Release date

On, a release date given for a video game or item of software is determined through one of two means:


 * If the original release date is known, this is used. This is the date of the first software build being made available for public use; this includes intentional pre-release through schemes such as Steam Early Access (previously called Steam Greenlight). This does not cover situations where customers that pre-order get early access to content.
 * If the original release date of the first software build is not known, the date of development beginning is used instead.