That hardly seems like compareable game.
And even if ... its still one of thousands and thousands.
Thats why i picked it ...
They also publish Bloodlines 2, but dont "develop" it themselves ... at least as far as i know, they arent developers ...
Aka same situation.
I agree about Introversion not being comparable to Larian but rest of your reasoning is rather flawed.
First things first: let’s get the fact straight.
Introversion Software is an independent company that achieved great success with their Early Access release of Prison Architect. It’s one of shining examples of Early Access done right.
They sold the game to Paradox, which now owns Prison Architect and develops it further, but I haven’t been keeping tabs on it.
Introversion now prepares for Early Access launch of The Last Starship which is to be their new game. There is already some testing happening with limited audience, but one cannot buy the game as far as I know.
Bloodlines2 is not a game that’s in early access, it’s previous developer has been fired and allegedly another studio pitched their idea to Paradox and the game has been to some extend rebooted under they guidance - we don’t know who is that developer, or when we will hear more about the game. I don’t know what Bloodlines2 has to do with Larian, Prison Architect or Early Access. It’s situation seems completely irrelevant to the topic.
What I think is important is that Introversion from what I can tell has a bit over 10 employees. What that means for that size of the studio is that people who has been hosting monthly streams for Prison Architect Chris and Mark are pretty knowledgable and responsible for how the game is shaping. I doubt there is someone like that in Larian - so what they do makes sense. Wait until features are really to show off, and then talk about them and have relevant people at a studio present them. Higher production value of BG3 unfortunately means that things will take much longer to be implemented, then in case of more budget titles. Another aspect is that Introversion titles are mostly systemic, so they can share with most that they develop - BG3 as an RPG relies heavily on handcrafted content so progress won't be as visible until more of the content is shipped. Our feedback may have influenced later maps and how quests are structured/designed but that won't be apparent until the game is complete.
At the same time early access has established cadence and expectations - frequent updates, visible impact of community feedback, communication. Criticism is fair, even if I think it is a bit a different situation for AAA production. Perhaps, AAA should be in early access. But that’s for future devs to decide. Personally I am glad it is throughout the process I gained faith that Larian listens to our complaining, even if I wish for quicker and clearer feedback back (from Larian to us, if that makes sense).
