ARK Dev: We’re Excited About PS4, But We Wish Sony Had An Early Access Program

Considering that the game has been on Steam Early Access since June 2015 (to hop on the Jurassic World hype train, of course), the only platform where you still can’t play ARK is Sony’s PlayStation 4. PlayStation gamers will have to wait for the full release planned for June 2015, but in the meantime Studio Wildcard’s Cofounder and Creative Director Jesse Rapczak talked about this version

[Festano]

I don't buy any game in Early Access. I like my games polished, so this doesn't really affect me!

[Malphite]

The good thing about early access is that it can help the developers to get some helpful feedback fairly early on. Also the money can help them finish the game quicker.

On the other hand the system has been abused by some devs so I understand the scepticism of some people. I personally rarely buy early access games.

[Guyfamily999]

This. It's got simple positive and negative sides, it's not pure good or evil like some put it out to be. I personally wouldn't pay for a game that's not finished yet (I don't pre order either), but I see how the feedback and money towards the developer can be important. Come to think of it, early access is kind of like pre ordering, except you get to play and provide feedback as you wait for the official release :). It's just not for me, I don't think I could handle 20fps lol.

[MachuchalBrotha316]

Early Access is great for gamers who want to test games and help out developers. Its also an option so no ones saying you have to do it. You also get the game at a cheap price, which is always good.
I think its a neat feature, that no doubt PS4 will have before end of yr probably.

Who would've thought Early Access was such a bad thing? I'm reading alot of PS4 gamers, "oh but I dont buy unfinished games". Thats funny because 80% of the games releasing nowadays are unfinished.. Patched up til its done. Lol..

[frostypants]

Yeah, some devs use it as an excuse to never actually really finish the game, and it makes the line between "completed game feature" and "DLC" a moving target. Frontier is an example of a dev that is freaking terrible about this (Elite: Dangerous). "Oh, you want to land on that planet? Well now you can! Just pay for the game again. Oh, by the way, the landing on the planet is technically still a beta test. Thanks for your money!" Shady as all get out.

[ThanatosDMC]

Lots of early access games on steam that devs stopped developing after they got their money.

[Omegasyde]

Um if they really want community feedback host a beta. Dont charge people to test out a game.

I get that the game is cheaper but at the same time- what if it the developer folds or cancel the game? Then that is scamming.

[Silly gameAr]

Yeah, I don't think I would PAY for early access to an unfinished game. It's like paying for a game that's in beta.

[Team_Litt]

Except that you get upgraded to the final build when the game releases and you don't have to pay anything after the initial (lower than retail) price.

But yeah, other than that it's exactly the same /s.

[DragonKnight]

You mean I'd get to pay lower than retail for a game that, based on current market experience, would likely be trash, all while paying it's dev to play an unfinished product they have no real ability to finish without my money and feedback? YAY!!! /s

[LCEvans]

what market experience?

[DragonKnight]

@LCEVans: Have you heard of Steam Greenlight? Have you watched the countless videos of terrible Early Access games on youtube? Particularly Jim Sterling's videos? That market experience.

[Silly gameAr]

@Team_litt

I'm just saying what I wouldn't do. I'm kind of wary when it comes to stuff like early access.

[divinealpha]

I mean I guess but we got to pay 30$ for the early access game. When it fully realeases for ps4 and the rest of the xbox users who dcided to wait you will have to pay a full 60$ so really you lose in the end

[frostypants]

It's not like paying for a game that's in beta. It IS paying for a game that's in beta. Or even alpha.

[WinAttLife]

There is a free 1 hour trial of early access games. Not just that but it is lower than the retail price. You don't have to buy it in early access either. Having options is never a bad thing and you shouldn't knock it until you try it.

[LordMaim]

If people always waited for games to be polished before playing them, no Bethesda game would ever be sold.

Ark is actually an amazing, evolving game that should be the model of what every "Early Access" game delivers to the customer.

[Christopher]

I have to say, I'd rather early access stay on PC. To me it's just another way to fund a game and I'd rather closed systems remain closed. I mean, we're still going to get the occassional Wander game, but I'd rather that than many of the Early Access games that fail to ever grow beyond that stage.

Having said that, isn't Dungeon Defenders II Early Access on the ps4?

