Steam Early Access -> Full Release Transition Guide
Contents
The steps for moving from Early Access to a full release. Unlike the initial launch, there is no review, and there is much less to do.
Transition Steps
1. Remove the Early Access Flag
Unset Early Access in the “Store Presence” -> “Early Access” section.
2. Change the Price if Needed
If you want to change the price for the full release, submit it through “Pricing & Discounting.”
Notes:
- After changing the price, you cannot change it again for 30 days
- Approval may take time, so submit it with some buffer
- Existing buyers are unaffected and do not need to buy it again
- For a large price increase, advance notice to the community is recommended
3. Update the Build if Needed
If you want to ship a new build as the full-release version:
- Upload the new build with SteamPipe
- Do not set it as the
defaultbranch yet (if you do, it will go live immediately)
If you want to use the existing build as the full release, this step is unnecessary.
4. Publish
Once all changes are ready, press the “Publish” button to finish.
5. Set the Branch to default
After publishing, set the new build to the default branch. The order matters.
Unlike the initial release, build updates do not go through review. The moment you set the default branch, the update starts distributing to users.
Differences from the Initial Release
| Item | Initial release | Transition to full release |
|---|---|---|
| Review | Yes (a few days) | No |
| FAQ answers | Required | Not required |
| Checklist | Many items | Almost none |
| Time required | Days | Immediate |
If you remember how painful the initial launch checklist and FAQ were, this transition may feel almost suspiciously easy.