Google Play recently opened its Early Access program to any developer, so long as they fill out an application first. When Google first launched Early Access in May the team working at Google handpicked 29 apps. But now anyone can submit an online form, and may be accepted as part of the beta process. The application reads:
If you are working on an exciting new Android app and would like to be considered for featuring in our Early Access collection, we would like to hear from you. Early Access features apps that are in an open beta, before they launch in production on Google Play. We are looking for new apps and games (not updates to existing ones) that are testing new ideas, user interaction flows, business ideas etc.
As far as gaming is concerned, players could already download APK files to beta test a game such as Albion Online. But now, those developers could apply to have their game listed on the storefront, if they wanted to open it up to everyone.
There are already quite a few games listed as "Games in Development," e.g. Titan Brawl, Dirt Xtreme, and Nemesis: Air Combat (12 in total). Hopefully, Google Play's Early Access program will match the release rate of Steam Early Access; according to EEDAR 70% of 2013 EA titles were released.
Early Access is going to be the new norm across the entire industry. Maybe one day it will be a rarity for a game to not release as an Early Access title.
안돼...
또다른 노맨즈 스카이가 나오겠군.
찬차이
