Early Access
Ongoing coverage on Early Access.
Latest coverage
Robots versus fungi FPS Mycopunk is leaving early access next month
The co-op focused, robot versus fungi first-person shooter Mycopunk will be leaving early access and launching its 1.0 version on October 20. Developed by Pigeons at Play, the game tasks players with completing missions on alien planets to eradicate fungal infestations. The full release will be available on Steam, with the early access version playable now.
MMOs You’ve Never Heard Of: Pigs and Wolf, Tidefall, and Invokyr
This article rounds up lesser-known multiplayer games, including Pigs and Wolf, a co-op survival game with wolves; Tidefall, a browser-based maritime MMO; and Invokyr, a co-op horror title involving a mystical board game. Pigs and Wolf and Invokyr are heading to Steam Early Access soon.
Betawatch: World of Warcraft Forever begins beta, Aniimo and RuneScape Dragonwilds leave early access
World of Warcraft Forever has entered a two-month closed beta with paid access, ahead of its November 4th launch. Aniimo and RuneScape: Dragonwilds have exited early access. EVE Vanguard is preparing for a nonstop paid alpha in November, aiming to establish an FPS within its universe.
Welcome to The World’s Game: EA Sports FC 27 Early Access Trial with EA Play Available Today
Electronic Arts has launched the 10-hour EA Play trial for EA Sports FC 27 on Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, and PC for Game Pass Ultimate and PC Game Pass members. Progress from the trial carries over to the full game, and members receive a 10% discount on purchases. The trial showcases new features like 'The Grounds' mode and community-driven gameplay improvements.
Wardogs boss admits "we definitely have a balancing issue" as blue team gets destroyed for "mixed…
The CEO of Wardogs developer Bulkhead, John Brammer, has admitted to a significant balancing issue within the game's early access period. Players have reported that the blue team consistently loses, while Brammer states green team wins most often, with red and green being fairly even. This imbalance is being actively investigated by the studio.
Wardogs Season 2 is just weeks away, and it already looks "sick"
Bulkhead CEO Joe Brammer has teased upcoming content for Wardogs Season 2, which is planned for release in approximately three weeks. Brammer expressed excitement for content cut from the initial early access launch, while also acknowledging current balancing issues, particularly with team colors and vehicle performance. He emphasized that player feedback is crucial for refining the game's vision.
EVE Vanguard enters 24/7 paid alpha November 10, pushes early access back into next year
EVE Vanguard will enter a 24/7 paid alpha on November 10th, pushing its Steam early access launch back to Q3 2027. The alpha will include new maps, an upgraded weapon progression system, alliance affiliation, and improved movement mechanics like vaulting. Information on access costs will be revealed closer to November.
Endless Legend 2 har nu lämnat early access
Endless Legend 2 has officially left early access after nearly a year, receiving positive player reviews. The 1.0 update introduces a new faction, the Sandshapers, along with two new 'rogue factions'. The game is now available on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S.
Does Wardogs have controller support?
Wardogs, currently available on PC, offers controller support for players who prefer it over keyboard and mouse. While button remapping is not yet available, the game features extensive controller settings for sensitivity and input behavior. The developers plan to bring the game to consoles in 2028, with hopes of adding button remapping in the future.
Acclaimed PS5 Strategy Game Sequel Is Out Today on PlayStation Store
The acclaimed PlayStation 5 4X strategy game sequel, Endless Legend 2, has officially launched its 1.0 version today on the PlayStation Store. After a year in Early Access, Amplitude Studios has refined the game based on player feedback, introducing features like receding oceans that dynamically alter the map and incentivize exploration. CEO Romain de Waubert de Genlis noted the shift in player expectations for Early Access titles.
You can play EA Sports FC 27 today if you own an Xbox
Players who own an Xbox can access EA Sports FC 27 early by changing their console's region to New Zealand, where the game's early access period has already begun. This method allows players to bypass the official September 25 release date. The early access is available for the more expensive editions of the game, while standard editions will unlock on September 25.
