KitGuru KitGuru.net – Tech News | Hardware News | Hardware Reviews | IOS | Mobile | Gaming | Graphics Cards
Valve has sent out an updated copy of its terms and conditions to developers looking to use the Steam Early Access program. The new rules and guidelines are aimed to help consumers out a bit more with more transparency from developers on projects.
The updated rules recognizes that unforeseen circumstances may put a stop to certain plans but says that all developers looking to go in to Early Access should be fully prepared to finish their game whether it sells many or just a few copies. Giant Bomb was the first to get a look at the new rules, which require developers to label games as Early Access not only on Steam but on other stores as well.
Developers are also encouraged to explain exactly what stage the current project is in so that potential buyers are as informed as possible before purchasing. Developers should avoid making “specific promises about future events”, such as updates, new features or the final release date.
From now on, paid alpha titles must launch on Steam at the same time as other stores and prices can not be higher than they are elsewhere. Valve has two final suggestions, set proper expectations and ensure that your game is suitable for the program. If a game is almost finished then it isn't suitable for Early Access while on the other end of the spectrum, if a game is just a tech demo and nothing more, then it is too early to put on to Steam and charge money for.
This follows on from news that only three of the first nine Early Access games have actually made it to release.
Discuss on our Facebook page, HERE.
KitGuru Says: It's good to see Valve getting a little stricter on how Early Access operates. What do you guys think of the new Early Access terms and conditions? Could Valve be doing more to protect consumers? Do you think the company should be more hands on when it comes to content duration and evaluating individual developers?
“Could Valve be doing more to protect consumers?” They could get rid of Early Access? It doesn’t need to exist and only causes problems and laziness within development studios. If developers want funding for an unfinished game they should take to Kickstarter, IndieGogo and other crowdfunding sources first until they are finished
then we wouldn’t have kerbal space program and prison architect.
I think a big label setting the expectations to the user is all thats needed. I like all my games being in one place so I don’t agree with others saying move it to Kickstarter, et al. Some people want to get in on games early, I don’t think restricting us in the name of protection is whats needed. The infantilization of the community will just mean those in the community who feel limited will move elsewhere and then just fragment things.
I don’t agree. Some of the best games I own were (or are) Early Access. Kickstarter is much worse than Early Access in that there is actually no accountability, often you don’t even get access to playable content, etc – whereas at least Steam force you to have content at a level sufficiently advanced to upload, and since you can review the game it allows much more accountability. The system for Early Access is still crappy, but what’s needed is not scrapping it but improvement to enhance the benefits and reduce the risks/disadvantages of the model.
If you shorten Early Access… You actually get EA… which also is Electronic Arts… which is also what they did with the final release of BF4 and some of there other games.
they should simply put an end to this crap. most early access is a fkin scam. they put up a good idea they do some crap and when enough bought they just abandon it… sadly ive got into their trap too, never again
EA is still far better than all the crap garagedevelopers with their scams
well, without ksp the world would actually be better