Richard Svensson
Reporting and statements that mention Richard Svensson.
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Valheim released into Steam Early Access because the survival game started as a solo project and the dev "couldn't afford to keep working on it"
Iron Gate CEO Richard Svensson stated that Valheim's release into Steam Early Access was essential for its success, as the developer "couldn't afford to keep working on it" otherwise. The survival game has since sold 17 million copies and remained in Early Access for over five years due to its expanding scope.
"Developers need to treat Early Access like a real launch, because players do" – Early Access games are on the rise, but so are player expectations
The article discusses the increasing trend of games launching in Early Access on Steam, noting a significant rise in titles and player expectations. Developers like those behind Valheim, Subnautica, and Hades have found success with the model, but others like Deadhaus Sonata have faced backlash due to unmet quality standards. The piece highlights the challenges smaller developers face against larger publishers and emphasizes the need for transparency and a clear vision when using Early Access.
Moving Valheim away from being an MMO was "the best decision" the team made
Richard Svensson, CEO of Iron Gate Studio, stated that moving Valheim away from an MMO concept was the best design decision for the game. The studio focused on single-player and small group experiences, which allowed for a more manageable scope and unique gameplay for each biome. The article also highlights the book 'Indie Game Works' which features a chapter on Valheim's development.