So I assume subverse has been in 'early alpha' or something for 5 years? Or is it just constant updates?
Unless its paid DLC's I can't imagine working on a game for 5 years being profitable after the initial sales period.
19-21 was just development with a few beta testing periods for certain backers. 2021 it launched on Steam early access. There was a lengthy period before its first major update (about 7 months. But there were pretty good reasons, like the lead dev taking paternity leavee). But since then, they've consistently updated every 3-4 months. We're now just waiting on the update that will complete the story and make the game 1.0 and exit early access. No date yet, but it'll be this year.