There is nothing more damaging than breaking a promise. Especially when it involves games you love or are looking forward to. Although it's not always their fault. But sometimes developers have to resort to canceling or delaying additional content. This will vary from case to case. But players may feel disappointed or cheated. Especially if they view the base game and future content as one package.
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Steam has recently released a new set of guidelines for developers that takes this into account. In general, These guidelines state if a game has a season pass. The developer must clarify the nature and release timing of future content. To give players a clearer idea of what they're purchasing, the guidelines also state that if DLC in a Season Pass is cancelled, customers will be eligible for a refund.
Developers must clarify All Season Pass DLC contents in advance.
As spotted by SteamDB creator Pavel Djundik (thanks PCGamesN), the new guidelines make it clear to developers: “By offering a Season Pass, you are committing yourself to future content. As part of the Season Pass launch process, you will be asked to follow The release timing for each piece of content in the Season Pass is a commitment to both our customers and Steam.”
Developers must provide the following details to Steam and potential customers:
– List of all DLC included in the Pass (e.g. list all four DLC included in the Pass)
– A basic description of the content included in each DLC. For example, the first release of content might be “Glitterlands Expansion – New Areas to Explore. Two new weapons and new enemies” is not required for the DLC to have a final name when the Season Pass launches. Information about the content of the DLC does not need to be detailed (just “new weapon” or “two new weapons” is acceptable). without needing to specify the exact weapon)
– Expected release dates for each DLC, quarterly and yearly (e.g. January to March 2025) or seasons/years are acceptable. Of course, a more precise date would work as well (such as June 2025 or 1 June 2025).
Additionally, if the DLC is delayed Developers must provide a patch date within three months of the original date, and if planned DLC in a Season Pass is cancelled, “customers will receive a refund for the value of any unreleased DLC.”
Developing a video game is never easy. And delays are part of the cycle. It's always better to delay a game or DLC than to remove a broken, buggy product. These guidelines appear to be beneficial to both developers in terms of planning. and customers who will be able to make more informed decisions.
steam
Owned by Valve, Steam is a digital storefront and library for PC games, with sales, updates, and account functionality. and compatibility with a wide range of platforms — as well as streaming options and its own Steam Deck mobile device — it remains one of the largest storefronts for PC gamers.
