Does Early Access mean you get the full game when its released?

[AnonomBot]

Never bought an EA game (just turned to the darkside (PC Gaming)), I just completed the Ender Lilies game on PS5 Games of the month & wanted to show my support to the devs because it blew me away.

I won't play until its 100% out of early access.

[Raui]

Yup, that’s exactly what it means. They plan to raise the price once it’s out of early access too.

[Mizufluffy]

Yes, if you buy Early Access game then you have the full game when it releases.

Buying an Early Access game basically means you are acknowledging that the game is in unfinished state, and that you have faith in its development for full release.
Early Access games typically increase in price either close to or after full release so in a way you could think of them as discounted versions of the game.
There are also risks involved because sometimes some games may end up being in Early Access for several years without end in sight.

Early Access has both its pros and cons, and it's up to you to weigh those and decide if it's worth the risk.
If you believe that it will eventually get a full release, want to show support, either want to get a small taste of the game right away or play it as soon right away after full release, then you can certainly buy it.
If you are unsure if the game getting a full release or you think it may take years and years, don't mind buying the game after its full release and maybe waiting for a discount, don't particularly feel the need to show your support before the release, then you should just wait for a full release.

In the worst case, when you buy an Early Access game, you may end up with an unfinished game in your library that has the content provided thus far, and is always labeled with "Early Access", if its development halts entirely.

[Raui]

Since you're not planning on playing the game until it's out of early access, you should wait until the release date is announced and then pick it up a few days away from it so you can get it at a lowered price.

[Ravo]

Originally posted by Raui:

Since you're not planning on playing the game until it's out of early access, you should wait until the release date is announced and then pick it up a few days away from it so you can get it at a lowered price.

I do this. I've been burned by EA enough times in the past to see that blue background as an instant "do not buy". But I loved Ender Lilies so I will give adglobe and Live Wire the benefit of the doubt and keep this game wish listed until it becomes clear it is getting released. I may even wait, paying the difference between the EA price and PR (post release) price means I can look at reviews to see if the game is in fact finished and not just slightly less unfinished with none of the promised content. (Looking at you, 7 days to die)

[AnonomBot]

Thanks for the info guys, I'll purchase it in EA, loved Ender Lillies, I want to show some love to the devs for such an outstanding game. Hopefully the new one is just as good.


I got Nine Sols, Spiritfall & vigil the longest night in the recent steam sale, that shall keep me busy for a while.

Who knows Silksong could also be just on the horizon

[Valeriya]

I advise you not to buy it now, 6 months and no updates.

[Black Snake]

Originally posted by Valeriya:

I advise you not to buy it now, 6 months and no updates.

Another post was made showing articles with the devs. They aren't dead and were at PAX. Planned release date is around November. And if you read the post they stated that they are pretty much done with the game as of this month. They are spending the rest of the time ironing out bugs and making sure the game is ready for launch. This is why there were no major updates to the EA. They wanted to focus on the final product.

Source: https://news.denfaminicogamer.jp/kikakuthetower/240822r

[somedude212]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cvSf1pOO084

The full release date is set to be on January 23, 2025. Still gotta wait for four months and a half but at least we have the date now.

[Raui]

Wow, that means the early access will be about 10 months long, twice that of Ender Lilies. Really looking forward to it.

[luck4you]

Glad to see we have a release date now. Still feels odd to have an early access, but pretty much never updating it until the full release. Feels like a demo, followed by the full release would have the same effect.

[wildcardbitches]

Originally posted by luck4you:

Glad to see we have a release date now. Still feels odd to have an early access, but pretty much never updating it until the full release. Feels like a demo, followed by the full release would have the same effect.

They did the same thing with the first game. EA was basically a demo that was never updated then they released the full game. Luckily they don't really take very long between EA and full release compared to other games. Makes good business sense, might as well fund the development instead of releasing a free demo.

[Kinxil]

Originally posted by AnonomBot:

Never bought an EA game (just turned to the darkside (PC Gaming)), I just completed the Ender Lilies game on PS5 Games of the month & wanted to show my support to the devs because it blew me away.

I won't play until its 100% out of early access.

Yep, that's the point of the early access, you take a "gamble" by paying the game less. The game is not over and you can participate by giving feedbacks to the devs. It can also be considered as helping the devs financially as you provide funds before the game is officially release, albeit less than if you paid the game full price at release. And you have to keep in mind the game might not be up to your hopes.

It's very common nowadays, I usually avoid it like plague but there was no way I wouldn't make an exception as Ender Lilies is my second favorite Metroidvania. It's my second (first was Nova Drift, and the game happened to be largely worthy).

[Sgt.JESUS]

I dont see it as a gamble, sure the way things are now with the big companies buying and closing the little ones its risky, but not if the devs are indie, at least i hope so.
Its more like a vote of confidence for the devs that made a previous game that you liked a lot, so they have the cash to finish the next one.

[konkon]

early access used to be cool. It's risky with major gaming companies and AAA titles but Indie early access has always been good IMO. Of course there are rare examples where the DEVs completely disappear.