Understanding Early Access Games
There can be huge advantages to early access games for players, but make sure you go in with your eyes open
If you’re a PC gamer in 2020, then you’ve probably played or at least are aware of “early access” games.
I’ve played many of these early access games: some of them terrible, languishing forever in an unfinished state (Anyone remember WarZ?). But I’ve also had the pleasure of playing titles that were fantastic right out of the gate. This is a double-edged sword, because you’re playing a great game, but you’re not experiencing the best version of that game.
Steam pioneered their “Steam Early Access” program in 2013 and many developers have since embraced it to various levels of success. The program is designed for developers to get their game out to the masses, and have people actively play-test and shape them. This offers developers a system to receive feedback and iterate based on that feedback if desired. It also helps get some funding in the interim as well. This particular point can be troublesome for players, since some developers in the past have sold what their game could be rather than what it is now; it’s a risky proposition if the developer is unable to fulfil these promises.. Regardless, the early access model for game development is proven and is here to stay.
Risk of Rain 2 and Hades are two early access titles I’ve played and enjoyed as soon as they entered early access. I put about 10 hours into each of them, and wrapped up my time with them late last year. Both are similar in their action rogue-like elements, and are constantly receiving new content as they inch closer to their full releases. Hades released their “Nighty Night” update in March, 2020, which added a fair amount of fixes and content. Unfortunately, this is content I’ll probably never experience, because there are too many other games to play and I’ve moved on.
Something clicks when you play a good game, you’re mind sort of shuts off and you’re drawn into that games action, story, or systems. You’re likely not thinking about what the game is missing, but enjoying it for what it is in that moment. If you think about it, by purchasing an early access game, you’re paying to beta test that game, and if you’re cool with that, then no problem! You’re helping the developers to create a better product because of your feedback and input. But I want to ask, do you return to most early access games after they’ve fully released? If not, just understand you’re experiencing the lesser version of that game, and are likely missing out to a degree.
I know I only have myself to blame here, I need to have more self-restraint. But keep this in mind the next time you’re thinking of diving into a great early access game.
