Purchasing the first act of Broken Age will entitle you to a free copy of the second act when it is released.
Broken Age fans were super excited when the game that broke Kickstarter records and then asked for more was finally given an “early access” release date of January 14. While Kickstarter backers were able to play the game as a closed beta as promised, those hoping to pick it up on Steam today were instead greeted by an announcement from creator Tim Schafer, stating that the game will no longer have an “early access” period, and will instead be available as a full Steam release on January 28.
“For various logistical reasons,” said Schafer, “and because we believe Act 1 is a polished and satisfying piece of content in its own right, Broken Age will be a standard Steam release that includes a ‘Season Pass’ granting access to Act 2 once it is complete. Anyone who has Act 1 – either by being a backer, or by buying the game separately – will receive Act 2 as a free update when it’s ready.”
Previously, Schafer had intended to use funds from early access sales of Act 1 to make Act 2, but now it looks like he’s changed his mind on that. Those interested can pre-purchase Broken Age on the Steam store for the discounted price of $22.49, or grab the game and its soundtrack for $26.99.
I think this is a much better way of doing it than the early access route. Early access is okay for sandbox-style games where the plot isn’t that important, but I would hate to ruin an adventure game’s experience by playing a “beta” version of the game.
