Steam review times increasing as developers suspect generative AI surge

Independent developers are reporting that Steam review times have increased from the usual 3–5 business days to several weeks. Studio Daimon says its game, Food Devils, has been waiting for approval since October 12 despite a planned early access launch on November 4. Other titles, Caravarn Carnage: Fruity Road and Ashen Legacy, were approved on November 1 after submitting builds in mid-October.

Photo: ELLA DON on Unsplash

Creators believe that accessible software powered by neural networks has driven up publishing applications. Reports say about 4,000 games appeared on Steam in October 2026, which is nearly twice the amount from October of the previous year. Roughly half of those October releases included information about using generative AI.

Valve says the delays are due to more game submissions along with reviewing projects again if problems appear. The company has not linked the delays to generative AI. The platform earlier told creators to expect 3–5 business days for reviews and up to seven days for potential fixes. Studio Daimon says it does not have a specific date for when the Food Devils review will be completed.