[UKmilitia]

why have we gone from a game being in closed public alpha,closed public beta to games being called EARLY ACCESS and you have to buy them!!

when u buy early access does that grant you the finished game too? because alot of games i have seen in early access are still in it years later.

[lvl_headed_gmr]

This game is currenty $35 and worth every penny.

I have invested so many hours into this game and it's simply just an amazing experience to play.

Its not perfect as it does have FPS issues when underwater and a lot of fish on screen but overall the FPS is fine enough to play.

I am just happy I could buy this great game at $35 now then to buy it at $70 later and to experience this awesome game while the devs keep adding more features and polish the fps up which are all coming in the next patch.

SPLIT SCREEN
PC servers for XB1
Better FPS for stability

Just so awesome

There's a reason why PS4 players have created a petition to bring this game to PS4 sooner...however I think they should be more concerned that Elite Dangerous is STILL not on PS4 and the XB1 is about to get the Horizons expansion....

[Kribwalker]

You can buy it cheaper, not play it and it will get upgraded to the full version for no extra cost. Why not buy it then. That's what I have done. Bought it and haven't touched it.

[odderz]

Hmm... Personally I'm happy that Sony doesn't have an early access program. If you want feedback you can release an early version on PC, if you want money then maybe go to Kickstarter - don't sell an incomplete product with a promise of an eventually complete product.

[Neonridr]

you mean like Driveclub? I kid.. I kid..

[Guyfamily999]

Man, crazy dislikes haha. Funny man :)
It can be hard sometimes for my mind to differentiate from stuff being added, and a game releasing without the features it should have, such as at least a simple replay mode and a working online infrastructure lol. You've got to love the support though :)

[Circuitburnout]

Or Halo MCC?

[Neonridr]

@Circuitburnout - yeah that too.

Seems like some devs this gen are taking the approach of releasing an "early access" game as a finished product and then worrying about patching stuff in after.. :P

[frostypants]

Hey now, that's...actually a good point.

*head nod*

[lastking95]

Actually halo mcc was a completed game it had multiplayer bugs that didn't show up during the testing phase. Mcc was more complete than halo 5. You should put halo 5 there rather than mcc lol just sayin.

[kaizokuspy]

More like battlefront

[PickAShoe]

Like PlayStation Home Beta

[slate91]

Yeah, cause having more options totally sucks.

[DragonKnight]

Sometimes it does. There are such things as bad options you know. Simply having options is not always a good thing.

[LCEvans]

dragonknight what are you talking about any option is a good option

[DragonKnight]

Oh really? Ok, so let's say you and your family are kidnapped. The kidnappers give you 2 options. You have to choose who dies when their demands aren't met, or they get to choose for you, but you will be forced to watch and be the last person killed. Which option is good?

Not related to games? Ok, new scenario.

A dev has created a new way of gouging consumers in games. They offer you the option of submitting to their greedy practices, or offer you a completely bare bones experience no one enjoys. Which of those options is good?

[DragonKnight]

Lol, I like how I explain that there are bad options, then the goal post is moved.

Want an example of too many options as a negative? Play any Level 5 game. Let's start with, oh, Rogue Galaxy. That game has a weapon fusion system whereby you can fuse two weapons of the same type into one better weapon. You know how many options there are? Over 500 combinations. And guess what, you don't need any of them. You can be OP to face the end game with a standard, run of the mill weapon you can buy.

Then there's White Knight Chronicles, which has even more options that will never see use. Level 5 put a, whole lot of effort into a needlessly convoluted system. But hey, options right?

Too PS focused for you? Dark Souls 2 says hello. So many weapon options, maybe 1 from each class is any worth.

Still not enough? Pokemon. Hundreds of Pokemon, not nearly as many varied and unique skills.

Nope, no such thing as bad options or too many options.

"A bad option is a mistake"

Lol, dat shift tho.

[Pongwater]

Dragon is right, and it has nothing to do with Playstation…

smh

[jwillj2k4]

100% agree. Folks, think about it. You are essentially paying them to test their game. You should be getting paid to do this, NOT THEM!!!! Early access should be, hey "Here is a copy of the game for you to provide feedback on. If we see that you're providing regular feedback, here's 10 bucks. Thanks for saving us from having to hire testers which would cost us a lot more."

[DragonKnight]

Steam Greenlight proves that "options" aren't always good.

[Pongwater]

If people want to pay for an early (unfinished) version, so what?

I'd do it with certain games, no question.

