Valve, the renowned PC platform powerhouse, has recently revised its policies regarding the sale of season passes on Steam. According to the updated rules on Steamworks, game developers and publishers are now required to provide a specific release date when they promote upcoming content like season passes on their game’s store page. Valve emphasized that if companies cannot “clearly communicate” when players can expect this new content, they should refrain from selling it or taking pre-orders.
Game creators have the option to specify a broader release window, such as a particular quarter, year, or season, in addition to a specific launch date for their upcoming content. Valve plainly stated, “By offering a Season Pass, you are promising future content.”
They further elaborated, highlighting the responsibility that comes with launching a Season Pass: game developers will need to commit to a release schedule for each piece of content promised in the Season Pass. This timeline is a pledge to both the customers and the Steam platform. If developers cannot adequately clarify what content each DLC includes and when it will be available, Valve advises against offering a Season Pass on Steam.
