On Steam, there are now numerous games that promise the moon during the ongoing Early Access phase, but have not received any updates for years. The people at Valve now warn you about such “zombie games,” which are especially prevalent in the MMO sector.
What is the problem? Since the introduction of “Early Access,” numerous games (especially MMOs or online games) have taken advantage of the pre-release access on Steam. The deal, in the best-case scenario:
- Developers release their game in an unfinished Early Access version and use player feedback and any income to complete the project within a foreseeable timeframe.
- Interested players can take an early look at the game and provide feedback and funds to ensure that the project is released in the highest quality possible.
Positive examples like Baldur’s Gate 3 have shown in the past how valuable this deal can be for all parties involved (also beyond the MMO genre).
However, there are also negative examples that have been stuck in the Early Access phase for months or even years, without any visible progress. Steam users who happen to stumble upon the relevant product page may not recognize this immediately. Instead, they still see all the promises that were made at the beginning of the EA phase and may then reach for their wallets.
A Steam game that might be worth it:
Protection Against Scams or Suspended Projects
What kind of warning is this? Within the Early Access box that all developers must fill out for the EA phase of their game, Valve now adds its own note as needed. In the case of BattleBit Remastered, a multiplayer game that has been in Early Access on Steam since June 2023, the note reads as follows:
“Note: The last update from the developers was more than 13 months ago. The information and schedule provided by the developers here may no longer be current.”
How does the community evaluate this? The new changes are already making waves on social platforms. The post by Stannis_Loyalist on Reddit has received more than 26,000 upvotes and over 700 comments.
- Demonic_Akumi is excited on Reddit, but also has a suggestion for improvement: “Great addition. I wish it were even more prominently visible.”
- Cymen90 explains on Reddit: “People like to say that Steam is just another licensed store, but they go far beyond what is expected in terms of consumer protection in the realm of digital games. Only GOG goes even further, offering DRM-free versions and restoration of lost/obsolete media.”
- vacanthospital expresses shock on Reddit: “Recently I was going through my library and was shocked at how many Early Access games hadn’t been updated in ages. I don’t buy Early Access games anymore; I prefer to wait for the finished product.”
What do you think? Share your opinion in the comments! If you’re currently looking for an exciting game recommendation on Steam, colleague Ody might have a suitable tip for you: For €3, you can get a game with 95% positive reviews on Steam, where you can build the war machines of your dreams.
