Valve has compiled a fresh list of rules for developers who want to post Season Passes and subscriptions for their creations on Steam.
The first major change concerns the release dates for DLC content and developer “promises”. Game creators are required to release fresh content within an agreed-upon timeframe.
And if creators can’t announce a clear release window and reveal DLC content, they are advised to refrain from offering a Season Pass on 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.
Example of a typical Season Pass
The description of the Season Pass should include a general description showing all content, a basic description of each item, and an approximate release date—at least a quarter. Developers may reschedule once for a maximum of three months.
If the developers fail to meet the conditions they set themselves, Steam owners can apply several steps: remove the Season Pass from the sale or offer gamers a refund for a single DLC or the entire bundle.
Valve will discuss the cost of each add-on with its creators. The same will be done in the case of canceled DLC: players will be refunded the price of unreleased content.
The updated guideline includes design rules that can help those creating such content for the first time. The updated terms and conditions will also help gamers understand precisely what to expect when buying a Pass.
