Steam just changed the rules for how developers can add adult content to their games. Starting immediately, any NSFW material must be delivered as downloadable content (DLC) rather than through regular game updates.
The policy shift came to light when developer Dammitbird posted on X that their planned free adult content update was rejected. Valve told them they had to package it as DLC instead. The reason? Steam reviews DLC before it goes live, but regular patches skip the review process entirely.
This closes a major loophole that adult game developers have used for years. Many would release a “clean” version of their game on Steam, then add the explicit content through a free update after launch. Now that strategy is dead.
The new rules affect any sexually explicit content added after a game’s initial release. Bug fixes and regular gameplay updates are still fine. But if developers want to add new adult scenes or features, they need to create a separate DLC package—even if it’s free.
Valve hasn’t made an official announcement about the policy change. But developers are already confirming they’ve been told to follow the new rules. The timing suggests Steam is tightening content controls across the board, possibly due to pressure from payment processors who have gotten stricter about adult content.
Adult games also can’t use Early Access anymore. Since Early Access involves constant updates that aren’t reviewed, Valve has decided it’s incompatible with adult content that needs proper vetting.
The DLC shuffle begins
For developers who rely on the old patch method, this means restructuring their entire release strategy. They’ll need to plan DLC packages from the start, deal with longer review times, and create separate store pages for adult content additions.
The policy doesn’t affect games that already include adult content at launch. It specifically targets new sexual content added after release. Valve wants eyes on everything explicit before it hits the platform—and DLC is the only way to guarantee that review happens.