[blackout]

The funny thing is after reading all the ps4 commenter's on this site is that now Sony has there fans brainwashed to the point where more is a bad thing. Backwards compatibility ( Sorry we rater take your money,EA Access ( Sorry fans we don't give or support value try P's now. Seems like choice is not in Sony's vocabulary. I have never in my life herd anyone turn down added features, but this site is a different beast. Player please wise up if you don't like Microsoft that's fine but please start thinking for yourselves. I want everything possible on my console.

[ColonelHugh]

How about more genres of games, or games in general? VR? Those aren't viewed as bad things, despite being added options, so maybe you should keep your sweeping generalizations to yourself.

[SlavisH2]

isn't that what a pre-order is?

[Chris_Wray]

I've got to say, I find it refreshing that Sony doesn't have an early access program. Microsoft jumped on the bandwagon, GoG have done now, though theirs actually looks good, gives the consumer so much protection.

My problem is, I've bought quite a number of games in Early Access now and while some show their potential and are progressing, for every one of them, there are 20+ that aren't going anywhere.

Worst thing is, developers can get away with it by just calling a game released, whether it has the promised features or not. CodeHatch with StarForge who moved onto developing Reign of Kings when sales dried up.
A bigger example, Double Fine with Spacebase DF-9.

[MrDead]

GoG really shows how early access should be handled. Lets hope that they can keep up the QC as it becomes more popular.

[s45gr32]

GOG has early access now, how does it work?

[MrDead]

@s45gr32

Have a look. https://www.gog.com/news/in...

Jimquisition on Games in Development. http://www.thejimquisition....

[DragonbornZ]

I honestly don't see why everyone is complaining about it. Seems like some people are basing their opinion on preconceptions from other early access programs.

1. With game previews you get to try the game free first before you buy it.

2. You get the full game if you buy the preview version and your'e actually not paying full price and getting a discount right now (it's like this in Ark, actually not sure for others). One thing that does bug me tho is that it cost a bit more on X1 than on steam. Don't know why.

3. There's only 4 games in the game preview section right now, they aren't just throwing up dozens of random games. It seems like Microsoft are taking precaution on what you listed above.

Seems like they're doing it right so far.

[DragonDDark]

Well, i vote for no, but there are a lot of people who likes playing those early access stuff according to steam so who am I to talk?

[ccgr]

Oppps I think you meant June 2016

[TetsujinFranky]

It's been fixed in the article, thanks

[Toiletsteak]

Loving this game and it works really well for a game in pre alpha.

[kaiserfranz]

Where are you playing, on PC or XB1?

[Toiletsteak]

XB1

[Perjoss]

Finish your game and then we'll talk.

[Omnisonne]

Yeah I don't mind paying the full price, if I deem it worth that price.
But buying a game in early access and hoping the developer will manage to make something out if it, instead of dropping it all together or half-assing it, eh not too sure about that.

I'm all for supporting upcoming studios but I found early access a bit too shaky

[samden]

You just have to look into what the dev is doing. The devs for ARK are constantly releasing patches and adding content. DayZ on the other hand, that game has been in ALPHA for 3+ years, no way I would even open up the store page for that one. I also bought Space Engineers, Starbound, and Don't Starve Together and they have all turned out pretty well so far.

[s45gr32]

I have bad luck, I guess with early access in regards to Hawken (still stuck on limbo). Got Dream via early access and now the finished version is the same version as the early access version yay. Now I am not saying every single early access game has been a failure ok. Minecraft was a success despite being early access. But too many early access games are still in limbo. Early Access is hit or miss.

[Tobsesan]

They should make it because more options is always great. Beeing able to try the game early and give Feedback + getting it at a lower price is great. The xbox one Programm lets you return the game if you dont like it in the first 2h

[Imp0ssibl3]

The trial thing is great indeed,used it a lot myself!

[NatureOfLogic_]

Just like DLC?

[PizzaSteve]

Is early access free or pay? If it's pay then you basically paying for a beta and that's a no no in my book.

[IIFloodyII]

Pay, though on Xbox you get a one hour free trial, if you have Gold.

I wouldn't be completely against Sony also jumping on the early access train, but they should make sure devs can't just take their money and run, like a lot sadly do. How they do that, I don't know, but guaranteed refunds would be a good start (though I'm sure that'd be abused by consumers).

