A discussion on Early Access

[Tom]

Its an interesting way of supporting the smaller developers, but i think many, including me, Worry about how many of these games will actually get finished... I agree with a lot of the guys, this should also only be available to full time developers, not hobbiests, and how do you prove this?

[DieGrootHammer]

I've backed some of the SA developers to date, BROFORCE and Stasis.

I've stated in another thread about my views on early access in gaming. I do think that this can be implemented well, if the developers are willing to keep on supporting the project. Some of the early access games I've bought include Kerbal Space Program and Minecraft. Both games have had great support from the developers, and the community also has added a myriad of extras.

For early access games, it will come down to a game-for-game basis. I personally do not like the model, as it leaves too much uncertainty for the buyers, as you are not getting any reassurance or commitment from the developers to completed their project. They've already got your money, so why would they be motivated to stay with it? This is not true for all early access games though.

[Stunt]

Its not like anyone is putting a gun to your head to buy a alpha build. I think its great, most reasonable people know there is a risk purchasing it. We all complain about big companies making bland games, this is great way to invest in a risky indie game under the hope they make something cool.

I stand firmly with you, I'm just hoping that it doesn't become a habit of completing the game after two years of incomplete builds. I support this method to assist in funds and actual support to the developer house in hope to speed up a final version release and to have input in how the game will evolve into the final product.

They better not screw with this...

[Crableg]

If you understand the risk behind it its okay, if your struggling for money dont blow your monthly "game" allowance (if you have one) on an early access game. This release model is meant to be helping the developer with the production of the game. If you have the money and want to back the dev, then by all means do it, and understand its an Alpha.

The forums for these games are full of whiners saying things like "This game is broken i want my money back!", people who don't read the disclaimers before buying.

Its down to the consumer really, look how successful Kickstarter has become.

EDIT: Sometimes the devs can be greedy and stop working on the game once they have their money, look at how Cubeworld turned out.

[Shirou]

I am now playing 4 Alpha games which i really hope for them to finish and polish the games nicely, but all you see lately is Alpha games which you need to pay for as well to start playing it.

[Snare]

Its not like anyone is putting a gun to your head to buy a alpha build. I think its great, most reasonable people know there is a risk purchasing it. We all complain about big companies making bland games, this is great way to invest in a risky indie game under the hope they make something cool.

To be fair that is the hope behind how the model should work. It's just that we all know these don;t always work out as advertised

[Ike_009]

I want to add this here, I was waiting for the youtube transfer