WARDOGS is one of those shooters that wants to do things differently, but its development is also bringing a change that some players will not like. Bulkhead has confirmed that the game will become more expensive as development continues, a decision that has already generated discussion among the community.
The reason behind the change is fairly straightforward. WARDOGS is still evolving, and the team plans to continue adding content, improving its systems and expanding the experience before reaching its final version. As the game becomes more complete, its price will increase alongside that development.
It is a strategy that is becoming increasingly common with games in Early Access, although that does not mean players always welcome it. Some prefer to support a project early and take advantage of a lower entry point, while others would rather wait until development is further along before spending money on an unfinished game.
Bulkhead, however, does not appear particularly interested in hiding the decision. Joe Brammer, the studio's producer, has been quite direct when discussing the future of WARDOGS and the reaction surrounding the price increase..
His message to players can essentially be summed up very simply: if you do not think the game is worth its price, you do not have to buy it.
It is a blunt response, but it also reflects the position the studio has taken with WARDOGS. Instead of trying to convince everyone that the game is already worth supporting, Bulkhead is leaving the decision in the hands of each player.
The important part is that the increase will happen progressively as development moves forward. Players who follow the project over time will therefore see its price change as new stages of development are reached.
For the developers, this approach also makes sense from a long-term perspective. WARDOGS is an ambitious multiplayer shooter that requires constant development, servers, new content and a team capable of supporting the game well beyond its initial launch.
That creates a difficult balance. The studio needs enough revenue to continue developing the game, while players want to feel that what they are paying for corresponds to the experience they are actually receiving.
In the end, the decision will probably continue generating debate as WARDOGS evolves. Some players will see the increase as a normal part of Early Access, while others may prefer to wait until the game is closer to completion.
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For now, Bulkhead has made its position clear. WARDOGS will continue changing, and its price will change with it. Whether players consider that evolution enough to justify the increase is something each player will have to decide when the time comes.