8 Early Access Games That Delivered on Their Promises After Full Release

5. Divinity: Original Sin 2 - Crafting the Ultimate CRPG Experience

Larian Studios' Divinity: Original Sin 2 utilized Early Access not just to refine gameplay mechanics, but to fundamentally reimagine what a modern computer role-playing game could achieve in terms of player agency and narrative flexibility. Entering Early Access in September 2016, the game promised to expand upon its predecessor's innovative systems while addressing the original's pacing and narrative issues. Through extensive community feedback and iterative development, Larian transformed Divinity: Original Sin 2 into what many consider the finest CRPG of the modern era. The Early Access period allowed the developers to test and refine the game's complex systems, including its environmental interaction mechanics, turn-based combat, and branching dialogue trees, ensuring that every element worked harmoniously together. Perhaps most importantly, the Early Access feedback helped Larian craft a more engaging opening act, as the original version's first chapter received criticism for being slow and overwhelming to new players. The developers responded by restructuring the early game experience, improving pacing, and creating more intuitive onboarding for the game's complex systems. The collaborative relationship between Larian and their community during Early Access resulted in numerous quality-of-life improvements, balance adjustments, and feature additions that elevated the final product far beyond its initial scope. When Divinity: Original Sin 2 launched in full in September 2017, it received universal critical acclaim and commercial success, establishing Larian as one of the premier RPG developers and directly leading to their selection to develop Baldur's Gate 3, demonstrating how Early Access success can open doors to even greater opportunities.