What you're describing is a byproduct of rampant capitalism, early access in and of itself is a good thing. It helps the devs find bugs for a polished release, and it supports the devs during the development phase so it may be finished. As an example, I wouldn't be able to finish HH if no one supported it during its development. I started with $0 and a computer. It is only those greedy few who run companies that use whatever they can to make an extra dollar. So many games these days, including mine, would never see the light of day without early access supporters.To be honest... I'm not so sure I could agree with this the way things stand right now.
"Early access" or whatever you want to call it is, ultimately, a tool. It can be used to positive effect, or, as it's unfortunate tendency to see in game industry nowadays, as a means of "leveraging" cash-flow without having to put in the effort to really make a good game.
To be honest, QA has always been seen by the upper management as largely pointless "money sink." Mostly because people in those positions either have no idea what QA really adds to the product, or (rightfully or not) think it ultimately does not matter whether or not something works flawlessly and well, as long as those affected by issues are small enough of a percentage of the customer base.
Last edited: