Michael Douse Discusses the Value of Early Access for Game Development for the Baldur’s Gate 3 Devs
Larian Studios, the renowned developer behind Baldur’s Gate 3, is contemplating the prospect of utilizing early access once again for its upcoming projects. In an interview with Stephen Totilo for Game File, Michael Douse, head of publishing at Larian Studios, emphasized the importance of maintaining a constant dialogue with players—a principle that early access facilitates.
Douse articulated the benefits of the early access model, highlighting its capacity to provide valuable feedback and insights from the community swiftly. “When you release a game in AAA, whatever method, [if] you don’t have early access, you’re taking a huge bet on the fact that this is good and people like it. In early access, you find out very quickly. It helps you steer the massive ship,” the Baldur’s Gate 3 studio’s head of publishing explained.
Acknowledging the model’s inherent challenges, Douse admitted that it necessitates a shift towards a live-service approach to sustain engagement. However, he emphasized Larian’s commitment to transparency regarding Baldur’s Gate 3 and other subjects, ensuring that players are informed about the development roadmap and the scope of updates during the early access phase.
While recognizing the potential benefits of collaboration with publishers for financing and support services, Douse underscored the importance of agility in adapting to evolving industry trends. He asserted that direct engagement with the audience, such as what Baldur’s Gate 3 did, is paramount for survival in the competitive landscape of game development.
In other Baldur’s Gate 3-related news, Larian Studios had contingency plans in place to mitigate risks associated with the game’s development. Additionally, the studio remains steadfast in its belief that AI technology cannot replace the creativity and innovation brought by human developers. Looking ahead, Wizards of the Coast and Hasbro’s significant investment in their AAA game ecosystem signals a promising future for the franchise and its dedicated fanbase.