Summary
Spiders’GreedFall 2: The Dying Worldhas finally been given a release window, though it won’t be a traditional release. Instead, the developer has chosen to placeGreedFall 2on Steam early access for an indefinite period, at least until it feels the game is finished and in a state that fans are satisfied with it. To kick offGreedFall 2’s early access, Spiders is giving players access to30% of the game’s content. From there, it will include players in the development process by providing regular updates to the game based on player feedback, though it’s unclear whether more than 30% of the game will ever become available during the early access period.
Up to this point, Spiders has not been clear about how long it believes it will take to finishGreedFall 2: The Dying World. Even when asked how long the developer expects development to take, it has been cryptic, most likely to prevent expectations from getting out of hand. While it could be tempting to rush the development process forGreedFall 2, Spiders might be better off playing this one by ear to ensure the game ends up in the best place it could possibly be by the end of its early access period.
Why GreedFall 2’s Early Access Shouldn’t Be Afraid to Play It By Ear
GreedFall Is Great, But Its Development Needed More Time and Player Feedback
When viewed through a certain lens, there is little wrong with the firstGreedFallgame. When it’s perceived as an imitation of classic BioWare-esque RPGs, it’s difficult to criticize it. By and large,GreedFalltakes many beloved features ofthe glory days of BioWare gamesand transforms them into somewhat of a more modern role-playing experience. Still, in some ways, those features can feel antiquated and prove thatGreedFall’s development could have used more time and possibly benefited from player feedback ahead of its release.
Firstly,GreedFall’s combat is passable but arguably one of its most underwhelming features. For the most part, players can subdue their foes using just a few attacks, and their companions can’t be directly controlled during battles. It relies on a rather simple approach to combat and leaves very little room for varied playstyles. Additionally,GreedFall’s companions, although they are one of the game’s highlights, provide fairly shallow quest lines and don’t rely on player agency as heavily as early BioWare games did.
These shortcomings and more are what players have pointed out sinceGreedFallwas released in 2019, proving that its development could have benefited from player feedback and more time ahead of its launch.
A Patient Early Access Could Only Benefit GreedFall 2 in the Long Run
Just asGreedFallcould have used more time and feedback ahead of its launch, the same rule applies toGreedFall 2. Thankfully, this is precisely why Spiders has chosen to placeGreedFall 2in early accessrather than giving it an immediate full release.
Still, there is the possibility of pressure coming from some players who have been waiting almost five years for the sequel to arrive, but Spiders should resist that pressure at all costs and simply board the early access boat and let the wind carry it to shore.GreedFall 2: The Dying Worldhas the potential to be every bit the game thatGreedFallwanted to be and more, and while a lengthy early access period might sound exhausting to those who have long-awaited the game’s arrival, it can only benefitGreedFall 2in the long run.
