Valve explains why it’s running behind on Steam game approvals, asks developers to perform basic release checks to prevent re-reviews

Valve says Steam game approvals are taking longer because a surge in submissions has created a backlog, with repeat reviews of rejected games adding to delays. It is now taking up to 12 business days to review a build, compared with Valve’s usual three to five, affecting developers waiting to release their games.

Valve says developers can help avoid repeat reviews by following an updated release checklist. It includes running a game through Steam for at least five minutes, identifying required redistributables such as DirectX or Visual C++, and checking achievements, cloud saves and store page details. Some developers whose approvals are delayed are concerned that others could clone their games and publish Steam pages first; Valve did not directly link the submission surge to generative AI.