Valve addresses Steam approval delays due to increased submissions
Compiled from 8 sources · Updated 6 Nov 2026, 05:00 · AI-assisted, every point checked against its source · How we make our news →
Valve confirmed a significant rise in Steam game submissions, leading to delays in approvals. The company attributed much of the backlog to re-reviews of games. Valve is updating its release checklist to reduce re-reviews and cut down on delays. The changes aim to streamline the approval process and address the growing volume of submissions.
At a glance
- Valve acknowledged a significant increase in submissions for store and page review in recent months.
- Valve admitted it is 'running behind' on approving Steam games due to re-reviews, which can take up to 12 business days.
- Valve is updating its release checklist to include new, tighter requirements for developers to reduce re-reviews.
How sure can we be?
The claims are confirmed by Valve itself and reported by multiple independent sources. The company has provided direct statements, adding credibility to the information. No official comments from developers have been reported, but the changes are clearly aimed at resolving the approval backlog.
Why it matters
Gamers and developers may see faster approvals as Valve streamlines its review process. Indie developers, in particular, could benefit from reduced delays, though some reports suggest the issue remains a challenge.
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What's changed (2 updates)
- 5 Nov 2026, 13:04: Now Confirmed (was Unconfirmed): Valve acknowledged a significant increase in submissions for store and page review in recent months.
- 4 Nov 2026, 20:58: New: Valve requires developers to launch their game through the Steam client and run it for at least five minutes before submitting it for review (Confirmed).
Sources (8)
- Official: Valve
- The Verge: Valve is making changes to deal with a ‘significant increase’ in Steam game submissions
- PC Gamer: Valve admits it's 'running behind' on approving Steam games because it has to keep re-reviewing them, which surely has nothing to do with AI
- Video Games Chronicle: Steam says it’s ‘running behind’ when reviewing pre-release games because of how many re-reviews it has to do
- TechPowerUp: Steam Wants Devs to Play Their Games For At Least 5 Minutes First
- Eurogamer: Valve explains why it's running behind on Steam game approvals, asks developers to perform basic release checks to prevent re-reviews
- Engadget: Valve just changed its Steam release rules amid a flood of AI games
- notebookcheck.com
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