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Valve has updated Steam to let developers publish a planned 1.0 release date for games listed in Early Access. The new store tag makes an intended launch timeline much more visible to shoppers, rather than hiding it in patch notes or store descriptions.

  • Developers can enter a projected full-release date that appears on the game's Steam page, giving buyers a quick view of when the title might leave Early Access.
  • The change aims to reduce uncertainty for players deciding whether to purchase now, wait for the 1.0 release, or follow the game's development progress.
  • The date is prospective, not a binding commitment—teams can still adjust timelines as development advances or encounters delays.
  • For studios, the field offers a straightforward way to communicate roadmaps and milestones directly on the store page, rather than relying solely on updates or external posts.
  • While a small interface tweak, the addition addresses a common pain point around Early Access transparency and could improve trust between developers and players.
Source: Rock Paper Shotgun