Valve Introduces Transparency Warning for Neglected Early Access Games on Steam

Valve is doubling down on transparency within its Steam platform, introducing a new warning system for Early Access games that haven’t been updated in over a year. This move, first spotted by SteamDB in a Bluesky post, aims to inform players about games that may have been abandoned by their developers.

Early Access provides an opportunity for studios and independent developers to secure funding while building a player base. In return, players expect that these games will be actively developed, improved, and eventually completed. Successful examples of this model include Subnautica, Kerbal Space Program, and Baldur’s Gate 3, all of which thrived under Early Access before achieving full releases.

However, not all developers maintain their commitment. Some use Early Access as a quick cash grab, releasing unfinished games with little to no intention of completing them. Others may face financial constraints, forcing them to abandon their projects. Without clear indicators, players may inadvertently purchase a game that is essentially dead. Valve’s new warning aims to prevent this by highlighting Early Access titles that have not received updates for over a year, signaling that their development is likely stalled or discontinued.

Credit: Steam DB | BlueSky

Players can check the update history of any Early Access game through the “Show update history” option on its Steam page. This allows users to verify a game’s development progress before making a purchase.

Take Notes as You Play with Steam Notes

In addition to improving transparency, Steam has been refining its features to enhance the gaming experience. One of its relatively new tools, the Steam Notes feature, has become a favorite among users. Introduced in a major update last year, Steam Notes acts as an integrated notepad accessible through the Steam overlay (Shift + Tab shortcut), allowing players to keep track of their in-game strategies, plans, and reminders.

This feature is especially useful for games with complex mechanics, such as Tabletop Simulator or Kerbal Space Program. It supports more than just text—players can insert links, write code snippets, and even paste images using Ctrl + V. Best of all, Steam Notes is not restricted to in-game use; players can access their saved notes from their game library by navigating to the Notes tab on the right-hand side of the Steam window.

Image Credit: Jon Martindale/ IDG

With these latest changes, Valve is demonstrating its commitment to both transparency and user experience. The new warning system for Early Access games will help players make more informed decisions, while the Steam Notes feature offers a convenient way to enhance gameplay organization. As Steam continues to evolve, these updates reinforce its position as the premier platform for PC gaming.