GOG: We are going to do Early Access right

Digital games retailer GOG has launched its own version of Early Access with an emphasis on quality control.

Much like Steam’s Early Access, GOG’s service lets studios release titles that are still in development.

Though Steam Early Access has yielded some hits, including Bohemia Interactive’s Day Z and Wildcard’s Ark Survival Evolved, the scheme has also become known for being filled with low quality games that may never be finished. Valve also exercises no quality control – and GOG is eager to ensure that only the best games make it to its Early Access programme.

Simply put, curation is important to us because we don’t want to be in the business of selling poor experiences wrapped in grand promises,” GOG brand director Tomasz Nalewajk said.

We’re about delivering quality over quantity, and we feel that it’s a much-needed alternative to what’s out there right now.

One of the biggest complaints you’ll hear about Early Access is that few games end up delivering on their promises, or that they end up abandoned and incomplete.

The premise behind our hand-picked selection is to prevent situations where game development stops while the game is extremely buggy or missing major features. While Early Access done right can be a great experience, there’s always the chance that the end result won’t be perfect.”