Valve has now updated its policy for Season Pass with a clear statement that if developers are not “ready to clearly communicate” about their DLC content then they “shouldn’t offer a Season Pass on Steam”.
Developers should now follow new guidelines when their game is listed on Steam. The new guideline requires developers to provide a complete list of DLC content in a season pass, the expected release date as well as the description of the content included in a Season Pass. Additionally, there should be at least one DLC content available in the Season Pass. However, season passes included as part of the pre-purchase of a deluxe edition are not included.
The new guideline of Valve reads “By offering a Season Pass, you are promising future content,” it further states “In the process of launching a Season Pass you will be asked to commit to a launch timing for each content release in the Season Pass. That launch timing is a commitment to both customers and Steam. If you aren’t ready to clearly communicate about the content included in each DLC and when each DLC will be ready for launch, you shouldn’t offer a Season Pass on Steam.”
Development can go side way which can result in the delay of the game, a fact that Valve acknowledges. Developers can now self-reschedule the release date only once during a Season Pass. However, the new release date must be within three months of the original scheduled release date.
If a DLC of a Season Pass gets cancelled customers will get a refund equal to the amount of unreleased DLC.
The Updated Guidelines
The new guideline states “Under the Steam Distribution Agreement you have provided a warranty to Valve that your DLC will conform in all respects to the descriptions provided to customers, including promised release dates,” It further continues “Even if there has not yet been a customer complaint, Valve may take action if you delay a DLC more than a quarter (three months) beyond the release window you originally promised.”
The action that will be taken includes, the removal of the Season Pass from sale, a refund to the customer with a value equal to DLC, or even a refund of the entire Season Pass.
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