Base-building real-time strategy game Tempest Rising made its unexpected debut on Steam yesterday, arriving a full week ahead of its scheduled release. The publisher, faced with the situation, has opted for a new launch date: April 17, replacing the original April 24 timeline. In a statement on Steam, the team noted, “While the team worked quickly to address the issue, the most seamless solution ended up being to release the game to everyone.”
Developer’s Response and Player Impact
With an impressive 85% rating in early reviews, the developer is now focused on creating exclusive in-game content for owners of the Deluxe Edition, compensating them for the early unlock reward that was inadvertently shared with all players. Technically, while Deluxe Edition buyers did lose their early access privilege, the game’s early availability for everyone has sparked a conversation about the nature of advanced access bonuses.
Players who pre-purchased the Deluxe Edition find themselves in a somewhat uncomfortable position. They have lost a benefit they paid for, yet raising concerns about it may seem trivial, as it would involve complaining about Standard Edition players enjoying the game alongside them. The situation highlights the complexities of early unlock bonuses, which were not initiated by the players themselves.
For the broader gaming community, however, the early launch of Tempest Rising has been met with enthusiasm. The game is now available on Steam, and the response has been largely positive, leaving many players eager to dive into its offerings without any complaints about the timing of its release.
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This article has been updated to reflect the latest developments following the accidental launch of Tempest Rising.