How Subscription Services Impact Your Early Access Choices

10 December 2024

Gaming has come a long way over the past decade. If you’re anything like me, you’ve probably found yourself overwhelmed by how much the industry has changed. I mean, remember when we used to save up to buy that one shiny new game? Nowadays, with subscription services like Xbox Game Pass, PlayStation Plus, or even EA Play making waves, the way we approach gaming, especially early access titles, is completely different. But is this shift good for us gamers, or is it a double-edged sword? Let’s dive into it.

The Rise of Gaming Subscription Services

Before we get into how these services affect our early access choices, let’s take a second to talk about what’s going on in the gaming scene. Subscription services are everywhere. They’ve basically become the Netflix of gaming—and you’ve got options. Xbox Game Pass, for example, gives you access to hundreds of titles for a flat monthly fee, while PlayStation Plus offers a tiered system with varying levels of access. Even publishers like EA and Ubisoft are getting in on the action with their own subscription platforms.

On paper, it sounds like a dream, right? Instead of paying $60 or $70 for every game, you can just drop $10-$15 each month and have a buffet of games at your fingertips. But like any buffet, not everything on the menu is equally tempting. That’s where things get interesting, especially when it comes to early access games.

What Are Early Access Games?

For those who’ve never dabbled in early access gaming, let me break it down. Early access is when a developer releases a not-yet-finished game, usually for a discounted price or as part of a live beta. The idea here is simple: players can jump in early, play the game while it’s still being developed, and even shape the final product with their feedback. It’s like buying a movie ticket to a premiere screening where you can yell out, “Hey, fix that plot hole!” before it hits theaters.

Early access is great if you want to see behind the curtain and have a role in the development process. But here’s where subscription services start throwing a wrench into the mix.

Convenience vs. Commitment: The Subscription Service Dilemma

When you’re subscribed to a gaming service, you’re already paying a flat fee for access to a ton of games. So, when an early access title shows up on the list, the stakes feel… lower. You didn’t pay for it directly, so there’s no real financial risk. If the game turns out to be a hot mess, you just uninstall it. No harm, no foul.

But here’s the catch—this convenience can do two things:

1. Tempt You to Try Anything
With no upfront cost, you might find yourself diving into early access games you wouldn’t have considered before. That’s a good thing, right? Well, yes and no. On one hand, you might stumble across a hidden gem. On the other hand, you could end up spending hours in a game that’s nowhere near finished, only to feel a bit “meh” about it later.

2. Reduce Your Commitment
Remember the days when you bought a new game and felt obligated to see it through because you’d just dropped your hard-earned cash on it? Subscription services kind of kill that vibe. If you’re not fully invested in an early access title, you’re more likely to abandon it the moment you hit a bug or a frustrating mechanic. This could mean missing out on the game’s potential as it evolves.

How Developers Use Subscription Services to Their Advantage

Let’s not forget that developers are gamers too (at least, I hope so!). They see what’s happening, and many are using subscription platforms as a way to showcase their early access games to a larger audience. It’s a win-win for them: they get exposure and feedback without relying on each individual sale to fund development.

For example, the devs behind Grounded (a co-op survival game from Obsidian Entertainment) put their game on Xbox Game Pass during its early access phase. Tons of players jumped in, gave feedback, and helped the studio refine the game before its full release. But here’s the kicker: while this worked out well for Grounded, not every early access game benefits from this approach.

Sometimes, an influx of players can overwhelm a small development team. Plus, let’s be real: not everyone leaves constructive feedback. Trolls and unhelpful critics can make it harder for devs to focus on making meaningful improvements.

Early Access FOMO: A Gamer’s Worst Enemy

Because let’s face it, FOMO (Fear of Missing Out) is real. Subscription services are constantly adding and removing games from their libraries. What happens when an early access game you’re interested in is suddenly on Game Pass for a “limited time only”? You’re probably going to feel pressured to play it, even if it’s not fully baked yet.

You might even convince yourself, “If it’s bad now, I’ll just come back later when it’s finished.” But be honest—how often do you actually revisit games once you’ve moved on? For most of us, early access FOMO just ends with a backlog of games we’ll totally get back to “someday.”

The Good, the Bad, and the Unfinished

So, how do subscription services really impact our early access decisions? Honestly, it’s a mixed bag. Let’s break it down:

The Pros

- Low Risk, High Reward: You can try early access games without spending extra cash, which makes it easy to take chances on titles you wouldn’t have otherwise considered.
- Support for Small Devs: Subscription platforms give indie developers a chance to showcase their work to a large audience they might not reach otherwise.
- Community Engagement: A larger player base means more feedback, which can result in faster and better improvements for the game.

The Cons

- Short Attention Spans: With so many games to choose from, it’s easy to abandon an early access title if it doesn’t immediately hook you.
- Overwhelmed Devs: Small teams may struggle to keep up with the flood of feedback that comes from launching on a subscription service.
- Temporary FOMO: Games don’t stay on subscription services forever, which can pressure players into jumping in before they’re ready.

Tips for Navigating Early Access on Subscription Platforms

If you’re feeling torn about how to approach early access games in the age of subscription services, don’t worry—I’ve got you covered. Here are some tips to help you make smart choices:

1. Do Your Research
Before jumping into an early access title, take a few minutes to read its description and check out player reviews. Is the game in a state you’re willing to deal with? What’s the developer’s track record for updates?

2. Set Expectations
Remember, early access games are works in progress. Don’t go in expecting a polished, finished experience. You’re essentially signing up to be a tester, not just a player.

3. Engage With the Community
If you enjoy the game, consider joining its forums or Discord server. Your feedback could make a real difference, and you might even make some new gaming buddies along the way.

4. Don’t Be Afraid to Walk Away
If an early access game isn’t doing it for you, that’s okay. You’re not obligated to stick with it just because it’s “free” on a subscription service. Move on and check back when it’s further along.

Final Thoughts

At the end of the day, subscription services have completely changed how we think about early access games. They’ve made it easier than ever to try new things, but they’ve also introduced new challenges for gamers and developers alike. The key is finding a balance—embracing the convenience without losing sight of what makes gaming special in the first place.

So, the next time you see an early access game pop up on your favorite subscription platform, ask yourself: “Is this worth my time right now?” And hey, if the answer’s yes, dive in and enjoy the ride. Just remember—you’re helping shape the future of gaming, one bug report at a time.