Valve’s “Early Access” initiative on Steam, while conceptually appealing, has sparked a growing concern among both gamers and developers regarding its effectiveness. The program was designed to facilitate the creation of unique games that might not otherwise see the light of day, providing budding developers with the necessary funding and exposure to cultivate their talents. However, the reality of the situation appears to diverge from its original intent.
Currently, Steam’s Early Access page showcases an astonishing 14,056 titles, a testament to the program’s reach. Notable successes such as Kerbal Space Program, ARMA 3, Prison Architect, and Kenshi stand out, each boasting either Overwhelmingly Positive or Very Positive reviews. These titles exemplify how the Early Access platform has been instrumental in their development journeys.
(Image credit: Bohemia Interactive)
My own experience with the Early Access program was notably shaped by the standalone version of the ARMA 2 DayZ mod. Development began in 2012, and the game entered Early Access shortly after the program’s inception in late 2013. After spending nearly five years in this limbo, many players became disillusioned, questioning whether the game would ever reach a full release.
Despite the ongoing emergence of remarkable titles through Early Access, the disappointments reminiscent of DayZ have become increasingly common. Over time, the program has evolved into a platform where some developers exploit its guidelines, seeking quick financial gains without a commitment to completing their projects.
Steam’s Early Access rules, as outlined on their official site, are intended to ensure transparency and accountability:
- You must include Steam Early Access branding and information about the current state of your game on any third-party sites where you are distributing Steam keys for your Early Access game.
- Do not make specific promises about future events.
- Steam Early Access titles need to be available to customers through Steam.
- Don’t overcharge Steam customers.
- Make sure you set expectations properly everywhere you talk about your game.
- Don’t launch in Early Access without a playable game.
- Don’t launch in Early Access if you are finished with development.
These guidelines assume a level of integrity and commitment from developers, which many uphold. However, the reality often diverges, leading to a landscape where unfinished games flood the market, leaving gamers frustrated and disillusioned.
What’s the point of an early access release program?
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The fundamental premise of the Early Access program is threefold: it enables developers to gather vital feedback from players throughout various stages of development, allows gamers to support studios while enjoying exclusive early access, and provides essential funding that can accelerate the development process and enhance quality. While this interaction can be demanding for developers, it often remains the only viable path for many titles to come to fruition.
However, the trend has shifted, with some developers launching games that are barely functional, using the Early Access label as a shield rather than a signal for the need for further development. There are no obligations for developers to implement changes based on player feedback or to complete their projects, leading to a growing concern about the integrity of the program.
Who’s really to blame for the current state of Steam Early Access?
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While it is easy to point fingers at Steam and its parent company, Valve, the responsibility does not rest solely on their shoulders. Steam remains a premier platform for purchasing and enjoying PC games, yet it is essential to acknowledge the shortcomings within the Early Access framework. Dishonest developers exploit loopholes, flooding the market with subpar offerings, and many gamers, eager to be part of the latest trend, willingly invest in these projects. I, too, have fallen into this trap, watching as funds slip away on titles that ultimately fail to deliver.
Despite the ongoing production of quality content through the Early Access program, there is a palpable concern that the prevalence of abandoned projects and unmet promises may soon overshadow the genuine successes, leaving a lasting impact on the gaming community.
