14 DAY TRIAL // Planetary Annihilation is the first video game which is still in the Early Access stage on the Steam digital distribution service to receive a limited physical release, with a boxed copy available in store, which gives purchasers access to the current version of the title with a free upgrade option to the full version when it is finally revealed.
The development team at Uber Entertainment and their publishing partners have said that they have been impressed by the response that fans have delivered to the launch of the current version of the strategy title, and they have decided to see whether they can expand the audience by delivering a number of copies to brick-and-mortar locations.
The boxes of Planetary Annihilation do have a clear label, which explains that the game is in Early Access, and many fans do believe that the title already offers solid value for those who buy it.
Others are worried that releasing video games that are basically unfinished is a long-term problem because it can affect the trust that more casual players have in publishers and can lead to a decline in sales of future physical copies.
The two sides will probably continue to debate each other about the merits of boxed copies for Planetary Annihilation, but regardless of the outcome, Early Access titles should not deliver physical versions because they go against the nature of the initiative.
Valve created the new section for the Steam digital distribution service in order to give independent developers a simple and quick way to show off their titles to the fan communities that are more willing to support them.
The idea was to offer a look at the core features of the video game, with as many mechanics as close to done as possible, while allowing those who are convinced of its quality to contribute to the long-term development process.
The general public is not involved in the conversation because development teams are not, when still in Early Access, interesting in their reactions or their opinions.
Early backers do not have the need to get a physical copy of any video game, and those who do can wait until the games, including Planetary Annihilation, reach the launch 1.0 version.
Developers often feel empowered by success, especially when their video game is not even done, but they should focus their resources on creating the best experience possible rather than on launching new version of their title.