Dev mode (short for develeloper mode) is a program inside Steamlands that can be activated by a code (now can be activated for free). Dev mode allows the player to make levels of Steamlands, and also edit already existing levels. They can edit the shop, briefing, and also edit the map. Dev mode was not revealed by Nitrome on their blog, nor on Facebook, but was hinted by Aaron Steed on a forum. It was also Aaron Steed who revealed the unlocking code for dev mode, which he revealed in the comments section of one of Nitrome's posts on Facebook. Nitrome mentioned dev mode in future updates for Steamlands, and actually set up a contest telling fans to send their levels to Nitrome.