GoG launches its new Games in Development platform yesterday, bringing Early Access titles to its store for the first time. However it's doing things a little differently than Steam and though that latter entity is so often held up as a paragon, this is a good thing.
Unlike Valve, GoG is curating its Games in Development, which means only those that pass muster in terms of functionality, features and fun can become part of the store. So far it's added Project Zomboid, Ashes of the Singularity, Starbound, Terra Tech and Curious Expedition to its shop front.
On top of that, all games are heavily discounted right now, letting buyers go in without having to pay the full price for an unfinished product. Better yet, GoG has also built in a refund system that is intrinsically linked with the Early Access titles. Buy a game you don't like and you can get a full refund with no questions asked.
That's similar to the way Steam does it, but there you have a two hour playtime maximum before you lose the ability to receive a refund. GoG on the other hand lets you play as much as you like before getting your money back, either in Store Credit or in the original currency you used to make the purchase.
While that is a system that will no doubt be abused by certain unscrupulous gamers, it means that no one is ever left feeling like they have to stick with a game they just don't like. This will also give people more confidence to try out Early Access titles, as they have less risk involved in the traditionally quite risky process.
The 30 day technical issue money back guarantee also applies from other GoG titles, so if you have a problem with actually getting the game running and GoG staff can't help, you'll get your money back too.
