Early Access
Ongoing coverage on Early Access.
Latest coverage
Co-op survivalbox Aloft ties down 1.0 release and arrival on PlayStation 5 in early 2027
Astrolabe has announced that the co-op survival game Aloft will launch its 1.0 version in early 2027, coinciding with its release on PlayStation 5. The full release will include all five major content updates from its early access period.
Everlast: Undying Tale brings its ‘homage to the MMO genre’ to early access starting today
Everlast: Undying Tale, an MMO-lite game from developer InSpades, has launched into early access today, October 28th. The game features skill progression, a deep story, and 100-player servers, offering an open world with crafting and character development. Early access is expected to last about a year, with the current price of $25 set to increase upon full release.
"AAA publishers are abusing Early Access," RPG dev says, and Steam games like Subnautica 2 and Path of Exile have warped "the landscape and players' expectations"
Denis Dyack, CEO of Apocalypse Studios, argues that AAA publishers are abusing the Early Access model, leading to skewed player expectations that disadvantage independent developers. He cites Subnautica 2 and Path of Exile as examples of games that have changed the landscape, making it harder for smaller teams like his own with Deadhaus Sonata to gain market impact. While acknowledging Early Access's potential for experimentation, Dyack believes its current use by large publishers undermines its collaborative purpose.
Wardogs leads Newzoo's September PC revenue charts
Bulkhead's Wardogs topped Newzoo's September PC revenue charts, achieving significant success within three weeks of its Early Access launch. Marvel's Wolverine also performed well, ranking fourth on console revenue charts and high on year-to-date spend. Several other new releases and updated titles like Halloween: The Game, The Blood of the Dawnwalker, and Bodycam also featured prominently in the top rankings.
Valheim released into Steam Early Access because the survival game started as a solo project and the dev "couldn't afford to keep working on it"
Iron Gate CEO Richard Svensson stated that Valheim's release into Steam Early Access was essential for its success, as the developer "couldn't afford to keep working on it" otherwise. The survival game has since sold 17 million copies and remained in Early Access for over five years due to its expanding scope.
Cutesy ‘MMO-lite’ Scramble Knights Online officially enters into early access
Scramble Knights Online, described as an ambitious MMO-lite, has officially launched into early access on PC. Developed by Funktronic Labs, the game allows players to team up for PvE dungeons and quests in the realm of Tolcott, with optional PvP and crafting elements. The early access period will focus on bug fixing and balance, with a major content update planned for December.
Enchanting PS5 Open-World Game Sets Release Date Window
Astrolabe Interactive's open-world survival game Aloft is set to launch on PlayStation 5 in early 2027, coinciding with its full 1.0 release on PC. The game, published by Funcom, has been in development for six years and is currently available in Early Access on Steam with "very positive" reviews. Players can expect to build skyships, homes among clouds, and explore a vibrant world while restoring ecosystems.
Wardogs adds two new server hosts, but community servers are still a work in progress
Wardogs developer Bulkhead has approved two new hosting partners, GG Host and 1of1 Servers, for its 100-player shooter. Community servers remain in Early Access, with Bulkhead working on additional features for server admins. Both hosts offer various player slot options and DDoS protection, though GG Host restricts mod installations.
"Developers need to treat Early Access like a real launch, because players do" – Early Access games are on the rise, but so are player expectations
The article discusses the increasing trend of games launching in Early Access on Steam, noting a significant rise in titles and player expectations. Developers like those behind Valheim, Subnautica, and Hades have found success with the model, but others like Deadhaus Sonata have faced backlash due to unmet quality standards. The piece highlights the challenges smaller developers face against larger publishers and emphasizes the need for transparency and a clear vision when using Early Access.
Emberville Early Access release delayed to January 2027
Cygnus Cross has delayed the Early Access release of their pixel art action RPG, Emberville, from tomorrow to January 7, 2027. The studio cited the need for more time to implement changes and improvements identified after the Steam Next Fest demo. The game features a notable voice cast and is now slated to be one of the first video games to launch in 2027.
Emberville Delays Early Access Launch at the Last Minute
Cygnus Cross has delayed the Early Access launch of their game Emberville to January 7, 2027, just one day before its original release. The development team stated that content originally planned for the first post-launch update will now be included in the Early Access release to compensate for the delay.
Astroneer studio System Era Softworks lays off over 30 devs after Starseeker’s early access underperforms
System Era Softworks, the developer of Astroneer and Starseeker: Starseeker Chronicles, has laid off over 30 employees due to Starseeker's underperformance at its early access launch. The studio expressed deep regret for the affected developers, stating that the decision was necessary to make a sustainable push towards the game's 1.0 release.
Subnautica 2’s Collector Leviathan Terrifies Other Creatures in the Next Big Update
Unknown Worlds Entertainment provided new details for Subnautica 2's upcoming early access update, highlighting the terrifying Collector Leviathan and its impact on other creatures. The update will also introduce the Axum and Colonists, new biomes, creatures, and gameplay mechanics like the Frog Chassis with new abilities and a Dash function for Fins.
Paralives' first major update slips to next year, but when it comes you can expect some pretty meaty improvements for all of its main features
The developers of the life simulation game Paralives have detailed plans for its first major update, which has been delayed into next year. The update will focus on improving core systems like relationships and emotions in Live Mode, adding new skills and jobs, fixing Build Mode bugs, and expanding character customization options in the Paramaker, including more body shape sliders.
Betawatch: ArcheAge Chronicles sets its early access plans and Vampir gets a release date
ArcheAge Chronicles has announced its early access price of thirty dollars, with plans to eventually remove gender locks and add third weapon options for classes. Vampir is set to launch on October 27th. The article also provides updates on City of Titans, Soulframe, and numerous other MMOs in various stages of testing and development.
BitCraft surprises players with river platforms as it heads into the fall season
The early access title BitCraft has received a fall season update, introducing seasonal resources, decorations, and new gameplay mechanics. The update includes the addition of reusable river platforms that function as temporary bridges, improvements to hunting with traps and lures, fishing statues, and Halloween-themed cosmetic items.
Vampire hotel management game Bloody Hell Hotel to be released in 2027 — MP3s & NPCs
Unfold Games and Gambit Digital have announced that Bloody Hell Hotel, their vampire hotel management simulation game, will now be released in 2027. This decision was made to ensure a full, polished 1.0 launch rather than an Early Access release in 2026, thanks to additional publisher funding. The developers have incorporated significant player feedback into the game's expanded scope.
Escape From Playtime Debuts in Steam Early Access Debut, Roadmap Revealed
Escape From Playtime has launched into Steam Early Access, featuring new content beyond its open beta, including expanded player counts up to eight, new threats, and additional cosmetics. The game is a co-op horror experience where players guide rejected dolls out of a factory. A roadmap for future content has also been revealed.
Subnautica 2’s next major early access update promises to bring ‘one of the scariest regions ever done’
Subnautica 2's upcoming major early access update, referred to as "EA 2," will introduce one of the scariest regions ever created for the game, according to creative director Anthony Gallegos. The update will also feature new creature behaviors, a new Sea Frog vehicle chassis, additional biomods, a new round room for bases, and more story elements.
ArcheAge Chronicles confirms early access price, end of gender locking, and feature update plans
ArcheAge Chronicles will launch its early access period with a $30 buy-to-play price, requiring no subscription thereafter. The game will eventually remove gender locks from classes, add a third weapon option for each, and incorporate player feedback into future updates. Further details on additional regions, life-skilling content, and a development roadmap are expected soon.
