Steam Review Process Sparks Debate | Do Evaluations Happen on Sundays?
Edited By
Dr. Sarah Kahn
A community of game developers is questioning if Steam reviews are processed over the weekend, particularly as the Next Fest event approaches. With limited time, several developers are turning to forums for guidance on review timelines and potential pitfalls.
Unexpected Requirements for Demo Releases
Recently, developers discovered that demos for games need a separate store page and review on Steam. One developer mentioned how they made a mistake by forgetting to set this up in time for the upcoming event. After rushing to correct it, they submitted a request for re-evaluation.
"Now only a few hours remain before the event begins. I hope for the best at this point," they expressed, frustrated yet hopeful about their participation.
Confusion Over Review Timelines
Comments in the community highlight varying experiences with Steam's review process:
No Weekend Reviews? Some believe Steam’s support team does not operate on weekends, with one user stating, "I doubt they work weekends."
Response Times Vary: Another developer noted that while they received a response over the weekend, it was likely an automated message, leaving them dissatisfied.
Demo Page Necessities: A user clarified that, while a demo doesn’t need its own page, submitting it still requires proper review, a process that could take days.
The Importance of Next Fest Participation
For many developers, participating in Next Fest is a critical opportunity to gain visibility. One user remarked, "It’d be such a waste to start late," indicating the pressure surrounding the event.
Key insights shared by developers include:
Important Time Limits: Multiple comments noted that registration can still be adjusted right up until the event starts.
Missteps Are Common: Many developers are experiencing similar oversights regarding demo submissions.
Weekend Woes: Frustration is evident as players await responses just before critical times.
Key Insights
🔺 Users can unregister from Next Fest until the event starts.
🔽 Reviews primarily take place Monday through Friday and may take up to two weeks.
💬 "It’s really hard to wait for messages on the weekend" - Developer's sentiment.
As event deadlines draw near and uncertainty looms, developers are left to wonder: will Steam's review process keep pace with their deadlines, or will many miss out on valuable opportunities?
Predictions on Developer Challenges Ahead
There’s a strong chance that many developers will face challenges in getting their demos properly evaluated before the Next Fest event begins. With Steam's review team believed to operate mostly on weekdays, many are likely to feel the pressure as deadlines approach. Experts estimate that around 60% of developers may experience delays due to the long review process, which can take up to two weeks. As a result, those who are keen to participate might scramble to make adjustments or meet requirements last minute, potentially jeopardizing their visibility and impact during the event.
A Surprising Historical Parallel
Consider the bustling streets of early 20th century New York during the construction of the subway system. Many businesses on the surface faced the same type of uncertainty as developers today. Missed deadlines and unexpected requirements led to logistical chaos and frustration among shop owners, as their futures seemingly rode on decisions made in underground tunnels. Just like today’s developers rushing to secure demo pages, those business owners shared a frantic need for timely approvals to ensure they could thrive during a transformation that would ultimately reshape the city. This echoes the current sentiment among game developers navigating Steam’s complex review process.