Valve has updated its conditions for Steam Early Access, with new rules and guidelines aimed at more transparency.

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The updated documentation notes that it recognizes unforeseen circumstances may force plans to fall through, but it takes a direct attempt at stemming some of the problems of Early Access games.The new rules, via Giant Bomb , require developers to specify that a game is Early Access, by name, when distributing Steam keys outside the Steam marketplace. This, along with a suggestion to explain the current status of the project, is so customers understand exactly what they're getting. The rules also ask developers to avoid making "specific promises about future events," so that customers buy into the game in its current state.Other rules are more financial in nature. One requires it to launch on Early Access at the same time as other storefronts. Another requires sales to be consistent, and requires that developers don't set a price on Steam that's higher than other stores.Valve also outlines some guidelines aimed at advising developers on how to make their Early Access game a success. These suggestions run a wide gamut, from setting proper expectations, to not launching if you need high sales to stay afloat. Some are more obvious than others. One suggests not launching in Early Access without a playable game; if it's just a tech demo, it's too early. Inversely, Valve suggests developers not launch when their game is essentially done, because then customers can't have an impact and are simply acting as bug testers.This follows a recent report that stated most Early Access games are still in beta after 20 months, and only 25% have launched full versions.

Steve Watts is a freelance writer who wonders if these rules will ruin his upcoming scam--err, game. You can read more of his keen insights by following him on Twitter and IGN