It's just semantics at this point, but the exact quote is "the Identity Town Square module will be published to Steam before the end of this month (October)!". Since it's "publishED" and not "will start the publishing process" (or words to that extent), I'd say the lad is right. It's not a big "delay", but it's still a delay. The game has not been published, it has simply begun the verification process to become "published".
Something can't have been published, if there is no public substance.
publish
verb (used with object)
to issue (printed or otherwise reproduced textual or graphic material, computer software, etc.) for sale or distribution to the public.