore the changes a bit more, as now each Season Pass will need to include the following list of information to be approved for sale:

• All of the DLC
• Basic description of the DLC
• An expected release date

Season Passes will now require information about the things releasing, meaning that there won't be any more "mystery" DLC. Valve explains in the documentation that not everything needs to be final (such as the name), but content and release windows must be supplied. Brief descriptions include "The Glitterlands Expansion — New area to explore, two new weapons, and new enemies" or more broad examples like "new weapons", while the release window must be quarter or year (January to March 2024).

Delaying any of the DLC within the Season Pass will require direct contact with Valve, and delays can only occur up to three months later than what was originally selected, thoughit seems that there might be some cases in which Steam will accept farther delays. Cancelling a DLC or delaying too far might lead to refunds of the price of the DLC from Steam's end, meaning that those who purchased the Season Pass will get the price of the DLC given back as compensation for the cancellation, or in cases, delays, according to the following quote:

NOTE: Under the Steam Distribution Agreement you have provided a warranty to Valve that your DLC will conform in all respects to the descriptions provided to customers, including promised release dates.

Even if there has not yet been a customer complaint, Valve may take action if you delay a DLC more than a quarter (3 months) beyond the release window you originally promised.

Actions include removing the Season Pass from sale on Steam, refunding all customers who purchased the Season Pass for the value of unreleased DLC, or allowing customers the option of refunding the entire Season Pass.For the purposes of refunds, the value of unreleased DLC will be decided in discussion with Valve.

Valve may also take action if your Season Pass content is not released after one year has passed. Actions may include refunds to customers and removing the Season Pass from sale on Steam.

Another great change from Steam to ensure the protection of its users, and we'll have to see how publishers will respond to these changes. Though, more transparency is always a welcome change!