Early Access is not a new term.
There are many games on the Steam Platform that release a version for sale while still in development, commonly known as an "Early Access version."
These games are all half-finished!
To put it bluntly, some Early Access games aren't even close to finished products, merely a skeleton framework.
Some games don't even have an Early Access version; they just make a demo animation and start "player crowdfunding."
Chen Ba doesn't need to crowdfund.
The revenue from Cold Window Study Simulator is enough for him to complete the development of a new game, and maybe even have some leftover, so crowdfunding is out.
But an Early Access version can be done.
Releasing the Early Access version of a new game under development has two main benefits.
The first benefit is that developers don't have to work behind closed doors; they can collect player feedback during development and adjust plans in real-time, akin to the "closed beta" phase of online games.
The second benefit is that developers can recoup a portion of the investment early, bolstering confidence for subsequent development.
Meanwhile.
The Early Access version can also reflect players' purchase desires, the future market prospects of the game, and aspects such as the quality and reputation of the game.
After hearing this, doesn't Early Access sound like a win-win situation with endless benefits?
Wrong!
Early Access also has drawbacks.
Moreover, this drawback can be fatal, especially from the player's perspective—what if the developer vanishes and doesn't update after you spend money on an Early Access game?
Even if the developer doesn't vanish, paying money to become a guinea pig and act as a "paid tester" for game companies, apart from enjoying certain purchase discounts and early play fun, doesn't seem worthwhile.
Once bitten by a snake, ten years afraid of a well rope!
When Early Access first came out, it earned unanimous praise from both players and developers, feeling like a definite win-win.
Over time, especially after some unscrupulous developers used the Early Access mechanism just to grab cash and run, the mechanism's reputation became mixed.
However, for the startup Tianba Game, Early Access is definitely a good mechanism that must be utilized.
A week later, Living Under Someone's Roof Simulator, crafted using the Cold Window Study Simulator framework + System 2.0 core + new art resources, was launched on the Steam Platform and released as an Early Access version.
Calculating the time, it's been only a month since Chen Ba had the idea, then recruited staff, and released the Early Access version.
Amazingly fast!
If this were a new game developed from scratch, the progress would be ghostly fast.
But Tianba Game already has a successful predecessor, a mature template framework, and even core code generated with system help. Making a half-finished product in a month isn't that exaggerated...
Furthermore, this isn't some ultimate large-scale AAA masterpiece, just a small game.
"The new game has entered Early Access, and it's a bargain to buy it now. President Chen is out of his pants, and the price will increase upon the official release! @everyone"
After the release of the Early Access version of Living Under Someone's Roof Simulator, the first thing Chen Ba did was inform fans in the group about the good news.
Following the success of Cold Window Study Simulator, the nascent Tianba Game gained a group of loyal fans.
At the suggestion of core player Qian Duoduo, Chen Ba created a fan group to collect player feedback and suggestions and provide a platform for interaction.
"A new game? Damn, that was fast!"
"Ba is indeed my hero!"
"The new guy obviously hasn't been silenced before; no calling the group leader Ba, you must call him President Chen! Aren't I right, Ba? @GameBugs"
[Cowherding Sect High Priest was muted for a day by the group leader GameBugs]
Why is the Cowherding Sect everywhere?
First, you mute the leader, and then another High Priest pops up; the resilient Cowherding Sect leaves Chen Ba a bit helpless.
Still herding cows?
The version has been updated! Now it's working time, off to work, you fool!
Besides the daily banter with the group leader and some Cowherding Sect teachings, there were still many serious people in the group.
After @everyone, many quickly searched for Living Under Someone's Roof Simulator to experience it.
"Nice, another simulator I love!"
"Living Under Someone's Roof? Ba, can you share a bit about the game's story with us? @GameBugs"
"The installation package is a bit large this time, 3.5G, almost like two Cold Windows Studies!"
"Woohoo! Fast internet speed is truly fast! Downloaded, don't rush, let me scout first..."
Some had impressive internet speeds, downloading and entering the game before others had finished adding it to their libraries.
Of course, they didn't forget to share the surprise with fellow group members, posting one screenshot after another, like a live text-image broadcast.
Many noticed.
This time, Living Under Someone's Roof Simulator's biggest improvement over Cold Window Study Simulator is the graphics.
What was that abstract art style before?
Look at this, now that's pleasing to the eye!
Being veterans of Cold Window Study Simulator, although Living Under Someone's Roof Simulator's UI has been upgraded, the core operational logic remains the same, making it easy for everyone to get started quickly.
The initial interface is similar.
Just let players name the character and choose a gender before entering the game.
The difference is that in Cold Window Study Simulator, the main character could only be named and gender-selected, without personalized face sculpting or other appearances.
But in Living Under Someone's Roof Simulator, although detailed face sculpting isn't possible, players can change the main character's face shape, hair color, and hairstyle.
Face sculpting will come later.
For now, players can choose their favorite from a dozen or so preset face shapes, hair colors, and styles, which is already a small improvement.
Once entering the game, players quickly go through the newbie tutorial and start to realize the core mechanism of the game—Self-esteem!
"Damn! Don't rummage through trash cans out of curiosity to pick up bottles; it's not worth much, and self-esteem drops dramatically..."
"What the heck? I just grabbed a few more pieces of meat at dinner, and this uncle started nagging me, too biased!"
"Right! Auntie is still the best..."
Seeing players chatting enthusiastically in the group, completely forgetting that the game developer was lurking, Chen Ba couldn't help but shake his head.
"The game is not fully developed yet; it's normal for the plots to be locked!"
"If you find bugs, please contact an admin or the group leader, and if you have any suggestions during the game, you can @GameBugs for feedback. Enjoy the game!"
After addressing important notes, Chen Ba closed the chat page and began editing the game description and gameplay instructions for Living Under Someone's Roof Simulator.
After finishing, he sent the information to a WeChat contact noted as "Game Starry Sky Editor."