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Episode 198

Paid early access is becoming more commonplace in the games industry. Game development costs are skyrocketing and publishers are more eager than ever to employ unsavory monetization strategies. How do the three of us feel about paid early access, and what games have got us to opt-in early? Where do we see this paid early access trend going in the future? How do we feel about Civilization VII? We answer all of these burning questions on today's show! As always, we conclude with the games we're playing (Civilization VII, Vintage Story, Monster Hunter Wilds Beta, Severed Steel, Psychonauts 2). This episode was recorded in February 2025. Intro and outro music composed for Gametalk by Dylan Chase (dylan.robert.chase@gmail.com).

Questions or comments? Check us out on YouTube, Instagram, Tiktok, and Bluesky at @PodcastGametalk

Or chat us up in Discord - discord.gg/JZCj5Qn

Timestamps:

0:00 - Opening Banter

3:35 - Thoughts On Paid Early Access

25:44 - Civilization VII

54:44 - Vintage Story

1:00:40 - Monster Hunter Wilds (Beta)

1:07:14 - Severed Steel

1:10:30 - Psychonauts 2

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Episode description

Paid Early Access and Civilization VII

Episode description