Pressure From Developers For Early Access Options

Early Access Games have become a staple in the ever growing Steam marketplace, and they have provided much needed player-based funding unfinished Indie titles. So far Early Access Games have not been able to break into console markets due to a reluctance from Sony and Microsoft. Most of those concerns fall on the not uncommon problem of consumers paying for sub-par games that sometimes never see the light of day due to development problems.

We still at some point ensure that we're being mindful of the consumer. We don't want somebody to stumble across that title and expect a full product, and have a negative experience. - Adam Boyes, SCEA VP

Although the risks are there both companies are still open to the idea, and developers will not likely relent their pressure until they achieve their goal.

Opinion:

Personally I'm not a fan of early access. As someone who's played MMORPGs for some times now I'm more used to companies exchanging early access to a game for bug testing and feedback (a Beta). The idea of paying extra money to get into what is essentially a beta test just doesn't sit well with me, especially if I have a bad experience afterwards.

Yet the beauty of it is that I can choose to not go with early access and wait just like I used to for a proper release so I suppose this change wouldn't really affect me. What do you think of this potential change? Would you welcome Early Access games on your console, or would you rather not have them clutter up the marketplace?

Source: IGN