GOG, famous for distributing DRM-free games, is now introducing a new feature called “Games In Development”. This new feature is essentially equivalent to Steam’s Early Access, albeit with a few stark differences.
Games In Development is a feature in GOG which allows gamers to play and support games that are still in development, hence, the name. However, GOG has implemented three “pillars” for its new feature, the first one being a very impressive refund policy. Games that are included under the Games In Development program will have a 14-day, no questions asked refund policy. This means that gamers will be able to refund games (inside the program) that they might not like or have problems with.
In addition to that, GOG has also mentioned that it will be hand-picking games that it feels is truly worthy of being in the program. This means that every game that goes inside Games In Development will go through a strict selection process by GOG first before being made available to gamers. Games that are too underdeveloped or simply unplayable – which plagues Steam’s Early Access – will not be included in the program.
Finally, the most interesting feature included with the Games In Development program will be the ability to rollback games. This means that gamers can now choose to play older versions of games that are still in development instead of having to play the latest version only. The rollback feature may be appreciated by a vast majority of gamers since there are times when revisiting older versions of a particular game may be appealing.
It seems that GOG has hit the sweet spot when it comes to providing gamers with a better alternative to Steam’s Early Access; in theory, at least. Other digital distribution platforms can learn a thing or two from GOG.
(Source: GOG)
