Early Access
Ongoing coverage on Early Access.
Latest coverage
With gen AI assets cut from Assassin's Creed creator's new game demo, lead admits "we didn't even realize it was AI anymore because we were used to seeing it"
Patrice Désilets, former lead of Assassin's Creed, has committed to removing all AI-generated assets from his new game, 1666: Amsterdam, following player concerns. The developer apologized for the oversight, stating that the AI art was not sufficiently retouched and will not be present in the final product. The game is set to launch into Early Access on PC via Steam on August 25.
I've seen much more of 1666: Amsterdam, and the witchy game by the creator of Assassin's Creed has some surprising features
1666: Amsterdam, the long-gestating project from Assassin's Creed creator Patrice Désilets and his studio Panache Digital, is set to enter early access on August 25th. The game features a unique blend of action combat, exploration across multiple timelines in 1666 Amsterdam, and a roguelite structure for its boss encounters. Despite some performance issues and a 'scruffy' feel in its current build, the game offers a distinct experience with ambitious systems and artistic direction.
Assassin's Creed creator's dark and witchy action game 1666: Amsterdam is out in early access sooner than we expected
Assassin's Creed creator Patrice Désilets' game 1666: Amsterdam will launch in early access on August 25 for PC via Steam and the Epic Games Store. Developed by Panache Digital, the game features around 10 hours of gameplay in its early access state, with plans for a full release later. Players will control a witch named Noa in 1666 and a civilian named Aaron in 1999, whose timelines and souls become intertwined.
1666 Amsterdam's early access launches this month, and I'm equal parts excited and worried
Panache Digital Games has announced that 1666: Amsterdam will launch its early access on August 25, 2025. The author expresses excitement for the game's witchy aesthetics and setting but also concern regarding performance issues and the potential pitfalls of early access for a single-player title.
No Game Has Ever Needed Early Access More Than 1666: Amsterdam
1666: Amsterdam, developed by Panache, shows promise with its stunning recreation of historical Amsterdam and intriguing narrative elements, but suffers from significant structural issues. The preview highlights clunky combat, baffling writing, and restrictive traversal mechanics, making its planned early access release crucial for refinement. Despite these flaws, the game's visual artistry and the director's pedigree from the Assassin's Creed series offer hope for its future.
The REDMAGIC Astra 2 Is On The Way, Get It First With The Early Bird Voucher Scheme
REDMAGIC is launching the REDMAGIC Astra 2, the successor to its high-spec gaming tablet. An Early Bird Voucher scheme will be available starting August 10th, allowing customers to purchase the voucher for £1/$1/€1 to gain early access 24 hours before the general sale, a £30 discount, a fast charger, and an exclusive keychain. The Astra 2 features a Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5, a RedCore R4 gaming chip, up to 16GB RAM, a 9.06-inch 2.4K OLED display, and advanced liquid cooling technology.
Se samtliga trailers från THQ Nordic Digital Showcase
THQ Nordic showcased trailers for several upcoming games, including Expeditions: Samurai, Wreckfest 2, Way of the Hunter 2, The Guild - Europa 1410, Call to Arms: Panzer Elite, Titan Quest 2, and The Eternal Life of Goldman. The showcase also featured updates on Gothic 1 Remake, Gothic Classic titles, and a teaser for a new Digixart project. Additionally, there was a segment on upcoming Nintendo Switch games and DLC for Reanimal – The Prisoner.
Starseeker: Astroneer Expeditions adds new missions with Sinking Reef update, teases next patch
The early access co-op extraction game Starseeker has received the Sinking Reef update, adding a new aquatic region with new missions, blueprints, and sea labs. The update also includes bug fixes and UI improvements, with System Era teasing more structured missions and an 'existential threat' in future patches.
What are we all playing this weekend?
Several members of the RPS team shared their weekend gaming plans, with some playing early access titles like Hard Void and an unnamed embargoed game, while others are enjoying puzzlers like Big Walk or racing simulators such as Dirt Rally 2.0. Some staff are taking a break from games for BBQs and holidays.
Evening Previews
This article provides early access impressions of the game Pax Autocratica. The Wand Report details initial gameplay experiences and observations from the early access period.
Weekend PC Download Deals for Aug. 7: Steam Cyberpunk Fest
This weekend's PC gaming deals include a Steam Cyberpunk Fest featuring discounts on titles like Cyberpunk 2077 and Deus Ex games. Several storefronts like Epic Games Store, GOG.com, and Humble Bundle are also offering significant sales on various games, with some titles available for free. Additionally, Ubisoft is celebrating 25 years of Ghost Recon with deep discounts and a free trial for Ghost Recon Wildlands.
Expeditions: Samurai Early Access
Expeditions: Samurai has launched in Early Access on PC via Steam. Developed by Campfire Cabal and published by THQ Nordic, this installment in the RPG series transports players to feudal Japan.
Smed’s Reaper Actual corrects display setting bugs and other issues in the wake of its free weekend
Reaper Actual, the early access extraction shooter from John Smedley's Distinct Possibility Studios, has released a patch addressing bugs related to display settings, NPC behavior, and server crashes. The recent free-play weekend saw a temporary increase in player count, reaching a monthly high of 36 players on Steam, though it did not surpass the game's all-time peak. The studio plans to host a town hall on Discord to discuss further development.
Fellowship reveals less Season 3 patches as it works towards its 1.0 release
Fellowship developer Chief Rebel has announced that the game will receive fewer patches during Season 3 as the team focuses on the upcoming 1.0 release. The development cycle will prioritize bug fixes and core 1.0 features, including a new matchmaking system and an improved onboarding experience to attract new players.
Why GTA 6 Doesn’t Have Early Access, According To Take-Two
Take-Two Interactive CEO Strauss Zelnick explained that Grand Theft Auto 6 will not feature an early access option, stating that Rockstar Games prioritizes delivering value to consumers. While the company could have implemented paid early access, similar to its sports titles, Rockstar chose not to. Grand Theft Auto 6 is set to launch on November 19 for PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S.
Subscriptions, Clouds, and Streams
Electronic Arts has announced that an early access trial for Madden NFL 27 is now available through EA Play. This allows subscribers to experience the game before its official release.
Evening Previews
This article provides early access impressions of Expeditions: Rome. It discusses the game's current state and gameplay mechanics available during its early access period.
Fantasy Online 2 is an early access pixel art MMO for Steam, browser, and Android
Fantasy Online 2, a pixel art MMORPG developed by Studio Pixel Games LLC, is available in early access on Steam, Android, and web browsers. The game features character customization, crafting, quests, and guilds, with an upcoming expansion titled Legends of the Sky. While Steam reviews are "very positive," some players have noted issues with the community, grind, and in-game cash shop.
EA SPORTS Madden NFL 27 Early Access Trial Available Now With EA Play
An early access trial for EA SPORTS Madden NFL 27 is now available for EA Play subscribers, offering up to 10 hours of gameplay featuring the new Persona Engine. Progress from the trial carries over to the full game, which can be played on PC and via Xbox Cloud Gaming. Additional EA Play benefits include discounts on digital purchases and monthly in-game rewards for various EA Sports titles.
Fellowship shifta away from new seasons to focus on bug fixing and improving its core for 1.0
Developers for the multiplayer early access game Fellowship have announced a shift in focus away from new seasonal content towards bug fixing and improving the game's core mechanics. This decision comes in response to challenges including lower player counts and player retention issues, with the ultimate goal of preparing the game for a 1.0 release. The team at Chief Rebel will prioritize addressing existing bugs, balancing abilities, and enhancing quality of life features over the next several months.
