Indie games are missing launch dates because Steam is backed up
News Source
β’2026-11-03T13:14:50-05:00
π° What Happened
Indie developers say Steam is taking far too long to approve new games. Some have missed their planned launch dates while waiting.
Studio Daimon sent its game Food Devils for review on 12 October and planned to launch on 3 November. It was still waiting on the day, and a follow-up support ticket went unanswered.
Another publisher, 2 Left Thumbs, said its game Wheel Make It launched almost two weeks late.
π The Backstory
Valve, which owns Steam, says a store page review usually takes three to five business days. It advises developers to submit at least seven days early.
The delays come as far more games arrive on the platform. October's Steam Next Fest featured 7,240 games, up 65% from June. Valve has not explained the backlog in public.
π― Why It Matters
Small studios plan launches months ahead and borrow money to do it. A missed date can cost them sales and the attention they need to survive.
Indie developers say Steam is taking far too long to approve new games. Some have missed their planned launch dates while waiting.
Studio Daimon sent its game Food Devils for review on 12 October and planned to launch on 3 November. It was still waiting on the day, and a follow-up support ticket went unanswered.
Another publisher, 2 Left Thumbs, said its game Wheel Make It launched almost two weeks late.
Valve, which owns Steam, says a store page review usually takes three to five business days. It advises developers to submit at least seven days early.
The delays come as far more games arrive on the platform. October's Steam Next Fest featured 7,240 games, up 65% from June. Valve has not explained the backlog in public.
Small studios plan launches months ahead and borrow money to do it. A missed date can cost them sales and the attention they need to survive.