I do not know the criteria. If they were straightforward, they could let an automatic do it.
The whole concept is ill designed. Tying it to a major devlog. What about the developer that regulary update their projects, but do not brag about it with a devlog. A devlog that in itself also can drive traffic to the game. And having regular updates for the typical patreon fueled game developerment each two weeks is not news. A switch from development to release is news. Releasing expansions is news. But run of the mill updates are just the progress that is to be expected for a game in development.
Some people even abuse the system. Or so they think. By re-uploading their game. I think they hurt themselves.
They just should introduce a new category/sorting. One should be sorted by release date. And one by update date (with spam prevention)