Early Access
Ongoing coverage on Early Access.
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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.
Grounded 2's second year of early access includes base moving, an expanded map, and plenty of secrets…
Obsidian Entertainment has released a roadmap for Grounded 2's second year of early access, detailing upcoming features such as an expanded map, new weapons, bosses, and the ability to move the player's entire base. The developer is keeping some secrets, including specific enemy types and new areas, while the 1.0 release window remains unconfirmed.
Dive Into What’s Next with Subnautica 2 Experimental
Subnautica 2 Experimental is now available through the Xbox Insider Program, allowing players to access upcoming updates early. This experimental version is developed in collaboration with Unknown Worlds, giving players a chance to help shape the future of the game.
Subnautica 2 now has a beta update branch, letting players try out patches before they're finished, but beware, your saves won't carry over
Unknown Worlds has launched an experimental beta branch for Subnautica 2 on Steam, allowing players to test upcoming patches before their official release. Developers caution that saves made in this branch are not compatible with the main game and that builds may contain bugs. This feature aims to gather player feedback and catch issues before wider deployment.
Dark Fantasy Action Adventure 1666: Amsterdam Launches in Early Access This Month
Panache Digital Games announced that 1666: Amsterdam will launch in Early Access on August 25th, 2026, for PC via Steam and the Epic Games Store, with console versions planned for later. The dark fantasy action-adventure game features supernatural mystery, investigation, and witchcraft elements, allowing players to switch between two characters with distinct playstyles.
Wardogs-skaparna listar tio anledningar att inte köpa spelet
Wardogs, a military shooter from developer Bulkhead, is set to launch in Early Access on September 10. The developers have released a video outlining ten reasons not to buy the game, citing initial content limitations, a focus on bug fixing, and potential player attrition. They also note that performance may not support 4K at 240fps due to the game's large-scale battles.
SEED’s early access adds territory claiming, kicks off an event, and wrestles with market issues
The colony-building MMO SEED has received its first major early access content update, introducing territory claiming, a resource scanner, and other adjustments. An in-game event tasks players with crafting donation boxes to repair a space station, running for six weeks. Developer Klang Games is also addressing issues with the in-game trading market, which is currently suffering from transaction freezes and bugs.
WARDOGS Early Access Begins on September 10; Developer Outlines Why You Shouldn’t Buy In
The tactical FPS WARDOGS will enter Early Access on September 10th, with developer Bulkhead being transparent about pricing and content expectations. The game will launch at $39.99 during Early Access, increasing to $49.99 before the final 1.0 release at $59.99. Preorders receive access to a Closed Beta Weekend starting August 21st.