When a new game debuts on Steam Early Access, anticipation runs high. Gamers and developers alike hope for a smooth launch, with hopes that it will eventually evolve into a polished title. However, sometimes things don’t go as planned. One of the most recent examples is Velev, a game that only lasted a few days after its early access debut on April 9. Developer Studio Chaf has since announced that the game will be shut down, marking a swift and disappointing end to a highly anticipated title. But what led to this sudden downfall? And what can we learn from this?
Velev’s Journey: A Swift Rise and Fall
Velev, a hybrid of PvP MOBA arena action and PvE gameplay, offered players the chance to step into the shoes of an explorer uncovering a hidden world deep within the Earth. The game’s premise promised an engaging experience, blending nature and technology in a unique way. Players could delve into an unknown realm where both competitive battles and cooperative explorations awaited them.
However, despite its intriguing concept, the game faced significant issues almost immediately after launch. Studio Chaf admitted that Velev was not in the ideal state it needed to be, launching as a paid early access title on Steam despite its unfinished state. The studio’s decision to go for early access was made in the hope of securing investment, but this didn’t pan out as they’d hoped.
Studio
In addition to shutting down the game, Chaf announced that Velev would transition to a free-to-play model, with all purchases being fully refunded. While the game’s server is expected to be shut down eventually, the exact date has not yet been revealed.
Velev’s fate echoes another notorious early access disaster: The Day Before, a game that faced a similarly disastrous launch and was subsequently pulled from the market by its developers. It raises the question of whether some developers are rushing games into early access without adequate planning, preparation, or funding.
What Undercode Says: Analyzing Velev’s Downfall
The rapid closure of Velev highlights several key issues with the Early Access model on Steam and the challenges that indie developers face. Let’s break down what went wrong and why this situation is important for both players and developers.
- Early Access Is Not a Guarantee for Success
While Early Access offers an exciting opportunity for developers to gather feedback and secure funding, it’s not a one-way ticket to success. Velev’s failure to reach the investment it needed underscores the risks associated with relying on Early Access as a funding mechanism. For smaller studios, the allure of the quick cash infusion from early sales can lead to hasty decisions—like launching a game before it’s ready. Early Access should be seen as a step in the development process, not as the final destination.
2. Lack of Proper Investment and Support
The statement from Studio Chaf reveals that the game struggled to secure sufficient funding, which is a common challenge for independent game developers. Without backing from larger investors or publishers, even well-meaning projects like Velev can face a rapid and untimely closure. This highlights a crucial flaw in the current indie game ecosystem: many small studios are unable to weather the storm of ongoing development without external support. Early Access can be a double-edged sword, allowing some games to thrive, but forcing others into shutdown when the funds dry up.
3. A Cautionary Tale for Players
For gamers, Velev’s quick demise is a reminder to be cautious when purchasing games on Early Access. While some titles find success and continue to evolve into polished final products, others falter. Players should be aware that they are often buying into a game in its early stages, which could lead to a great experience—or an unfinished product. The introduction of the warning for games that haven’t been updated in several months on Steam is a step in the right direction, but it doesn’t fully mitigate the risk of backing an underdeveloped title.
4. The Free-to-Play Model as a Last Resort
The transition of Velev into a free-to-play model could be seen as an attempt to salvage what little interest remains in the game, but it also raises some questions. How many players will be willing to try the game when its future is uncertain? And is this a sustainable model for a studio with limited resources? Free-to-play games are often reliant on microtransactions and long-term support, both of which are hard to guarantee for a game on the brink of shutdown.
5. The Pressure on Indie Developers
There’s an underlying tension in the indie game scene, with studios trying to carve out their space while competing with larger, more established developers. The unfortunate truth is that indie games are often at the mercy of volatile funding sources, shifting player interests, and the unpredictable nature of Early Access. In the case of Velev, Studio Chaf’s gamble didn’t pay off. This calls for a reevaluation of how Early Access is used, both from a developer’s and a player’s perspective.
Fact Checker Results:
- Early Access Launch: Velev was released on Steam Early Access on April 9 but faced quick closure due to funding issues.
- Refund Policy: The game transitioned to a free-to-play model, with all previous purchases refunded.
- Similar Cases: This follows a trend seen in other failed Early Access games, like The Day Before, which also faced severe issues after launch.
In the end, Velev’s closure after such a short time highlights the risks inherent in both Early Access games and the indie development ecosystem. While Early Access can provide exposure and early feedback, it’s no guarantee that a game will succeed, especially when resources and backing are limited. Developers need to tread carefully, balancing ambition with practical planning to avoid falling into the trap of rushed releases and unfulfilled promises. For players, the takeaway is clear: always be cautious when backing a game in its early stages, as the road to completion is often fraught with uncertainty.
References:
Reported By: www.gamespot.com
Extra Source Hub:
https://www.discord.com
Wikipedia
Undercode AI
Image Source:
Pexels
Undercode AI DI v2
