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Early access is fast becoming a dominant force in video game development.From independent studios to huge, publisher-backed AAA titles, opening up a game to players ahead of its official launch provides real benefits across design, QA, marketing and more. However, these rewards come at a cost.Using a range of examples from the development of-- from its public alpha to its beta, final release, and post-launch support -- Bohemia Interactive creative director James Crowe examines the failures and successes of his studio's early access strategy in this GDC Europe 2014 talk. Crowe also suggests some techniques that can be used by other developers to perfect their own plans.The free video (embedded above) of 'A Great Disturbance in Development: The Dark Side of Early Access' is now available to watch here on the GDC Vault.In addition to this presentation, the GDC Vault offers numerous other free videos, audio recordings, and slides from many of the recent Game Developers Conference events , and the service offers even more members-only content for GDC Vault subscribers.Those who purchased All Access passes to recent events like GDC, GDC Europe, and GDC Next already have full access to GDC Vault, and interested parties can apply for the individual subscription via a GDC Vault subscription page . Group subscriptions are also available: game-related schools and development studios who sign up for GDC Vault Studio Subscriptions can receive access for their entire office or company by contacting staff via the GDC Vault group subscription page . Finally, current subscribers with access issues can contact GDC Vault technical support