5 Ways Hoyo's Schedule 1 Early Access Review Changed Things For Elden Ring And Cyberpunk

But what exactly is a Schedule 1 review. For the uninitiated. It's a highly sought-after preliminary glimpse into a game's build. Schedule 1 reviews are performed before general release. The results from these reviews provide invaluable feedback to developers. This feedback can be used to smooth out any remaining kinks. Hoyo. The company that initiated the aforementioned Schedule 1 review. Is a major player in the gaming world. Their decision to showcase a new game was a calculated move. It set a new precedent for quality assurance transparency. Something the market wasn't privy to as much as it would be sooner rather than later. The implications for Elden Ring were immediate. The success of Hoyo's initiative put pressure on FromSoftware. Which is the development team behind Elden Ring. This pressure was largely a result of the fact that FromSoftware would also need to demonstrate an equal commitment to quality and transparency. Cyberpunk. Fresh off a rocky launch. Faced a different set of challenges. The game's initial release was plagued by bugs. Performance issues were present. And a general lack of polish. The contrast between Hoyo's positive early reception and Cyberpunk's struggles was striking. It highlighted the importance of thorough quality assurance. Here are five key ways Hoyo's Schedule 1 early access review changed things:

Gamers now expect developers to be more transparent. They are eager to see games in early stages. They're no longer willing to blindly trust marketing hype.

Other studios. Especially those working on similar genres. Felt the need to step up their own QA processes. They know that a flawless launch is essential.

Marketing campaigns now emphasize the game's quality. The overall stability of the product as well as positive early reviews have become marketing tactics.

Quality assurance testers now have a louder voice. Their feedback is more valued. They've become gatekeepers between a well-received game and an unfinished one.

Developers are now focused on building long-term relationships with their players. That will be achieved through consistent updates. Bug fixes. And transparent communication. The gaming industry is constantly evolving. Quality assurance is one of the few sectors that does its best to keep pace. What was once a behind-the-scenes process has now been pushed into the spotlight. Hoyo's early access review may have started as a single event. It sparked a chain reaction. The gaming industry as a whole has become better for it.