AAA publishers abuse early access Denis Dyack says
The rise of early access has sparked a heated debate in the gaming world, with some arguing it’s a vital collaborative tool and others claiming it’s a cynical marketing ploy. The tension lies at the intersection of developer ambition, publisher strategies, and player expectations.
Veteran game developer Denis Dyack, known for his work on iconic titles like Blood Omen: Legacy of Kain and Eternal Darkness: Sanity’s Requiem, argues that the current system is being exploited. He believes big game developers are abusing early access by using it primarily as a marketing beat to push highly polished games, making full releases seem like inevitable milestones rather than true launch points.
This strategy, Dyack contends, shifts player expectations dramatically, placing undue pressure on independent developers who rely on the early access phase for collaborative feedback and completion. If a game is presented as near-perfect during early access, it undermines the very purpose of the process.
The core issue, according to Dyack, is the skewing of the marketplace. When major publishers use early access to set impossibly high standards, smaller and independent teams find themselves facing significant barriers to entry. This dynamic is particularly challenging for projects that aim for unique experiences, such as Deadhaus Sonata, which is currently navigating the early access environment.
Ethan McKinnon, creative director for Apocalypse Studios, echoes this sentiment. He notes that players naturally compare all games in the marketplace, meaning smaller teams are held to a standard far exceeding what was previously required.
This shift in perception is visible across the industry. Games like Subnautica 2 and Path of Exile 2 have drastically altered player expectations, leading to a more diverse, yet often confusing, landscape for developers.
Even those who defend the format acknowledge the complexity. Anthony Gallegos, creative director for Subnautica 2, suggested that early access is no longer just for niche titles, pointing out that it can signify long-term open development or a paid beta soft launch designed to soften expectations before a full release.
Ultimately, the conversation pivots from accusations of “abuse” to the need for clearer definitions. While Dyack suggests developers must prioritize ensuring the game runs well, pay attention to reviews, and connect with influencers, he also admitted that some teams, including Apocalypse Studios, missed the mark with their own early access experience.
The lesson is clear: developers must prioritize the fundamentals—stability, engine management, and clear communication—before chasing the hype. As McKinnon summarized, developers need to treat early access like a real launch because, fundamentally, players do.
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