Steam has added a new feature that warns users about Early Access projects that haven’t received updates from developers in a long time.
How the Notification System Works
Games that haven’t had any updates in over 12 months now have a special notification in the Early Access Game section. It indicates how long ago the last changes were made and warns that “information and timelines provided by developers may not be current.”
Examples of the Warning System in Action
For example, the Cavern Kings page now displays a warning that the game hasn’t been updated in eight years. This feature aims to inform potential buyers about the current state of the game, helping them make more informed decisions.
Current Limitations and Challenges
However, the system is not yet working perfectly. It only takes into account changes in the “What the developers say” section, but not the patches and updates themselves. For example, the game Heartbound received a patch just four days ago, but the system still shows a warning that the last update was “more than 13 months ago.” This indicates that the feature still needs refinement to accurately reflect the update activity of developers.
Pros and Cons of Early Access on Steam
Early access on Steam has its pros and cons. On the one hand, it allows you to support developers in the early stages and watch the game develop. On the other hand, some games remain unfinished, and their creators disappear without a trace.
The Importance of Informed Decisions
The new feature should help buyers make more informed decisions when choosing games in Early Access, although the system still needs some work. By providing transparency, Steam aims to build trust between developers and players, ensuring that users are aware of the development status of the games they are interested in.
Looking Ahead
As Steam continues to refine this feature, it’s expected that it will become more accurate and comprehensive. This will ultimately benefit the gaming community, fostering a more transparent and trustworthy marketplace for Early Access titles.
