Early Access Games aren't helping anyone

During the 90s of PC gaming, we used to buy Magazines to get the demo discs to try the games that were coming our way or even try games that were already released. Demos then were a sample of the game the game to a certain point. Some times it was just a level, sometimes it was almost a full game. I remember playing some demos as it was enough enjoyment without buying the full game.

Other ways to get your hands on games before their release was to get involved in the beta testing. This used to be a stage of the development process that was used to iron out some of the last bugs of the game, but it was more or less feature completed. However this beta stage has today become a part of the sale of the game.

Steam Early Access is a method for gamers to buy a game that is not considered release but allows them to get to play the game understanding that there are still bugs and it is still being developed. But should gamers be buying software that is still under development?

There are arguments that this provides the additional financial support for developers to continue working on the game to make it to point to finish and publish the game. Also it can be said Early Access could benefit the gamers. If they make the initial investment, they might be able get discounts or even get the end product for free.

But what we are seeing is that Early Access has become grounds for poor quality games and often projects that never come to light. According to a GamesIndurstry report, only 25% of Early Access games make it to release. Developers start Early Access projects, take the money and run as seemed to be the case for the developers of the game Towns. Essentially ripping off the gamers.

DayZ is another example of a Early Access game that people have endorsed, however has for a long time shown signs that it will never leave the "In Development" category. The DayZ Standalone game was supposed to the evolution of the popular mod to ARMA II. It made over $5 million on its first day when released on Steam Early Access. 

In recent months, DayZ has seen a decline in players. This is worrying trend for the game as those in the community are no longer defending the excuse that it is Early Access. Development of the game has not shown much evidence that the core issues with the game being resolved, and only trivial additions to the game are being made (i.e. Character Clothing).

So for games like where DayZ had a huge following, lots of hype before release and then a faithful community after release who paid real money to have the early access to give developers a good amount of money to support continued development of the game, where are we today? Not far from when it was released.

There are other stories to suggest that Early Access isn't what it seems. YouTuber Jim Stearling has experienced much of the worst of these developers due to his critical reviews of some of the games that have made it to Early Access. I have provided a link to the video he did regarding the awful behavior of one Early Access developer who demonstrated a clear example of what the Early Access store has become.

It is becoming a big thing for gaming reviewers to beg their viewers to not buy from Early Access. And for good reason. With bad quality games, unprofessional developers and games not continuing to completion, is it really worth your money now? No it really isn't. While there might be some legitimate games being developed with honest developers that could use the financial assistance, Early Access is the wrong way to go about this. Save your money and promote completed and published games worth your money.