Memes

I avoid AAA games because...well they're corporate crap, simply put. I don't like how they operate as a business, I don't like the aggressive monetization, I don't like how they treat their creative staff...so I buy from small studios and indies.

I do occasionally buy games in early access. I typically join the campaign fairly late, I don't kickstart three pieces of concept art and a "now hiring programmers," I want to see a pattern of updates along with regular communication that shows a pattern of being honest and transparent. I'll join in when the game is already in a playable and fun state.

Most of the EA games I buy (not all, but a significant majority) are sold for less, sometimes a lot less, than their final sale price, and I get tangible input on the design decisions before 1.0. I'm a big fan. I get to provide funding and feedback to a game I'm excited to see, get it for a good discount, get to see it grow up, and then when it blows up and everyone loves the game I'm considered a source of arcane ancient knowledge about it. It's fun.

Mostly I enjoy being able to go on a game forum and say "this sucks, we should consider changing A to B" and then logging in next week to find B implemented.