[s45gr32]

Is pay not free on Steam on Xbox Game Preview program you are allowed to play the game for free for either 24 hours to 1 week, then you decide whether to pay or not.

[kaiserfranz]

It's not free, but you can try any game for free, something that you can't do on Steam Early Access for instance.

[theshredded]

Early access is wrong, more options is not always better

[PFFT]

The same can be said about having less options.

[ScorpiusX]

Don't wish for stuff like that let them be sony, its fun when they are themselves .

[kopko]

Early Access is good, just steam didnt manage to handle it properly. GOG looks promising, and I am also enjoying the preview model on xbox too.

[PurpHerbison]

So basically that is another way to say the game will release an absolute trainwreck.

[WeAreLegion]

Just release the game on PS4 and update it. Jesus.

[FoxyGotGame]

It's great that the Xbox One/Gamer is the tester for these Early Access games...

It only means PS4 benefits with full release, or not. If Early Access works well for all parties involved then great, if not, then at least PS Gamer's didn't feel the disappointment of the final release not reaching the desired standard.

[skratchy]

Lol. What? Early access is for chumps.

[harbie]

Sony does have an early access, let's see: warthunder, dungeon defenders 2, about 6 others that I've seen. These Dev's want a subsidy or they would simply publish the game on the PSN store. There is very little Sony review / requirements to publish things on PSN.

[TimelessDbz]

Reading these comments .... all I am saying is you guys better not give them a hard time about the servers being crappy or you should had handle this mechanic like this...

That is what early access is for. YOU don't have to buy it but for those who are really interested and want the game to succeed will be happy about the option for early access .

[s45gr32]

Yes, but these are the issues the early access program need to fix:

Let gamers choose how much to invest on say videogame proyect. As little as $5.00 or as high as $60.00 or even higher if possible. After all gamers are testing, marketing, and letting the developers know what needs to be adden or taken.

Game developers need to have open communication with gamers 24/7.

Be able to get say money back if proyect fails partial or full whatever the case may be.

Have a public record of how the game is progressing.

Inform the gamer once the game gets out of early access.

Those are major issues that need to be corrected but Valve refuses to do so. Too many early access games are stuck in limbo. For example Hawken 😭. Luckily, I only lost $20.00 for it. I don't know how xbox one game preview works. What I know is that gamers are allowed to play the game for free for one week or so, then the gamer decides to invest on say game proyect or not.

[esmittystud101]

So basically guys who bought the "beta" on Xbox One right now will have to purchase the full version again when the game is done and released? And there happy about it?

Let me know if this is not true. I haven't seen anything on it, but I can't see them just giving Xbox One early access beta players a full game for free either later. So......

[Tankbusta40]

I was under the impression early access buyers got it for a cheaper price because it was unfinished. It will be full retail in June or whatever. I haven't heard anything about double buying

[Apollosupreme]

Early access on PC anyway means you buy it now(typically at a much lower price than it will retail for) and you get the work in progress to play with. Once the game releases you get the full version at no additional cost.

With EA the gamers are actually doing the Dev a huge favour. Instead of paying people to test the game, they have fans paying THEM to test the game. Not only that but those gamers are infusing the company with capital they can use to make a better game or get it released faster.

[esmittystud101]

Okay, this makes sense. I was gonna say.

[Apollosupreme]

PS4 gamers should consider PC users recent commentary on the game. Go here and scroll down:
http://store.steampowered.c...

From what I read on there here are the common themes:

- The most recent update implemented changes which many gamers hate. It is viewed as a move to benefit new, less invested gamers and is viewed as a penalty to those 1000 hour gamers you mention; aka. the game's community. They're angry because of what recently happened and not so much what happened over most of those thousand hours.
- The developer support has been called to question. Claims that suggestions are ignored. Claims the request for fixes are often ignore. Claims the posters offering up suggestions or concerns have in some cases been banned or their threads deleted or merged and no longer can be easily accessed.
- Poor frame rates have become more of a problem. Some stating that turning down the visuals doesn't really increase performance.
- Claims that the developer is making changes with the console community more in mind.

Use your own judgement on whether it's true but it's caused me to hold off.

[s45gr32]

Surprisingly enough I am glad, Sony doesn't have an early access program. I highly recommend kickstarter, at least you get rewarded for crowdfunding the game and choose how much to invest on say game proyect. Question are Steam Early Access games refundable now?

