Early access to a game is typically offered when the game is in a playable state but may not be feature-complete, or may still have several software bugs to be found. The concept of early access helps to alleviate both problems. Another difficulty for indie developers is the means of testing their games prior to release, lacking the resources of a publisher and not obtaining enough feedback prior to release.
Many smaller indie companies use personal funds, while larger ones may get investments from other sources, and more recently crowdfunding programs such as Kickstarter or Patreon proven viable for both. įor indie games, which are typically distributed without a publisher, the source of funding for development is not as readily available. For example, an invitation to the beta version of the multiplayer portion of Halo 3 was bundled with the game Crackdown, contributing to the latter's strong sales. In some cases, publishers have found ways to allow players to win or buy into access into a game's beta state in a controlled environment. As such, publishers will fund the full development of a game through its completion, but will be less willing to take risks on experimental titles.
This prevents such versions from becoming the target of software piracy, and limits what information can potentially be shared with competitors. Traditionally, game publishers do not release unfinished versions of their products to the public, instead relying on in-house testing non-disclosure agreements. Many crowdfunding projects promise to offer access to alpha and/or beta versions of the game as development progresses however, unlike some of these projects which solicit funds but do not yet have a playable game, all early access games offer an immediately playable version of the unfinished game to players. The early-access approach is a common way to obtain funding for indie games, and may also be used along with other funding mechanisms, including crowdfunding.
Those that pay to participate typically help to debug the game, provide feedback and suggestions, may have access to special materials in the game. For the clinical drug testing term, see expanded access.Įarly access, also known as alpha access, alpha founding, paid alpha, or game preview, is a funding model in the video game industry by which consumers can purchase and play a game in the various pre-release development cycles, such as pre-alpha, alpha, and/or beta, while the developer is able to use those funds to continue further development on the game. This article is about the video game industry term.
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