I think Early Access is a good way for devs to get some additional funding and for gamers to get to access games earlier. Quite a few great games came out of EA.
No reason to stop it.

Don't buy game that is in Early Access? Sounds like an easy fix?

I do not like it that much personally, because I had some bad experiences with it.
But getting involved in a game from the beginnning that actually makes it as a complete product, feels good, sadly, some games never leave EA, or get stuck in Beta.

I have enjoyed my time with a bunch of Early Access games, but I also do understand the risk of buying a game in Early Access

Early access is just like paid betas of older games, but in a slightly more standard and obvious way.

Don't buy it unless it is in a state you already feel is worth it. If it fails after than, then ♥♥♥♥ happens, you already got your worth out of it likely.

Originally posted by Pocahawtness:

Does Anyone Like Early Access?

Depends, I guess?

What type of game it is, how much content does it offer, is the game in question close to the finish line? how long will it take etc.

When you have been burnt by more than one EA game, I can understand not wanting EA to be a thing anymore but I also have EA games that left EA and I feel cool/good being one of the many that gave feedback and can see that feedback in-game.

Just have to choose wisely and make sure you don't go for a Cash & Dip game (a game a person puts into EA to collect as much money as they can before they dip)

If only "Playtests" could be used instead of Early Access. If people want to "donate" to the Dev, the Dev could make a "donation/support" DLC, which I seem to have seen more than once for games that have a price tag already lol (what a way to drain your fans/playerbase wallets)

I like having more options.

Your issues with impulse purchasing shouldn't affect my choices.

Originally posted by StickyPawz:

Your issues with impulse purchasing shouldn't affect my choices.

OP didn't mention anything about impulse buying. They were talking about losing their enthusiasm by the time a Dev finishes their Early Access game.

Granted, if OP doesn't like Early Access games, well ones that could take forever to finish, avoid them. Problem solved, for the OP.

Yes. I support Early Access titles because i understand what an EAG is:

Get instant access and start playing; get involved with this game as it DEVELOPS.

NOTE: This Early Access game is NOT COMPLETE AND MAY OR MAY NOT CHANGE FURTHER.

If you are NOT excited to play this game in its CURRENT STATE , then you should WAIT to see if the game PROGRESSES FURTHER in development.

I have bought and kept four Early Access games so far. If any of them had been cancelled the day after I bought them, I would have been really surprised but not bothered, because they were already fun enough to be worth the price.

One was finished and development ended. Two are city builders, one from 2021 and one from 2022, that have received a combination of free updates and paid DLCs up to this month, and will continue to have content added for at least another year. The last game was Vampire Survivors, which basically created a whole genre. So Early Access has worked quite well for both me and the developers that I bought from, so far.

Originally posted by Pocahawtness:

I am just interested in whether people do, or like me, they absolutely hate it???
To me, it ruins games.
By the time the dev finishes the game it's just too late, the enthusiasm has gone.
So, my suggestion is - stop Early Access. It was a really bad idea!!

Early Access is fine. I have a bunch of games I enjoy that have either fully launched or are still in Early Access. As always, if you want a full and complete game, don't buy it until it is complete and fully launched.

That you are losing enthusiasm for a game is not an Early Access problem, but a you problem. The only real bad idea here is you suggesting EA be stopped. The only thing that is needed is for you to stop buying EA.

Originally posted by Tolkien Book Fan:

. Two are city builders, one from 2021 and one from 2022, that have received a combination of free updates and paid DLCs up to this month, and will continue to have content added for at least another year.

Which games are those, if you don't mind me asking.

Originally posted by BJWyler:

Originally posted by Tolkien Book Fan:

. Two are city builders, one from 2021 and one from 2022, that have received a combination of free updates and paid DLCs up to this month, and will continue to have content added for at least another year.

Which games are those, if you don't mind me asking.

Imagine Earth and Terraformers.

It depends on the game, I have sunk thousands of hours into some early access and refunded others after 10 minutes.

Some games devs use player feedback to improve their game during the Early Access period.
RAFT is one such game.
They used it to find tune some aspects.

It's a good program. It has ensured that good games managed to be released when they otherwise would not have.

The issue with Early Access is the gamers. The gamers refuse to read the blue label, create unrealistic own expectations and such.