Early Access Games: Worth the Risk?
Early Access games are big business. The games we love can undergo drastic changes, developers can be swamped with feedback, and we can all witness the magic of a game being made. But is it worth paying for the privilege of playing an unfinished game? We look at the pros and cons of early access games to help you decide whether or not to buy.
Whether you’re a die-hard fan, a developer, or simply someone who likes to play games, there’s no denying the allure of early access games. From the moment they appeared, they’ve been a double-edged sword, a blessing and a curse, and a source of constant debate. We’ll look at all of that and more as we try to answer the question, is it worth buying early access games?
The Pros and Cons of Early Access Games
Games can change dramatically during their early access period. Sometimes, those changes are positive and reflect feedback from players, but sometimes they aren’t, and leave players disappointed. While this is true for all games, it’s particularly true for early access games.
Early access games can be frustrating to play because they’re incomplete and filled with bugs. The fear of playing an incomplete game is understandable, and it’s a barrier that many players struggle to overcome. Some early access games also have limited content, so you may feel like you’re not getting enough for your money.
Another risk with early access games is that they never leave early access. Whether a game never leaves early access due to incompetence or more malicious intent, it shouldn’t be a surprise given that some developers have admitted that they made the mistake of offering their game up as early access.
Finally, early access is a double-edged sword for indie games. While it’s a great way to get funding and valuable feedback during the development process, it also means you’re paying to be a beta tester.
Is Early Access Worth the Risk?
No doubt, there are many reasons why you shouldn’t buy early access games, but there are also many reasons why you should consider it. Early access is a big part of the PC gaming scene, and if you want to experience it, you should be fully aware of what you’re getting into.
The first thing to remember is that you shouldn’t expect a complete game. Some early access games are completed during their early access period, but most aren’t. This is especially true for sandbox games, survival games, and games that offer a lot of freedom to players. If you want to play a complete game, then you should steer clear of early access.
If you’re an early access fan, then you’ll have probably already decided to take the plunge. For you, the appeal is being part of the development process, experiencing the full game from the start, and supporting the developers. If you’re not sure, then you should consider the other benefits of early access, such as getting cheap games and the validity it gives to indie games.
Different Approaches for Story-Focused Games
Some developers of story-focused games have embraced early access, but some haven’t. This is because early access for story-focused games can be a very different beast than for other games.
Larian Studios is perhaps the best example of a developer who uses early access in a way that benefits both the developer and players. Larian offers access to their story-focused RPG games during their early access periods so that they can get feedback and also raise funds. But unlike most early access games, Larian is almost finished with their games by the time they leave early access.
The massive success of the original and second entries in the Divinity series shows that Larian has struck a very good balance between early access and full releases. It’s also a big part of the reason why the studio has devoted so much time and money to developing the upcoming Baldur’s Gate 3.
Frustration with Uncertain Early Access Releases
Not every story-focused game is as close to completion as Divinity, so you might be wary about handing over any money for fear that you’ll get nothing in return. This is a fair concern, and if you’re after a story-based game then you should only consider early access if it’s already fairly close to being finished.
If you’re a fan of story-focused games and you’re also an early access fan, then you’ll probably have already decided to give it a go. But that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t be aware of the risks. If, like many gamers, you’re frustrated by games that never leave early access, then you might want to consider waiting until a story-focused game is almost complete.
Excitement of Being Part of It
As we’ve already said, it’s exciting to be part of the development process, to see the game you love take shape, and to be the first to play it. It’s a big part of the appeal for early access fans and it’s a big part of the reason why most gamers experience early access.
Seeing your feedback reflected in updates can be satisfying, especially when you consider that many early access games get their start on Steam by offering players a limited amount of in-game currency. Early access can also be a great way to get cheap games because many of the early access games on Steam go on sale when they leave early access.
Validity of Early Access as a Journey
Valve has recently reaffirmed its commitment to early access by publishing a blog post that gives developers advice on how to make their early access games successful. The company highlights the value of working with players, offering regular updates, and being transparent.
