Early Access
Ongoing coverage on Early Access.
Latest coverage
‘We aren’t where we want to be yet in terms of server stability,’ says Stars Reach boss
Stars Reach, an early access MMORPG sandbox, is experiencing significant server stability and performance issues shortly after its launch. Playable Worlds' Raph Koster acknowledged these problems, stating the team is working on patches to address bugs, optimization, and gameplay blockers. The game has struggled to maintain a large player base and has received mixed reviews due to its pre-alpha state.
NBA 2K27 Early Access: Start Date, Times, & How to Play Early
2K has announced that early access for NBA 2K27 will begin on August 26, 2026, up to nine days before the global release on September 4. Players who purchase the Deluxe or Ultra Editions on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, or PC will be eligible for early access. The Standard Edition, available on all platforms including the Nintendo Switch 2, does not include early access.
Trivia Murder Party 3 slashes onto Steam Early Access in September
Jackbox Games announced that Trivia Murder Party 3 will launch on Steam Early Access on September 17, with a full release planned for 2027. This standalone title introduces online multiplayer for the first time, alongside new mini-games and character accessories.
Fina omdömen för Morrowind-inspirerade The Lantern of the Laughless Saint
The Lantern of the Laughless Saint, an action RPG inspired by The Elder Scrolls III: Morrowind, has launched in early access. Developed by Nervelabs, the game features cooperative play for up to six players, including local split-screen. Initial player reviews on Steam are very positive, though some bugs are present.
The Daily Grind: How much are you willing to forgive with an MMO in early access?
This article discusses the player's perspective on early access MMOs and the level of forgiveness players should have for unfinished games. It highlights the difference between a journalist's acceptance of bugs and a regular player's expectation of a polished experience, questioning how much developers can get away with in early access.
Subnautica 2’s Buddy System Update is here with improved chat, emotes, trade, and revives
Unknown Worlds has released a new update for Subnautica 2's early access, focusing on multiplayer improvements. The update introduces proximity voice chat, an emote system, direct inventory trading, and a revive mechanic. The studio also announced a $100,000 donation to The Ocean Cleanup.
Physics-Based Brawler Stick It to the Stickman Is Getting a Full Launch Next Month!
The physics-based brawler Stick It to the Stickman, developed by Free Lives and published by Devolver Digital, will leave Early Access on September 23rd. The full launch will introduce two new game modes, Neurolink and [REDACTED], and conclude the game's story. The game is available on PC via Steam.
Huge Subnautica 2 co-op patch adds proximity chat and a revive system as devs promise a "new region" and…
Unknown Worlds has released the Buddy System update for Subnautica 2, introducing proximity chat and a player revive system to enhance the co-op experience. While this update focuses on multiplayer features, the developers have confirmed that a larger update featuring a new region, story content, and vehicles is still in development for the early access title.
Subnautica 2 Early Access 1.2 Update Out Now Alongside Patch Notes, Dev Donates $100,000 to Ocean Cleanup
The Early Access version of Subnautica 2 has received its 1.2 update, introducing the Buddy System to the underwater survival and crafting game. The developer also announced a $100,000 donation to ocean cleanup initiatives.
Läskigt realistiska Bodycam visar vad som är på väg till spelet
Reissad Studio has detailed upcoming features for their realistic first-person shooter Bodycam in a new developer diary. The 'Locked and Loaded' update, releasing September 2, will introduce new reload animations tied to a stress system, improved ragdoll physics similar to Grand Theft Auto's Euphoria, realistic scopes, new weapons, and drones. Bodycam is currently in Early Access and has received positive reviews.
Subnautica 2 Patch Adds Buddy System, Dev Reveals Glimpse at Early Access 2 Update
Subnautica 2 received its Buddy System update on August 19, introducing new multiplayer features to the underwater survival and crafting game. The update, version 1.2, also provides a glimpse into the development of its Early Access 2.
Into the Dead: Our Darkest Days Sets Full PC And Console Launch In Early 2027
PikPok has announced that Into the Dead: Our Darkest Days will leave Early Access and launch in full on March 2027 for PC and consoles, including PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and Nintendo Switch. The zombie survival game focuses on managing a group of survivors in 1980s Walton City, requiring players to scavenge, craft, and make difficult decisions to ensure their group's survival.
Into the Dead: Our Darkest Days announced for Nintendo Switch 2
PikPok announced that Into the Dead: Our Darkest Days will leave Early Access and launch its 1.0 version in March 2027 for Nintendo Switch 2, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S. The zombie shelter survival game has received 13 major content updates since its Steam Early Access launch in April 2025.
Starsand Island's 1.0 update isn't going great amid claims of AI and lackluster multiplayer
The 1.0 update for the anime RPG Starsand Island has been met with predominantly negative Steam reviews, a sharp contrast to its previously positive reception during early access. Players are criticizing the update for lacking substantial new content, raising concerns about undisclosed AI usage and Tencent backing, and finding the multiplayer implementation to be poorly designed with progress only saving for the host. Developer Seed Sparkle Lab has denied claims of fake reviews but has yet to address the specific criticisms regarding AI and multiplayer.
NBA 2K27 Preseason Breakdown Game Reveal
The NBA 2K27 Preseason Breakdown Game Reveal details new content for The City, MyCAREER, and MyTEAM, alongside core gameplay updates. Players can gain up to 9 days of Early Access starting August 26 by pre-purchasing the Deluxe or Ultra Edition.
The Lantern of the Laughless Saint, a Morrowind-inspired RPG weirdfest out this week in early access, has immediately seduced me with dialogue camera hijinks
The Lantern of the Laughless Saint, an RPG inspired by Morrowind, has launched into early access this week. Developed by NerveLabs, the game features a unique dialogue camera system and a tone reminiscent of Oblivion's Shivering Isles expansion. The developers plan to update the game frequently with a full release expected within a year.
After dropping a nerf bomb, Slay the Spire 2 devs say updates are slowing down so they can focus on "bigger, more…
Indie developer Mega Crit has announced that updates for Slay the Spire 2 will slow down as the team shifts focus to more significant content, including an alternate Act 2 and a new character. The studio will also take an annual team break in late August, meaning no patch will be released on August 27. This change aims to allow for the development of bigger, more impactful content for the game's Early Access period.
Raph Koster’s Kickstarted sandbox MMORPG Stars Reach officially enters early access today
Stars Reach, the sandbox MMORPG spearheaded by veteran developer Raph Koster, has officially entered early access today. Developed by Playable Worlds, the game offers deep social, political, and crafting content with a focus on player-driven world transformation. The early access period will last at least six months, with a progression wipe planned before the 1.0 launch, which will be free-to-play.
Star Citizen has a disastrously laggy stream with horrendous vibes, which isn't a great look when you're past…
Star Citizen's recent development stream for the Siege of Orison event was plagued by severe lag, desync issues, and unprofessional behavior from developers, leading to community backlash. The game, which has been in development for over a decade and crowdfunded over $1 billion, continues to face criticism for its prolonged early access period and functional problems despite high-priced in-game purchases.
The Stardew Valley-inspired anime RPG that tore through Steam Next Fest is about to gets its 1.0 update with multiplayer…
The Stardew Valley-inspired anime RPG, Starsand Island, is launching its 1.0 update out of Steam Early Access on August 18th. This major update introduces multiplayer functionality, a new in-game economy tied to cooperative activities, expanded relationship stories with islanders, and upgraded dating systems. Developer Seed Sparkle Lab has also stated they will focus on feedback and improvements post-launch.
