Which market research methodology revolutionized game development by introducing the concept of early access releases where players pay to test incomplete games and provide feedback?

The gaming industry relies heavily on market research to understand player preferences and behaviors. Companies invest millions in gathering data before launching new games or virtual worlds. This poll tests your knowledge about one of the most influential market research techniques that revolutionized how gaming companies collect player feedback and iterate on their products. Can you identify the correct methodology that changed game development forever?

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Steam Early Access program, launched in 2013, which formalized the paid beta testing model that has become standard practice in game development
Microsoft's Xbox Insider Program, which primarily focused on hardware testing before expanding to software in 2016
Nintendo's Play Testing Initiative, launched in 2010, which brought selected players to physical testing locations
PlayStation First Look Program, which provided digital prototypes exclusively to PlayStation Plus subscribers