Warhammer video games have certainly had their ups and downs, but lately, they’ve been on a winning streak. Much like a Vindicare Assassin lining up a perfect shot, several excellent Warhammer 40k titles have launched recently. Owlcat Games’ Rogue Trader stands among the best, and I’m personally eager to dive into its successor, Warhammer 40k Dark Heresy. The grim mysteries and brutal realities of the Inquisition promise an iconic roleplaying experience from Owlcat. Yet, despite my excitement, I won’t be participating in the alpha test announced for later this year, all due to its incredibly high entry cost.
I genuinely believe Warhammer 40k Dark Heresy will eventually be a fantastic game. My concern isn’t about its ultimate quality, but rather its state at launch. Owlcat, the developer, has a history of releasing games that require significant post-launch polish and bug fixing, even though they are dedicated to improving their titles after release.
A video placeholder for a game trailer.
Even if Owlcat had a pristine record of delivering perfectly polished games from day one, my personal policy is to avoid pre-ordering entirely. With so much uncertainty around game launches, I prefer to wait for reviews before making a purchase. However, the specific requirements for gaining access to the Dark Heresy alpha test are truly beyond the pale.
Access to the Dark Heresy alpha test is exclusive to those who pre-order either the Developers Digital Pack or the Collector’s Edition, priced at $79 (approximately £59) and $289 (approximately £217) respectively. Initially, I hoped other avenues might exist for players to join the test, but the developers have clarified that the only other option is to upgrade an existing pre-order to one of these pricier editions.
An image depicting a futuristic camera projecting green-illuminated figures in a desolate wasteland, hinting at the game’s atmosphere.
While I appreciate that Owlcat aims to reward their early supporters who’ve already invested in the studio and its upcoming title, this approach feels remarkably out of touch. Gamers are increasingly frustrated with pre-ordering titles only to be met with disappointment at launch. To then require purchasing the most expensive editions just to participate in an alpha test crosses a line. As eager as I am for the Dark Heresy alpha, I simply can’t justify spending $80 for the privilege.
The Warhammer 40k Dark Heresy alpha playtest is scheduled to begin on Tuesday, December 16, exclusively for those who have pre-ordered the Developers Digital Pack or Collectors Edition. While further details are available, the core message remains: early access comes at a premium.
If you, like many others, plan to skip this expensive Dark Heresy alpha test, there are plenty of other exciting upcoming PC games to look forward to this December. You might also find great alternatives among the best turn-based RPGs, offering similar gameplay experiences without the hefty alpha price tag.
What are your thoughts on Owlcat’s decision to restrict alpha test access to their most expensive pre-order tiers? We’d love to hear your feedback and open discussion on this topic.