Valve has updated its guidelines for game developers intending to release titles through Steam Early Access in an effort to ensure the quality of games isn't compromised, Eurogamer reports.

These updated rules now state that Early Access is "meant to be a place for games that are in a playable alpha or beta state, are worth the current value of the playable build, and the developer plans to continue to develop for release."

Additionally, Valve's guidelines mention that gamers expect Early Access releases to be developed to a point that is considered a finished game.

"When you launch a game in Steam Early Access, there is an expectation by customers that you will continue development to a point where you have what you consider a 'finished' game," reads Valve's new document.

"We know that nobody can predict the future, and circumstances frequently change, which may result in a game failing to reach a 'finished' state, or may fail to meet customer expectations in some other way. We work hard to make sure this risk is communicated clearly to customers, but we also ask that developers follow a set of rules that are intended to help inform customers and set proper expectations when purchasing your game."

Valve also asks developers not to make "specific promises about future events."

"For example, there is no way you can know exactly when the game will be finished, that the game will be finished, or that planned future additions will definitely happen. Do not ask your customers to bet on the future of your game. Customers should be buying your game based on its current state, not on promises of a future that may or may not be realised."

Full guidelines can be found below, with updates to the rules in bold: