Early Access
Ongoing coverage on Early Access.
Latest coverage
Subnautica 2 Adds Proximity Chat, Inventory Sharing, and Tracking Tags on August 19th
Subnautica 2's upcoming Update 1.2, launching August 19th, will introduce several new co-op features and quality-of-life improvements. These include proximity voice chat, inventory sharing, player emotes, revives, and tracking tags. The update also enhances HUD icons and hints at future content like a new vehicle and region in Update 2.0.
PlayStation 5 Getting One of the Most Popular 2024 Games Soon
TCG Card Shop Simulator, a popular simulation game originally launched in Early Access on PC, is set to release on PlayStation 5 on September 15, 2026. The game will also leave Early Access with its version 1.0 update, introducing the Tetramon trading card game. Standard and Deluxe editions will be available, with pre-order discounts for PlayStation Plus subscribers.
I fabriksspelet Sandustry är varje pixel en individuellt simulerad resurs
The factory simulation game Sandustry, developed by Lantto and published by Hooded Horse, has been released in Early Access on Steam. The game features pixel-level simulation for resources and environmental interactions, with plans to remain in Early Access for approximately one year. It is also available on GoG and Xbox, and is included with Game Pass.
Boardroom beat-em-up Stick It to the Stickman punches its way out of early access next month, complete with neurolinkage and an "absolutely absurd finale"
The roguelite beat 'em up Stick It to the Stickman will exit early access on September 23rd. Developer Free Lives is prioritizing worker mental health and releasing the 1.0 version earlier than planned, focusing on community-favorite modes. The full release will include two new modes, Neurolink and a finale mode, along with updated playstyles for the Foreign Manufacturing mode, and will see a price increase.
This week in PC games: survival horror in a waterlogged city, kaiju chaos in a destructible city, and old school GTA vibes in an isometric insurgency simulator
This week's PC game releases include survival horror titles like Feed it. and The Sinking City 2, a multiplayer shooter with kaiju battles called Beastlink, and an isometric insurgency simulator Brigador Killers. Other notable releases span genres from city builders and puzzle games to MMORPGs and visual novels.
Solarpunk And Pax Autocratica
This review covers two games: Solarpunk, a cozy survival-crafting game focused on building and farming with no enemies, and Pax Autocratica, an Early Access sci-fi shooter blending galactic conquest, base-building, and roguelite elements. Solarpunk offers a relaxing experience with a 20-hour progression, while Pax Autocratica provides a janky but brilliant mix of genres with fast-paced combat and strategic depth.
Make My MMO: Stars Reach’s imminent early access, Book of Travels’ farewell
Stars Reach, an MMORPG developed by Raph Koster and Playable Worlds, is launching into early access soon, with Kickstarter backers able to collect their keys. Meanwhile, the tiny MMO Book of Travels has sunsetted its multiplayer version and is now available as a single-player game. The article also provides updates on various other crowdfunded MMO projects, highlighting both successes and failures in the genre.
Slay the Spire 2 updates are slowing down again, but don't fear, it's all in the name of more modes, an alternate Act 2, and a character with a bandaged foot
Developer Mega Crit is slowing down the update cadence for Slay the Spire 2's early access period to focus on larger content additions. These include new game modes, an alternate Act 2, and a new character. The team also clarified that Ascension 10 will be near the game's highest difficulty and enchantments will not be stackable to maintain focus on deckbuilding.
New Battlefield rival Wardogs has captivated the Steam audience - but its early access might not be for you
The hundred-player realistic FPS Wardogs has surpassed one million Steam wishlists ahead of its Early Access launch on September 10. Developer Bulkhead is transparent about the game's limitations during Early Access, even encouraging refunds if expectations aren't met. The PC-first title will launch at $39.99, with plans to increase the price as more content is added.
WARDOGS Garners 1 Million Wishlists Nearly A Month Ahead of Early Access Launch
The multiplayer shooter WARDOGS has achieved one million wishlists nearly a month before its early access launch on September 10th for PC. Developer Bulkhead thanked the community for the milestone, noting that the game will feature 50v50 battles and that pricing may increase as content is added.
