14 DAY TRIAL // The video game industry is constantly changing, evolving, or devolving, depending on the situation. However, one thing is abundantly clear nowadays: most games will get beta stages, and many - both indie and triple-A in terms of scope - will launch as an early access product.
Unfortunately, while at least independent teams are honest about their early versions, major developers and publishers are oblivious to the fact or, worse, don't want to disclose the sorry state their product is in when it launches.
Botched releases hurt everyone
Batman: Arkham Knight on PC, Assassin's Creed Unity, Halo: The Master Chief Collection, Driveclub, and many others have appeared in recent years with huge problems at launch. Many of them required weeks if not months of updates and patches in order to actually resemble a finished product.
All those games launched, in my opinion, as early access experiences. However, instead of using the procedure seen on Steam, where games get released as early versions with incomplete features for a lower price which then increase as more things are added and existing mechanics are improved, these titles were launched at full price.
These situations have shaken their developers in all sorts of ways. Evolution is rumored to close once it's done with the Driveclub DLC packs, while Ubisoft Quebec is taking over from Montreal for the upcoming Assassin's Creed Syndicate. 343 Industries continues to have a mixed reputation among the huge Halo fanbase, and the upcoming Halo 5 is going to make or break the big studio.
Loyal fans get mistreated most of all
However, while it's unfortunate that developers chose or were forced to release early access titles, gamers are the most affected ones. Loyal fans who pre-ordered or stayed in line on day one to get the titles are "rewarded" for their efforts and love with an incomplete product and with the promise that things will get better eventually. Fortunately, at least some of them are able to get refunds on their purchases.
After spending many years in which a game bought on Steam was tied to your inventory unless the awful customer support finally resolved your request, now you can easily get a refund for all sorts of reasons.
Without a doubt, this played a huge role in the recent case of Batman: Arkham Knight on PC, while forcing the hand of publisher Warner Bros. to suspend the sale of that version of the game until all issues are resolved.
Be upfront about early access, run in-depth beta stages, or just delay it
Moving forward, video game developers and publishers have three major choices to make. First, they can be upfront about the early access nature of the game. While IO Interactive is trying to make it seem like its new Hitman title will deliver an experience worth $60/€60 at launch, it also confirms that its story and content will be completed via DLC throughout 2016.
The second choice would be to run in-depth beta stages as early as possible, and not one week ahead of release. 343 Industries with the Halo 5: Guardians multiplayer beta did a pretty good job, as did The Coalition with the Gears of War Ultimate edition test. After many installments without any prior testing, Treyarch is once again organizing a beta for Call of Duty: Black Ops 3. Street Fighter V also deserves a mention, as the game is coming in 2016 but its multiplayer test is going to take place later this month on PS4.
Last but not least, while publishers and their financial interests may disapprove, a delay is always something that will ultimately benefit a game. Extra polishing time for the PC version of the game could have made a big different. Yes, you'll probably miss out on the big holiday season money but at least fans will be delighted when the title eventually appears.