{
  "id": 19801239,
  "title": "Steam's submission and approval backlog is forcing indie devs to delay game launches",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/11/13/steams-submission-and-approval-backlog-is-forcing-indie-devs-to-delay",
  "topic": "tech",
  "section": "Tech",
  "published": "2026-11-13T12:00:00.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "GamesIndustry",
    "slug": "gamesindustry",
    "url": "https://www.gamesindustry.biz/steams-submission-and-approval-backlog-is-forcing-indie-devs-to-delay-game-launches"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Indie game developers have been forced to delay their launch dates due to bottlenecks in Steam's submission and approval procedures. Rami Ismail, co-developer of Australia Did It: End-of-the-World Railway Defense Business, explained that his game had been waiting in Steam's approval queue since October 20, 2026, despite fixing a minor controller input issue on November 5. Ismail noted that Valve's response to follow-ups was unresponsive, a situation he found concerning given Steam's typically swift approval process of 10 to 14 days prior to launch. He contrasted this with his past experience on consoles.\n\nOther indie developers facing delays include TwoMenGames, Monoii Studio, and Studio Daimon. In response to a surge in submissions for store page and build review, Valve acknowledged the increase and stated they were working to scale their process to keep up with the demand. However, Valve admitted to running behind, with the backlog taking up to 12 business days to review, much of which involves re-reviewing games. The delay has primarily been attributed to the need to re-review games, rather than an issue stemming from the use of generative AI.\n\nAI-generated content has raised concerns among developers. Ismail expressed worry that Valve's reluctance to address AI could lead to unintended consequences for developers. He feared that Valve's efforts to avoid political stances on AI could inadvertently harm developers by necessitating stricter controls on game distribution, such as increasing fees or complicating the process. This could ultimately lead to a less open market for developers, which is contrary to Valve's advertised principles. Valve introduced an AI disclosure policy in the same year, requiring developers to disclose AI use for specific applications, but the vast majority of games continue to use AI without such notifications.",
  "summary": "Several indie developers have had to postpone their game launches due to delays in Steam's game submission and approval process. Read more",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Eurogamer",
        "title": "As low-effort AI slop continues to flood Steam, yet more developers announce game delays caused by Valve's growing approval backlog",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/11/12/as-low-effort-ai-slop-continues-to-flood-steam-yet-more-developers",
        "published": "2026-11-12T16:06:20.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}