Early Access games no longer appearing as new releases on Steam - Report

Gamasutra is receiving reports that Early Access games are no longer appearing under the 'New Releases' heading on Valve's Steam marketplace. Steam's Early Access category has grown significantly in the last year, as a feature by which developers can release in-progress builds of their games to the public in order to draw revenue while soliciting feedback from playtesters. Traditionally, Early Access games would appear under the 'New Releases' section when released -- a great boost in exposure for developers. However, if reports are accurate, Valve has adjusted its marketplace to remove Early Access games from the 'New Releases' section -- at least those published within the last few days. Project Zomboid and Assetto Corsa, two Early Access games released today, reportedly appeared briefly under 'New Releases' before vanishing from the listings. However Blackguards, which was released on November 6th, is still accessible from the main list. "It was appearing in New Releases until just now," said Project Zomboid developer Marina Siu-Chong over Twitter several hours ago. Siu-Chong expressed confusion and disappointment over the change. "We've waited so long to reach this new audience on Steam, and now that audience won't be able to tell we're there," said Siu-Chong, in a later tweet. Both Project Zomboid and Assetto Corsa did subsequently appear as large ads on the Steam storefront's carousel, but as of this writing still do not appear under the 'New Releases' section. Gamasutra has reached out to Valve to provide comment or clarification regarding the change.