The Anacrusis, a co-op swarm shooter developed by Stray Bombay and co-founded by Chet Faliszek, has been making waves in the gaming community. However, Faliszek recently expressed his frustrations with player counts in Steam Early Access and vowed to never participate in it again. In this article, we delve into the challenges faced by small developers in Early Access and question the significance of player counts when evaluating the quality of a game.
According to Faliszek, SteamDB often misrepresents the player counts for games. He shared his experience of having 10,000 players, yet SteamDB displayed only 1 player. This discrepancy not only affects the reputation of The Anacrusis but also hinders the growth of small developers who rely on Early Access to refine their games. The inaccurate player counts create a false perception of failure and discourage potential players from giving these games a chance.
Despite the challenges, The Anacrusis embraced Early Access as an opportunity for feedback. Faliszek believed that player input was crucial in making the game better over time. The regular updates and continuous engagement with the community demonstrated the studio’s commitment to delivering an exceptional experience. However, the constant fixation on player counts by both the gaming community and the media overshadowed the game’s true value.
The obsession with comparing player counts between games can be misleading. Recently, the media reported that Starfield, an upcoming Bethesda game, had fewer players than Skyrim, an older title. This comparison aimed to belittle Starfield, but it failed to consider various factors, such as the age of the games and the discounts offered for Skyrim over time. It is crucial to recognize that popularity does not always equate to quality, and good art should not solely be judged based on numbers.
The tendency of games media to view player counts as a measure of success perpetuates an unhelpful narrative. Many gaming sites focus on the business aspects rather than exploring the cultural and entertainment value of video games. This approach undermines the efforts of developers and distracts from the true purpose of gaming—to provide joy and immersive experiences. While some media outlets, like RPS, strive to approach gaming coverage differently, there is still work to be done in shaping a more holistic narrative.
In the case of The Anacrusis, player counts do hold some significance as a co-op game. However, it is crucial to recognize that player counts alone cannot determine the worth of a game. Ultimately, the experience and enjoyment derived from playing should take precedence over numerical metrics. Small developers like Stray Bombay deserve support and recognition for their dedication and creativity, rather than being reduced to mere statistics.
Faliszek’s frustration with inaccurate player counts has led him to reconsider the approach for future projects. Instead of engaging in Early Access, he plans to opt for closed beta testing. This shift aims to ensure that the focus remains on the game’s development and growth without the unnecessary pressure of flawed player count statistics. By prioritizing quality feedback and fostering a supportive community, developers can create memorable experiences that connect with players on a deeper level.
The Anacrusis serves as a powerful example of the challenges faced by small developers in the realm of Early Access and the misleading nature of player counts. It is crucial for gamers and the media to reevaluate the significance given to these numbers and focus on the true value that games offer. By shifting the narrative and supporting the efforts of developers, we can foster an environment where innovation and creativity thrive, allowing games like The Anacrusis to reach their full potential. The game’s launch out of Early Access on December 5th marks a new chapter in its journey, free from the confines of inaccurate player count judgments.
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