[Apollosupreme]

The rewards of early access are you get the game right away and watch it grow and mature. You also save some money.

The risks involve the Dev essentially running away with your money.

[ocelot07]

Early Access on PC really put me off on the idea. I got ARK on PC. After months it still runs like rubbish and it's hard to enjoy a game when it runs and looks like rubbish.

Today I found out a game I bought in early access 3 years ago. The game in question is The Dead Linger. Has been postponed indefinitely. So yer am not a fan of early access anymore.

[Germany7]

Paying for being a beta player? No way.
Finish the game first, then let's see if we are going to play or not.

[NeoGamer232]

I personally don't want to play early access games.

But, I know people who do and like to get games early in their development. It is just another option for gamers to choose or not. These games are clearly labelled in the store so if you don't want to do early access you don't have to.

People saying PS4 should not do early access is ridiculous. There is nothing wrong with providing the option. Just like EA Access. Discounting it gives it more credibility.

[jocelot]

No but thanks!

[Koopdogg]

Seriously this game is one of the best early access games DONE right..Period

[strickers]

Used to be called Alpha or Beta testing abd guinea pigs got it free. Not pay to get buggy shit.

[BigGamersSmallTalk]

Ark is the next big thing, Microsoft has really changed a lot and this is a program that should be available everywhere, much like EA Access. So weird that Sony gets so much praise for being developer friendly but don't allow Early Access programs for developers or EA Access....

Over 1 million people downloaded ARK in the first week alone on Xbox One, and the servers are always packed, unlike today's "Beta's" which are basically demo's to try and get you to buy the game, Ark truly listens and implements and adjusts to what we ask for.

[KingKevo]

Then do a Beta.

But that's the thing. They care about the money. You know, it is not like they don't already have enough money to develop the PS4 version (without additional funds from an Early Access version on PS4 I mean). The game has sold well enough on PC. They do not desperately need additional funds to finish the game unlike many other games with Early Access programs.

So what should be the reasoning behind having Early Access on PS4 isn't their actual reasoning. They just want the money. They don't even want the game to be tested by players primarily because then we'd see a Beta (partly funded by the PC Early Access money if they needed to).

Back to the suggestion to make a Beta (that may be linked to pre-ordering the game if they really want to do the best they can to get potential (!!!) sales). Why they won't do it is simple. A player who plays your Beta doesn't guarantee you money, even if the Beta is linked to pre-ordering the game it doesn't because in most places in the world a pre-order can simply be canceled and the player will spend no money at all. On the other hand a Beta does cost the dev/publisher additional money.

So that is why I think they are complaining about not being able to have Early Access on PS4. They want the money and guaranteed sales NOW. No pre-orders and no potential sales down the line. Actual sales for an unfinished version of the game (what we have seen on Xbox shows how little they care about how polished the Early Access game is) that isn't cheap (it really isn't cheap at all considering how the game may perform) is what they want.

And again, seeing how the Beta performs on Xbox One I will call such a behaviour very shady. They should know better.

So I'm against the Early Access. Either do a Beta or finish the game already instead of whining. You made enough cash already. Do something with it.

I know the game is good (on PC), but the devs attitude isn't.

[assdan]

Glad they don't. I don't trust any early access game, and I refuse to buy them.

[jznrpg]

Early access can be good for some publishers and gamer but some can also be horrible for the gamer. Its not easy to read which way an early access game will go so buyer nust be aware. If I only had an xbox1 i would buy the game, but if your a multi console gamer there are other games to play while waiting for the game to go gold, imo.

[Nephesh]

Of course they want early access. This game is so un-optimized on the pc! That's how they got all there money - early access! You spawn on the beach naked and before you can do much of anything a higher level player kills you and you have to start all over again! I would NEVER recommend this game to ANYONE! I have tried over and over, but there is just no point!

[opeth12]

Sony have thousands of official Beta testers anyway. If the devs want it to be played on ps4 early why don't they approach Sony and ask for it to be in the closed beta program?

The answer is because they want to make money from releasing unfinished game. Early access is a bad thing in my opinion.

[theatticusera]

People are complaining about early access but the fact remains, nobody is forcing you to play these games. Some people want to be part of the testing process and that's fine. If you don't want to, then that is also fine. It's all about choice and if some people choose to pay money for an early access then that's great. Bur if it's not for you then live and let live.