Valve Tightens Rules on Steam Store Page Descriptions

Valve Corporation, the company behind the popular gaming platform Steam, is implementing new rules prohibiting the inclusion of external links in store page descriptions.

The change, set to take effect in early September, is part of Valve’s efforts to ensure that Steam store pages provide clear and focused information about games.

According to a blog post published by Valve earlier today, the restrictions will affect several sections of the store page, including “About the Game,” “Short Description,” “Special Announcements,” and “Awards.”

Developers will no longer be able to include links to external websites or social media pages within these sections. Valve points out that links to social media and other relevant pages can already be included through designated link fields in the store page editor, which provide a consistent presentation for users.

The company’s move aims to address concerns that some game pages have become cluttered with promotions for other games and external content. Valve noted a trend where developers used these spaces to include links and advertisements, which they say distracts from the primary purpose of the store page: to inform potential buyers about the game itself.?

Additionally, Valve is banning the use of embedded imagery that mimics Steam’s user interface, such as wishlist buttons or game capsules. This rule is designed to prevent confusion among users and ensure that the store pages remain authentic and straightforward.

The changes come alongside recent updates to Steam’s demo functionality. Valve aims to improve the way demos are presented on the platform, reducing confusion around prologue games and eliminating the need for developers to purchase separate appIDs for promotional content. Developers are encouraged to use demo appIDs to connect their prologues to the main game more effectively.

These updates are part of a series of changes Valve has been rolling out this year to enhance the user experience on Steam. In April, the company adjusted its refund policy and updated image requirements for store pages, among other tweaks. With these new restrictions, Valve hopes to create a more user-friendly and informative environment for both developers and players on the Steam platform.

The Steam changes come a couple of months after the gaming giant confirmed that it is working on a new game, Deadlock.