Hades 2 Makes An Argument For Early Access (That I’m Not Sure If I Side With)

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Many games are now released as ‘early access‘ versions before they’re fully completed, and the recent release of Hades 2 shows why this can benefit developers – even though I, as a player, still have reservations. Thorough testing is essential during game development, and getting feedback from new players is a vital part of that process. Demos and early builds help developers see how the game actually plays and identify problems or bugs that they might otherwise miss, ultimately improving the final product.

These days, many games launch in ‘early access,’ meaning players pay the full price for a game that’s still under development. This feels different than traditional demos or betas – even if the complete game is eventually free, limiting access to parts of it during early access seems like a separate issue. While Hades 2 is a much stronger game because players helped test it during early access, I personally prefer to wait for the finished version.

Why Hades 2 Benefited From Early Access

Hades 2 was initially released as an early access game in 2024, allowing players to experience parts of the game before it was finished. While the early version featured the strong gameplay and engaging story Supergiant is known for, it lacked a complete storyline and full character development. Players who played the early access version had to wait until 2025 for the full release. The finished game is considered one of the best of 2025 and another excellent title from SuperGiant, but the wait between versions meant some aspects felt incomplete for a time.

Players were thrilled to revisit Supergiant’s take on the underworld with the initial early access period. However, the abrupt ending of the early access version left some disappointed and reduced excitement for the full game’s launch. This mirrored the release of their previous game, Hades, which also started with early access. While Hades initially impressed players, this staggered release may have lessened its overall impact on the wider gaming community had it launched as a complete package.

Let’s talk about Hades 2. I think Supergiant made a smart move with early access – it definitely built hype and let them refine the game with player feedback. However, I wonder if holding back a full release until 2025 actually hurt its chances at awards shows like The Game Awards. A lot of those awards favor fully released titles. Personally, like with the first Hades, I preferred to wait for the complete experience before diving in. It’s just my preference, but I think it’s a game worth waiting for!

Why I’m Conflicted About Early Access Releases

Early access can be helpful for game creators, but it’s trickier for players. Players get to test the game in real-world conditions, often finding problems developers overlook. However, early versions can be uneven or buggy, potentially creating a negative first impression. It’s important to remember that game delays can be annoying, but they often allow developers to polish the game and deliver a better overall experience.

Playing a game while it’s still in early access can really influence how players feel about it, sometimes even turning them off when the full game is released. While I don’t like seeing games delayed, I’d prefer to wait until a game is finished before I start playing. It’s frustrating to spend hours getting into a game, only to learn you’ll have to wait much longer to see how it ends. I appreciate that games, unlike TV shows, can offer a complete and satisfying experience all on their own.

Even a game like Dispatch succeeded because it had a planned release date. Now that the whole game is available at once, it’ll likely be even more appealing to new players. Early access can be really helpful for developers – Hades 2 definitely improved because of it – and I understand why both developers and players like it. But it hasn’t changed my personal preference to avoid playing games before they’re fully finished.

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2025-12-27 22:42