The indie game “InFlux Redux,” a polished remake of the 2013 ball-rolling puzzle game by Joe Wintergreen, has faced an unusual obstacle during its Steam build review process. Despite its graphical upgrades and improved physics engine, Steam initially flagged the game as being too similar to its original version from 11 years ago. Wintergreen, known for his work on games like Weird West, Adios, and The Forgotten City, found himself needing to justify the remake’s existence in the face of this critique.
Steam’s review process requires that both a game’s store page and its product build meet specific standards, including providing a detailed and coherent description that matches the game’s software. Though it is common for games to fail their initial build reviews due to technical issues or missing features such as Steam achievements, Wintergreen was caught off guard by the editorial nature of the feedback.
Unexpected Feedback
In a tweet from last week, Wintergreen shared that Steam had rejected InFlux Redux on the grounds that it appeared “identical to the game you put out 11 years ago.” He expressed his surprise at the critique, highlighting the game’s obvious improvements. Wintergreen speculated that the similarity in the store descriptions of both versions may have triggered the issue, a theory supported by the fact that Steam withdrew the complaint following his clarification.
Comparisons and Seemingly Arbitrary Standards
The incident seems particularly striking in light of the variety of remakes and remasters already available on Steam, which often present minor visual or performance enhancements compared to their originals. For instance, distinguishing between the thumbnails of “Skyrim” and “Skyrim Special Edition” could be challenging for the untrained eye, which raises questions about the consistency of Steam’s review criteria.
Wintergreen appeared undeterred by the initial setback. In a follow-up tweet, he stated that it is standard for the first build review to be rejected, deeming the peculiar note humorous rather than problematic. Subsequently, InFlux Redux has been successfully approved for release on Steam, much to the anticipation of fans who enjoy atmospheric puzzle games.
The scenario sheds light on the opaque and sometimes inconsistent nature of Steam’s review process, which can pose unique challenges for indie developers striving to bring updated versions of their games to a broader audience. For prospective developers, it highlights the importance of clear communication and the need to anticipate potential hurdles, even for seemingly straightforward approvals.
