Steam updates pre-release checklist with five-minute playtime rule

Valve updated its Steam pre-release checklist to require that games run through the Steam client for at least five minutes before submission. The change aims to clear a review backlog where wait times grew to 12 business days from the previous three to five days. Anyone can log the required playtime as long as it happened within the past seven days or since the last build upload. Valve states the rule prevents basic oversights like missing depots or broken launch options from reaching the review queue.

Image: TechPowerUp

The expanded checklist also requires five gameplay screenshots, a complete achievement setup, a list of required redistributables like DirectX or Visual C++, and a test save written to Steam Cloud for supporting games. Reviewers additionally compare titles against content surveys covering AI usage and mature content. Valve states more review changes are planned.