Steam has introduced a new feature that allows Early Access developers to publicly display their planned 1.0 release timing, offering clearer expectations for players and potential buyers. The update became available on February 6 and marks another step in Valve’s ongoing refinement of the Early Access ecosystem that has been in place since 2013.
Developers Can Now Share Planned 1.0 Timing
The new option appears within the Early Access tab of a game’s Store Page editor. Developers can choose how specific they want to be when communicating their intended full release window.
Available public timing formats include:
- Exact release day
- Month and year
- Quarter and year
- Year only
This flexibility allows studios to share meaningful timelines without committing to overly precise dates too early in development.
How the Information Appears to Players
For users browsing Steam, the selected timeframe is displayed directly on the store page beneath the familiar blue Early Access notice. The label clearly states that the game is “Leaving Early Access,” making the projected transition to version 1.0 immediately visible.
If the developer has already completed Steam’s required Early Access questionnaire—covering development scope, feedback integration, and post-launch pricing—those details appear just below the newly added release target line. This keeps key transparency information grouped in one place.
Why Valve Added the Feature
Valve introduced public 1.0 targets in response to developer feedback requesting clearer communication tools and less fragmented information across store pages, forums, and external announcements. The change also connects with Steam’s newer Personal Calendar feature, which highlights upcoming milestones tied to games in a user’s library or wishlist.
Together, these updates aim to give players a stronger sense of development progress while helping studios manage expectations more effectively.
Transparency Comes With Risks
While public release windows can improve trust, they also introduce potential downsides. Projects that repeatedly delay their 1.0 launch or frequently shift timelines could damage player confidence rather than strengthen it.
Valve has acknowledged this concern and advises developers not to feel pressured to publish a target prematurely. The company’s guidance is simple: if the timing is uncertain, it is better to wait before making a public commitment.
A Small Change With Meaningful Impact
Although the feature is relatively minor compared to major platform updates, it represents another incremental improvement to Steam’s Early Access framework. Clearer communication around full releases has long been a pain point for players deciding whether to buy unfinished games.
By surfacing planned 1.0 windows directly on store pages, Steam is taking a practical step toward greater transparency—one that could shape how Early Access titles manage expectations moving forward.
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