In a move that highlights just how different Slavic Magic's approach to development is, the creator of Manor Lords has asked the community to hold off on their Steam Awards nominations. While the "Labor of Love" category was selected as a potential target for the 2025 awards, the developer feels that the timing simply isn't right until the next major update is in your hands.
Prioritizing Polish Over Prestige
Usually, this time of year is flooded with developers rallying their communities for votes. It's standard industry practice to capitalize on the Steam Awards hype to boost visibility. However, Slavic Magic has stated that accepting a nomination right now feels "off." The reasoning is straightforward: there is a significant beta update currently in the pipeline, and the team prefers to let that content speak for itself before asking for accolades.
This decision stems from a desire to validate the nomination through gameplay rather than reputation. The developer explicitly encouraged players to look forward to the upcoming version and provide feedback upon its release, rather than voting based on the current build alone. It is a refreshing stance in an industry often driven by marketing cycles rather than development milestones.
When is the next Manor Lords update coming?
While a specific release date for the new patch hasn't been locked in, the team confirmed they are currently in the polish phase. A detailed Development Update released just a few days ago outlined the progress, promising that regular reports will return. The focus remains on stability and addressing the complex interactions within the simulation that players have flagged in previous builds.
For now, the message to the Manor Lords community is clear: keep your powder dry. The team wants to earn your "Labor of Love" vote with a tangible improvement to the game, not just a promise of one. Once the next beta update drops and the new mechanics are tested in the field, that will be the time to decide if the title deserves the award.