Broken Age, the crowdfunded adventure from Double Fine launching today to its backers, won’t be offered on Steam Early Access. It will, however, release under a “Season Pass” model that gives buyers both of two planned episodes.
“Early Access” releases generally carry the impression the game still is in progress or is incomplete. Double Fine says “we believe Act 1 is a polished and satisfying piece of content in its own right,” though other “logistical reasons” make it worthwhile to skip the Steam Early Access release.
Instead, says Double Fine, “Broken Age will be a standard Steam release that includes a ‘Season Pass’ granting access to Act 2 once it is complete. Anyone who has Act 1 — either by being a backer, or by buying the game separately — will receive Act 2 as a free update when it’s ready.”
Back in July, Double Fine announced it would go the Early Access route as an equitable way to both complete the game while still giving it to backers before the general public, as was promised. The game is available to backers through a Steam key and will become publicly available on Jan. 28.
Broken Age skips Early Access, hits Steam with season pass [Joystiq]
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6 responses to “Broken Age Aborts Early Access Launch For Season Pass Approach”
Downloaded the game this morning, then headed off to work *sadface*
Headed to work this morning, then downloaded the game. Still have to wait, though *sadface*
Haven’t got the game, haven’t got a job *sadface*
I don’t really want the game, just keeping the theme running
Headed to work, downloaded the game, and snuck in a little bit of playtime during lunch. Looking good. Looking very good! Runs perfectly on Linux, so far.
Shame I have a comp squash match on tonight. Won’t be able to continue the adventure until 10:30pm.
That’s what I did in the end, too. Managed to play the first part of Vela’s story. Definitely liking the feel so far!
So it’s just going to be called something else. The same game will be made available to the general public next week, and the same content was made available to backers today.