Cant speak how it is on Steam yet, but on Epic Games store via the First Run program felt like a soft/quiet launch.
It taught me tons including approval process, adjusting marketing deadlines, dev support, etc.
Not to mention learning about the value of having an in game feedback loop 🧠
It's a gamble. If people like it and are interested in seeing it progress, then that's great because you can fund the game's further development. But otherwise it's just a game you have to finish with people's feedback and little to no money coming in.
I think it depends on where your game is at. Do you need to still develop this with the intention of gathering feedback? It can be a way to release a little earlier, but does need to be a level of polished!
Being in the same dilemma. The reason why I'm becoming more pro-Early Access is that I've received a lot of good support on Discord so far, and it would be interesting to see something like that on Steam as well. People helping the development with their ideas and critiques, I mean.
and "After all, why not?"
it's a matter of: you need more funds to finish the game? you need people to test it, report bugs and give feedback? would it be beneficial to the development?
since your game is a niche game, I think it wouldn't be an issue. do it when you feel comfortable.
Comments
It taught me tons including approval process, adjusting marketing deadlines, dev support, etc.
Not to mention learning about the value of having an in game feedback loop 🧠
it's a matter of: you need more funds to finish the game? you need people to test it, report bugs and give feedback? would it be beneficial to the development?
since your game is a niche game, I think it wouldn't be an issue. do it when you feel comfortable.
then when its released it doesn't feel like a big bang