Monsters & Memories gears up for its October 1st early access with name reservations and advance billing
Monsters & Memories is set to launch its early access on October 1st, with Niche Worlds Cult providing a guide for players. The name reservation system is currently live for the first 4,000 users, and billing will begin next Monday, allowing players to pre-pay and create up to five characters before launch. The developers stated that the game is not yet complete and will continue development post-launch.
Steam Next Fest sensation Jump Space is having a free weekend, so grab your squad and see how far it's come
Jump Space, a squad space shooter, is offering a free weekend on Steam from September 17th to 21st. Developer Keepsake Games has also released an anniversary update that includes expanded difficulty levels, new enemy tiers, an auto-save system, and inventory improvements. The game, previously known as Jump Ship, was a sensation during Steam Next Fest and launched into early access a year ago.
WARDOGS: Why Players Keep Coming Back
WARDOGS, a competitive multiplayer military sim shooter from Bulkhead Studios, has achieved significant success with over two million copies sold in five days and a peak of nearly 430,000 concurrent players on Steam. Its appeal lies in its realistic military simulation aspects, combined with a unique sandbox freedom that allows players to engage in various activities beyond traditional combat, such as building fortifications or transporting teammates. Despite some balance issues and hit registration problems, WARDOGS offers a compelling experience that stands out against larger AAA titles.
World of Sea Battle is an early access open-world MMO offering PvE and PvP fighting in the Age of Sail
World of Sea Battle, an open-world MMO set in the Golden Age of Sail, has launched in early access. Developed and published by Thera Interactive, the game features over 50 customizable ships for PvP and PvE combat, a player-driven economy, and guild wars. While planned to remain in early access for about 18 months, some user reviews mention concerns about pay-to-win monetization and developer favoritism.
Jump Space marks its first year of early access with a meaty quality-of-life update and a free weekend
Jump Space, a co-op spaceship adventure game, is celebrating its first year in early access with a significant update focused on quality-of-life improvements. The update includes reworked character inventories, auto-save functionality between jumps, a revised threat level system for difficulty progression, and enhanced enemy AI. The game is also offering a free weekend from September 17th to 21st.
As Wardogs hits a "perfectly acceptable decline," studio boss asks players what they want to change: "Remember, we're in charge here, we're the ones with the vision"
Despite Wardogs' player count declining from its peak, developer Bulkhead is seeking player feedback on issues and design decisions for future updates. CEO Joe Brammer emphasized that the studio retains creative control while encouraging community input, though some players have offered humorous or trivial suggestions.
"15 years ago, people understood it was an unfinished game": As Endless Legend 2 hits 1.0, Amplitude reflect on how early access has changed
Amplitude Studios reflects on the evolution of early access game development over the past 15 years, noting shifts in player and media expectations. While the studio continues to use its Games2Gether program for feedback, the CEO acknowledges that players are less forgiving of unfinished games now compared to the early days of Endless Space.
"What you're talking about is Palworld 2": Pocketpair lead desperately asks players to stop asking for features that just "aren't possible" like terrain digging
Pocketpair's head of publishing, John Buckley, expressed frustration with player requests for features like terrain digging in Palworld, stating such additions would essentially require developing a sequel. He highlighted that these requests are not feasible due to engine and landscape rework complexities, and that players should not expect them. Buckley also touched on the perceived loss of meaning in Steam's Early Access program, suggesting it has been abused.
WARDOGS Launches to Big Sales & Early Problems
WARDOGS, a team-based FPS, has achieved significant commercial success since its Early Access launch on Steam, selling over two million copies in under five days. However, the game has been plagued by server capacity issues, login queues, and connection errors, leading to negative player reviews. Developer Bulkhead, led by CEO Joe Brammer, is actively addressing these problems while also facing scrutiny regarding their development practices and workload.
