Early Access
Ongoing coverage on Early Access.
Latest coverage
It seems the Windrose hype was on to something, as the piratical survival game sets sail to positive Steam reviews and high player numbers
The piratical survival game Windrose, formerly Crosswind, has launched in early access to positive reception on Steam, achieving a peak of nearly 98,000 concurrent players and a "very positive" review score. Developed by Kraken Express, the game is praised for its building and exploration mechanics, though some players have noted underdeveloped combat. The developer successfully pivoted from a free-to-play MMO concept to a premium title based on player feedback.
There Are Too Many PS5 Games, But You Should Try This RPG for Free
DESTINYbit has released a free demo for their RPG NITRO GEN OMEGA on the PlayStation Store, allowing players to try the game before its May 12th release. The full game will cost $29.99/£24.99, with a 10% discount for PlayStation Plus subscribers. The game features tactical turn-based combat, airship exploration, and social elements, and has received Very Positive reviews in Early Access on Steam.
Create an Epic in Medieval Fantasy Sandbox RPG Valorborn, Out Today in Steam Early Access
Valorborn, a medieval fantasy sandbox RPG from Laps Games, has launched today in Early Access for PC via Steam. The game features a player-driven world with emergent storytelling, where players can define their own path through actions and choices rather than fixed classes. The current Early Access version offers over 20 hours of gameplay, with Laps Games planning to expand the world with more content and features based on player feedback.
Rejoice, Steam Deck and couch lovers: Gloomwood just got controller support
Gloomwood has officially received controller support, making it Steam Deck Verified and playable on PC with a gamepad. The update includes comprehensive gamepad integration, rebindable controls, and a new shop in the market plaza. The game, which launched in early access in 2022, has garnered overwhelmingly positive reviews and frequent updates.
Blood Reaver Early Access
Blood Reaver, a round-based first-person shooter with a dark fantasy theme, has launched in Early Access on Steam for Windows. Developed by Hell Byte Studios, the game is now available for players to experience.
Quoteworthy
Krafton has stated they are still supporting the early access launch of Subnautica 2, despite the game's name being removed from its Steam page. The article questions the implications of this removal for the game's future.
Windrose’s initial early access saw positive player response and over 69K Steam concurrency
The piratical survival sandbox game Windrose, developed by Windrose Crew (now Kraken Express), has seen a strong initial launch in early access on PC. The game achieved a peak concurrency of over 69,000 players on Steam and received "very positive" user reviews praising its visuals and naval combat, despite some players reporting server and connection issues due to the high player count. The developers are focused on a 1.0 launch before considering console releases.
Kickstarted co-op camper sim Outbound is still inbound – but it’s been delayed until May 14
The cozy co-op camper simulation game Outbound, developed by Square Glade Games, has been delayed from its original April 23rd early access launch to May 14th. The studio cited an issue discovered late in development that could negatively impact player enjoyment as the reason for the delay. A free demo remains available until May 12th.
Packed With Content, Chess Kingdom Adds Kung Fu Chess and Kung Fu Chess Extreme in Early Access
Pinch Games has released two new modes, Kung Fu Chess and Kung Fu Chess Extreme, for its Early Access PC game Chess Kingdom on Steam. Kung Fu Chess features simultaneous real-time moves, while Kung Fu Chess Extreme adds a piece buff progression system. Both modes are available now in Quick Match alongside standard chess.
Krafton still 'supporting the early access launch of Subnautica 2' despite its name being removed from the…
Krafton is still supporting the early access launch of Subnautica 2, despite its Steam page now listing subsidiary Unknown Worlds as the publisher. This change follows a period of legal dispute between Krafton and Unknown Worlds leadership regarding the game's performance goals and a potential bonus payout.
How many people can play Windrose together? Everything you need to know about co-op
Windrose, an early access pirate adventure game, supports co-op multiplayer with a default lobby size of four players, which can be increased to a maximum of eight. Developers advise caution when exceeding the default due to potential server performance issues, especially as the game is built on Unreal Engine 5 and is still in active development.
Don’t Lose Aggro Brings Chaotic MMO Tanking into an Action-Roguelite, Out on PC Early Access Today
The action-roguelite game Don't Lose Aggro, inspired by MMO tanking mechanics, has launched into Early Access on PC via Steam. Developed by Oren Koren, the game challenges players to protect NPC companions and master tanking rotations. It features multiple game modes and customizable tank builds, with full controller support and Steam Deck verification.
CODEX MORTIS ships 12 updates in 19 days as first 100% AI-developed indie title
The AI-developed indie title CODEX MORTIS has received twelve updates in its first nineteen days of Steam Early Access, showcasing a rapid iteration cycle. Developed by GROLAF and published by CRUNCHFEST, the game utilizes AI for all production aspects, including code, art, sound, and music, aiming to prove the viability of AI-driven game development pipelines. The game, described as a blend of Vampire Survivors and Guild Wars, is Steam Deck Verified and actively incorporates community feedback.
Social RPG Book of Travels Goes Single-Player, Ends Active Development
Developer Might and Delight has announced that the social RPG Book of Travels is ending active development and transitioning to a single-player model. The game's servers will shut down on July 31st, and modding support will be added. Book of Travels is now available for $4.99 and will lose its Early Access label, with the developers citing unsustainable development challenges.
Tiny MMO Book of Travels is ending development after 5 troubled years
Developer Might and Delight is ending development on the MMO Book of Travels, with servers set to close on July 31. The game will transition to an offline, singleplayer experience with unlimited modding support and will be considered a full 1.0 release, dropping its price from $30 to $5.
Mech RPG 'Nitro Gen Omega' Leaves Early Access with Full 1.0 Launch on May 12
Italian developer DESTINYbit announced that its turn-based sandbox RPG Nitro Gen Omega will launch its full 1.0 version on May 12, 2026, for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, Nintendo Switch, and PC. The game features customizable mechs, crew management, and a unique two-phase combat system. A new demo covering the first chapter of the story is also available.
InZoi boss isn't fazed by "a few hundred thousand returns", and the team have an honest approach as the…
Hyungjun Kim, director of Krafton's life-simulation game InZoi, discusses the challenges and successes of the game's first year in early access, during which it sold over 1.5 million copies. Despite initial bugs and performance issues, the team is committed to a full 1.0 launch by March 2027, with plans to add careers, schools, prisons, vehicles, and a karma system, alongside robust user-generated content features.
Looking to plunder with friends in Windrose? Here’s how many people can play together
The co-op survival game Windrose currently supports a maximum of eight players per server in its Early Access state. Developers recommend a limit of four players to mitigate potential crashes and glitches, with a future increase to ten players being a possibility if demand is high.
Kickstarted tiny MMO Book of Travels will sunset in July, become a solo offline game, and welcome modding
Book of Travels, an MMORPG developed by Might and Delight, will cease its online operations on July 31st, 2026, transitioning into a solo, offline experience. The studio apologized for development challenges and lack of communication, citing unsustainable foundational issues. The game will be rebalanced for single-player, will be available for $4.99 on Steam, and will fully permit modding, with the studio actively supporting the modding community.
Road to Vostok is an incredibly impressive solo-developed hardcore survival shooter
Road to Vostok, a solo-developed hardcore survival shooter built with Godot Engine, has entered Early Access and achieved over 140,000 sales in its first week. The game offers realistic FPS mechanics, physics-based loot, and permadeath, with plans for native Linux support in the future. Despite a somewhat unengaging intro and a restrictive save system, its positive reception highlights its appeal to players seeking a challenging survival experience.