Betawatch: Soul’s Remnant wins over MMO fans as Guild Wars 3 talks playable humans
Soul's Remnant has launched to positive reviews and strong player counts, defying initial expectations of a slow start. Meanwhile, Guild Wars 3 continues to discuss its playable races, Stars Reach went dark before its early access launch, and Dune: Awakening is testing its single-player mode.
Pocketpair 'not planning to spend a year making a massive update' for Palworld 1.1
Pocketpair's John Buckley clarified that the upcoming Palworld 1.1 update will not involve a year-long development cycle for massive undertakings like adding new continents or levels. While the team is open to suggestions, they aim for more manageable updates rather than a complete overhaul. The release date for Palworld 1.1 remains unannounced.
Side-scrolling MMORPG Soul’s Remnant lands on Steam early access to glowing reviews
The 2D MMORPG Soul's Remnant has launched on Steam Early Access to a 'mostly positive' user review score, with many players comparing it favorably to MapleStory. Developed by Chaomoon over 10 years, the game has achieved a peak player concurrency of 2,814 and is praised for its non-predatory monetization and retro combat.
The Soapbox: Online games just can’t bet on success
This opinion piece argues that developers of live service games should stop betting on guaranteed success and instead focus on delivering complete, polished experiences at launch. The author uses examples like Iron Harvest, Anthem, and Wolcen to illustrate the pitfalls of unfinished stories and overly ambitious projects. The article suggests that a more realistic approach, prioritizing a solid core experience with plans for future expansion, is more sustainable and beneficial for both developers and players, citing Valheim as a positive example.
Podd-dags: Sulfur-utvecklaren om balansgången: ”Why do you hate fun?”
Anton Albiin from Swedish studio Perfect Random discusses the development of their game Sulfur, a unique blend of FPS, roguelike, and 2D vector graphics. The interview covers the game's journey to Early Access, balancing challenge with fun, and fan engagement.
1666: Amsterdam interview - Assassin's Creed creator on why he avoids the series
In an interview, Patrice Désilets, the creator of the original Assassin's Creed, discusses his new game 1666: Amsterdam, its long development history, and his decision to use early access. Désilets also shares his thoughts on generative AI, his current relationship with the Assassin's Creed franchise, and his continued interest in using historical settings and multiple timelines in his games.
Shooter Climbing Steam Charts Lists 10 Reasons Not To Buy It
Developer Bulkhead is marketing its upcoming hardcore FPS, Wardogs, with a video listing 10 reasons why players should not buy it, including its high early-access price, lack of content, and the studio's previous game, Battalion: 1944. Despite this unconventional approach, Wardogs is climbing Steam's top-seller charts ahead of its September 10 early access release on PC.
Pantheon’s early access saw another wipe this week thanks to a ‘major update’ to itemization
Pantheon: Rise of the Fallen underwent another character wipe due to a major itemization overhaul. Visionary Realms has adjusted uncommon and rare item qualities, with ongoing tuning planned. The update also includes new abilities and masteries for the Enchanter class, alongside a nerf to critical damage bugs.
Here’s how Stars Reach Kickstarter backers can get their Steam keys and cosmetic goodies
Playable Worlds has provided instructions for Stars Reach Kickstarter backers to receive their Steam keys and in-game cosmetic items for the game's upcoming early access launch. Backers can find their keys in their Firstlook portal, with Steam keys redeemed on Steam and cosmetic keys redeemed in-game. An AMA session is scheduled for August 14th to discuss early access and future development.
Last Drop är den finska sandlåda vi alla drömt om
Lokhare Games' open-world sandbox title, Last Drop, is set to launch in early access on August 18th. The game, which takes place in Finland in 1994, features exploration on foot and in period-accurate cars, mission-based gameplay, and combat inspired by fighting games. A demo is currently available.