Starsand Island has been temporarily removed from Steam following an unexpected copyright issue, interrupting what had been a relatively strong early access launch for the cozy life-sim title.
The delisting occurred on April 9, with developer Seed Sparkle Lab confirming that the removal was initiated by Steam after a concern was raised about content included in the game.
Copyright Issue Traced to Minigame Content
According to the developer, the issue stems from a single in-game minigame that unintentionally included core visual elements from a classic title. While the studio has not specified the exact source material, it acknowledged that the inclusion was accidental and not caught during internal checks.
To resolve the situation quickly, Seed Sparkle Lab has already submitted a revised build of the game with the contested assets removed. The studio now awaits approval, after which the game is expected to return to Steam.
Fix in Progress as Return to Steam Expected
The developer has reassured players that this is a temporary setback. Once the updated version is approved, Starsand Island should be relisted on Steam without further disruption.
Existing players will not lose their progress, though they will need to download the updated version once it becomes available. The team also confirmed that it is tightening its internal review processes to prevent similar issues in the future.
Compensation Planned for Affected Players
To make up for the sudden removal, Seed Sparkle Lab has announced a compensation package for Steam players. All affected users will receive a free DLC cosmetic set titled the Shining Star Outfit Set.
The studio aims to distribute the DLC within seven business days following the game’s return, with an optimistic target set around April 20.
Strong Reception Overshadowed by Controversy
Despite the setback, Starsand Island had been performing well during its early access period. Players and critics praised its mix of relaxing activities, deep customization, and social features.
However, the game also faced a separate controversy involving user reviews. Some players posted overly positive feedback after very limited playtime, prompting the developers to publicly ask users to avoid misleading reviews in order to maintain credibility.
Xbox Version Remains Available
While the Steam version is currently offline, Starsand Island remains accessible on Xbox Series X/S through the Microsoft Store and Xbox Game Pass. This ensures that players on other platforms can continue exploring the game without interruption.
Full Release Still Planned for Summer 2026
Looking ahead, the roadmap for Starsand Island remains unchanged. The full release is still scheduled for summer 2026, with additional launches planned for PlayStation 5 and the upcoming Nintendo Switch 2.
For now, the focus remains on resolving the Steam situation and restoring access for PC players as quickly as possible.
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