Amplitude Studios Reflects on Early Access Shifts as Endless Legend 2 Reaches Version 1.0

As strategy game developer Amplitude Studios releases version 1.0 of Endless Legend 2, co-founder and CEO Romain de Waubert de Genlis has reflected on how the landscape of early access has changed over the last 15 years. Amplitude has a long history of using early access development models, dating back to the pre-Steam alpha builds for Endless Space in 2012. The studio also utilizes its Games2Gether program to discuss design issues and poll players for feedback.

Reflecting on the evolution of early access, de Waubert de Genlis noted that player attitudes have inverted over time. Fifteen years ago, players understood that an early access build represented an unfinished game, and they expected to participate in the messy process of building it. Today, however, player expectations are much higher. If players pay full price for an unfinished game now, they can be far more unforgiving, which leaves less room for developers to experiment and make mistakes without facing backlash.

During Endless Legend 2's year in early access, the development team released roughly 60 patches and ten major updates. Player feedback directly shaped key features, such as the game's land generation system. When oceans initially receded to reveal new territory, players found there was too much land, leading the team to adjust land generation to create tighter chokepoints and more competitive conflict over newly revealed areas.

The 1.0 launch of Endless Legend 2 brings three new factions to the game, expanding its roster from five to eight factions. Despite the challenges of modern early access expectations, de Waubert de Genlis highlighted that the model still offers distinct advantages over traditional publishing. Instead of enduring a stressful month of silence prior to printing physical discs, developers receive continuous feedback and know exactly what players want before hitting the final launch button.

Amplitude is currently applying a similar feedback-driven model to the recently announced Humankind 2. A small group of players is already testing a private alpha build and providing feedback to game director Benoit Humbert and the team, ensuring that future early access titles launch in a polished state that meets modern player demands.