Countless new MMOs today rely on Early Access, meaning early player access. What do you think about this often controversial practice?
What is this about? Early Access, meaning players’ early access to an unreleased game, is a practice that has been common for years.
Basically, Early Access is treated as a funding model in the gaming industry. Players pay in advance for a product that is still under development and receive early access to the game as a return.
This distinguishes EA from, for example, a closed beta test. These tests are usually free. Early Access brings both advantages and disadvantages.
These are the advantages of Early Access:
- Developers can test their games in a “live” environment, gather direct feedback, and implement it
- Through the sale of the game, developers can already generate initial revenue that benefits development
- Players can shape games they are looking forward to and directly influence the direction of development
These are the disadvantages of Early Access:
- Early Access means you receive a product that is often heavily flawed, and there is no guarantee that a good game will develop from it
- It takes longer for developers to actually release the game because additional unplanned changes in development arise due to the new feedback
- The bad first impression of Early Access can discourage players
Since the topic “Early Access” is often controversial in the gaming community, we wanted to know how the MeinMMO readers feel about it and therefore set up this survey.
How does the survey work? If you want to participate in the survey, you can cast your vote in the tool below. Each reader has only one vote, and your choice cannot be undone.
So go ahead: What is your opinion on Early Access? Have you ever used it? If so, for which game? Or do you prefer to stay away from all games in EA? Tell us in the comments!
The survey ends on June 1.
Have fun voting!
