Steam has introduced a new labelling system to warn users about early access games that haven’t been updated in a long while. The warning is displayed prominently on info boxes, making it harder for players to accidentally spend money on projects with little or no recent activity.
This change was not officially announced by Valve but has already generated some debate among gamers. Some have complained that the labels only apply to gaps between full public updates and don’t account for smaller beta releases.
The new system aims to help users make more informed decisions about which games to purchase in early access. However, opinions on what constitutes “dead” or abandoned games vary widely depending on the game’s genre and development team.
As one gaming expert puts it, the key is to wait until a developer has completed a significant update before investing in a game. Buying a game for its potential rather than its current state can be a gamble. A more cautious approach is recommended, focusing on the game’s current quality and offerings instead of speculating about future updates.
This change follows Valve’s efforts to crack down on Steam practices that might take advantage of users. In November, the company tightened rules for games with delayed season pass DLC. The new labelling system adds another layer of protection for gamers, helping them make more informed purchasing decisions.
Source: https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/its-now-slightly-trickier-to-accidentally-buy-a-dead-steam-early-access-game