On May 3, PC game distribution platform Steam announced an update to the customer feedback system in which they are going to rework on the visibility for recent reviews and scores.
In the past, Steam reviews were ranked by upvotes. When the game was released, early reviews were more likely to have more upvotes than those posted later. When games are updated, the older, high-ranked reviews may no longer reflect the game. In response to this situation, Steam changed the review system to having the most recent reviews be in the front page of the games. When users look at the review section of the game, they will see the most recent feedback for the game, because that reflects the most recent version of the game.
In addition to this, Steam added a Recent Review Score to calculate the positive percentage of reviews within the past 30 days for games that have been on the service for at least 45 days and have enough reviews posted during that time period. The overall score is still present as well, in case you still find that information helpful.
New Steam review interface on Europa Universalis IV, now mostly complaining about latest released Mare Nostrum DLC
In addition to promoting visibility of recent posts, Steam also added:
- a summary tab that focuses on recent posted and recent helpful review
- a new checkbox when users are writing a review to more easily disclose if user received a copy of the game for free
- the ability to see reviews in all languages by selecting “all language” from language dropdown in reviews tab
This new comment ranking system allows potential users to better understand what the game is like after several updates.
