GOG Would Consider an Early Access Program

Speaking with Eurogamer, CD Projekt’s co-founder and joint CEO Marcin IwiÅ„ski explained that an Early Access program similar to Steam’s is not out of the question for GOG, but made clear that, if it ever happened, it would be in a much more curated form than the one present in Valve’s storefront. But I probably should just let the quotes speak for themselves:

“We’re obviously looking at it,” he begun. “As you know our concept is different; first of all it’s DRM-free and second it’s curated. I’m often very lost in a lot of stores – apps being my example today. Or even Steam. I don’t know what’s happening; there’s hundreds of releases a month, and I really believe – and our community’s clearly showing that – there is a place for a platform which is choosing the stuff.

“With the approach that Steam has they decided not to, and it’s fine, it works extremely well for them and some developers, but it has threats like the one of bad Early Access games. And it’s tempting, it’s really tempting: you’re a developer and you can get to Early Access and charge 40-whatever for your game, for your non-working alpha. And they’re pocketing immediately.

“We would definitely consider it,” he said, “but again it would be the GOG way. It would have to be curated and, we believe – we are always saying this very openly – we are responsible in front of the gamer for what they’re buying on GOG.”