Considerations and Ruminations on the Early Access Model

[Anklebiter]

@sobek

Beneath all the noise of people whining about the downside of EA, what that discussion on hoggit is about for me is actually a few quite well articulated concerns about the transparency and long term feasibility of ED’s business model.

And so far while ED officials have shown their heads, they haven’t really gone into answering at least some of the pressing questions.

I’d say more than transparency, the concern is integrity. Doing what you say and saying what you will do. Pretty tough in game development. The other concern was censorship, somewhat answered above.

Most of this does tie closely into the early access model. The main reason folks are looking for that transparency is to know when they will receive value for their investment. The approach I take dramatically reduces that drive, as I consider these releases to be complete games as is.

The question of longevity with that business model is interesting, but I wouldn’t expect ED has any responsibility to share as a private company. I trust they are working in their own best interest.