In the world of gaming, Early Access has become a popular avenue for developers to release their games before they are fully polished and complete. It allows them to gather feedback from players and make improvements along the way. However, the co-founder of Stray Bombay, Chet Faliszek, who previously worked on the beloved Left 4 Dead, has expressed his dissatisfaction with Early Access and its impact on player counts.
The Problem with Player Count Statistics
Faliszek raises a valid concern regarding the way player counts are perceived within the gaming community. Platforms like SteamDB often display inaccurate numbers, leading to misconceptions about a game’s popularity and success. According to Faliszek, The Anacrusis, a co-op swarm shooter developed by Stray Bombay, faced this exact issue. Despite having a substantial player base, the reported player count on SteamDB did not reflect the reality, resulting in the game being labeled as a “dead game” by some individuals.
While inaccurate player counts are a prevalent issue, the media’s portrayal and emphasis on these numbers further contribute to the problem. In particular, gaming media tends to focus on the comparison between different games, highlighting which ones have more players and implying that popularity equates to quality. This approach undermines the artistic value of games and overlooks the subjective nature of entertainment.
It is essential to remember that good art does not always align with popular art. The success of a game should not be solely measured by its player count but rather by the quality of the experience it offers. Games, like any form of art, should be appreciated for their unique features and the enjoyment they bring to players, regardless of their player count.
Player counts undoubtedly play a role in assessing the success of a co-op game like The Anacrusis. However, they should not be the sole determinant of a game’s worthiness. The Anacrusis launched in Steam Early Access with the goal of receiving valuable feedback from players to enhance the overall experience. Faliszek has highlighted the positive impact that player feedback and continuous updates have had on the game’s development.
As the December 5th launch date draws near, Stray Bombay remains committed to delivering a remarkable final product. The studio’s dedication to improving the game based on player input should serve as a testament to their commitment to the gaming community.
Despite the challenges experienced with The Anacrusis, Faliszek’s negative encounter with Early Access has not completely deterred Stray Bombay from pursuing future projects. The studio plans to adopt a different approach, utilizing closed beta testing instead of Early Access. This shift aims to provide a more controlled environment for feedback, minimizing the potential for misleading player counts and external judgments.
By reevaluating Early Access and exploring alternative methods such as closed beta testing, developers can focus more on refining their games without the pressures of inaccurate player count statistics overshadowing their progress.
The Anacrusis, like many other games, has experienced the detrimental effects of inaccurate player count statistics and external judgment based solely on these numbers. It serves as a reminder that the value and enjoyment of a game extend beyond its popularity.
As players, developers, and media outlets, we must reassess our approach, recognizing the complexities and subjectivity inherent in gaming. Player counts should not define a game’s worth or hinder the growth of smaller developers attempting to utilize Early Access for its intended purpose.
Ultimately, a game’s worth lies in the experiences it offers, the passion of its creators, and the enjoyment of its players. The Anacrusis, with its upcoming release out of Early Access, should serve as a reminder that success is not solely measured by numbers, but by the lasting impact a game has on its community.
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