How To Get Early Access Games On Steam

How to Get Early Access Games on Steam

Getting early access to games on Steam is like getting a sneak peek at a movie before it hits the theaters! It means you get to play a game while it’s still being made. Developers often release games in early access to get feedback from players, find bugs, and make the game even better. But how do you get your hands on these early versions? Don’t worry; it’s not as tricky as it might sound. Let’s dive into the different ways you can start playing games before they’re fully released.

Understanding Steam Early Access

Before we jump into how to get early access games, it’s important to know exactly what it means. Steam Early Access isn’t just a demo; it’s a chance to play a game that’s still under active development. Think of it like watching a sculptor work on their statue; you’re seeing the process and even getting a chance to offer your opinion. Here’s the scoop on what makes early access games special:

• Ongoing Development: The game isn’t finished yet. You might see bugs, incomplete features, or content that changes over time.
• Your Feedback Matters: Developers use player feedback from early access to improve their games. Your opinions and reports can actually affect the final product.
• Price Variation: Early access games often have a different price than the final game. Sometimes they are cheaper, while sometimes they might be a bit more expensive. Consider whether you like the game in its current form.
• Not for Everyone: Early access isn’t for everyone. If you want a polished, bug-free experience, you might want to wait for the full release.

Why Do Developers Use Early Access?

You might be wondering why developers choose to put their games into early access in the first place. There are several important reasons why they utilize this method of game development:

• Funding: Early access sales can help provide funds to developers that allow them to continue working on the game. It can be a much needed revenue stream, especially for indie developers.
• Community Input: Developers can gather important feedback and insights from real players. The input can help them refine game mechanics, storylines, and the user experience.
• Testing: Early access gives developers a chance to test their game in a wider and more diverse setting. It’s not the same as an in-house quality control test. This wider testing often reveals unforeseen bugs and problems.
• Building a Player Base: Early access helps to build a community around the game before it’s fully released. A strong community of loyal players will result in higher long term success for the game.

Finding Early Access Games on Steam

Now that you know what early access is all about, let’s talk about how to actually find these games on Steam. Steam is a big place, but here are a few key places you can search:

Browsing the Steam Store

The most obvious place to start is right on the Steam store page. Here are a couple of ways to filter for early access games:

• The Early Access Category:
  • Go to the Steam Store homepage.
  • Look for the “Early Access” category. It’s usually under the “Browse” or “Categories” section.
  • Click it, and you will be shown all games that are currently in Early Access.
• Using the Search Filter:
  • In the Steam Store search bar, type keywords related to the type of game you are looking for.
  • On the results page, look for the “Narrow by tags” filter option.
  • Type “Early Access” in the filter field, and Steam will only show you games that are in Early Access.
• Using Steam Curators:
  • Steam Curators are individuals or groups that post reviews and recommendations.
  • You can search for curators who focus on Early Access games.
  • Follow curators to get notified of new releases in Early Access.

Following Developers and Publishers

Sometimes, developers and publishers announce their early access plans outside of the Steam store. Following them can give you a heads-up and help you find the games that you’re interested in before they arrive on Steam.

• Social Media: Most game developers and publishers have a social media presence on sites like Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram. Follow them to get news about upcoming releases, including early access plans.
• Company Websites: Check the official websites of developers and publishers. Many of them have blogs or news sections where they announce new titles and early access programs.
• Discord Servers: Many developers have Discord servers for their games. These servers are great places to get news and connect with other players, especially for early access info.
• Steam Community Hubs: Some developers or publishers will use the community hubs on Steam to discuss their games. You will see announcements for new games, especially those in early access.

Participating in Closed Betas and Playtests

Before a game reaches Steam Early Access, developers sometimes run closed betas or playtests. These are invite-only and give players an even earlier look at the game. Here’s how to get into those:

• Sign-Ups:
  • Visit the game’s website or social media channels.
  • Look for sign-up forms for closed betas or playtests.
  • Provide the requested information, such as your email address and PC specs.
• Newsletters:
  • Many developers use newsletters to announce opportunities for beta testing.
  • Sign up for these newsletters to be notified of upcoming playtests.
• Forums and Communities:
  • Join forums related to the game or developer.
  • Keep an eye out for posts about closed betas or playtests.
  • Be an active and positive member of the community to increase your chances.

Keeping an Eye on Upcoming Releases

It’s helpful to stay informed about games that are coming soon. This will prepare you for upcoming Early Access opportunities. There are many ways that you can keep up to date on new games.

• Steam’s Coming Soon Section:
  • On the Steam store, there is a section dedicated to upcoming releases.
  • Watch this section for games that will be entering early access in the future.
• Gaming News Websites:
  • Websites like IGN, PC Gamer, and Rock Paper Shotgun have sections for new game news.
  • These outlets often report about upcoming releases, including those coming to Steam Early Access.
• Gaming Events:
  • Watch the reveals at events like E3, Gamescom, and The Game Awards.
  • These events are great places for learning about new games, including early access titles.
• YouTube Channels:
  • Watch YouTube channels that focus on previews of video games.
  • Many of them have news about games going into early access.

Understanding the Risks and Rewards

Before you jump into buying early access games, it’s important to understand the potential risks and rewards. It’s not like buying a fully completed game. Here’s what to consider:

The Rewards of Early Access

• Play the game first: You get to experience the game long before the official release.
• Influence the development: Your feedback can actually help shape the game.
• Potentially a lower price: Early access versions of games are often cheaper than the full release price.
• Build community: You can join a core group of players that have been with the game from the beginning.

The Risks of Early Access

• Bugs and Glitches: Early access games can be buggy and unpolished. Expect to experience problems that may hinder your game experience.
• Incomplete Content: You might not have access to all the story, levels, or game modes when playing an early access game.
• Game Changes: Developers may make big changes to the game during the early access process. These changes might not always be what you would expect or want.
• Game Can Be Cancelled: There is a small risk that an early access game may get cancelled. In those circumstances, you may not get your money back.
• Not Always Fun: Because early access games are still being developed, you might not enjoy the game as much as a complete release.

Making an Informed Decision

When considering an early access game, it’s wise to take a moment and research the game and its developers before committing to a purchase. Here are things to consider:

• Read Reviews:
  • Look at the reviews on Steam. See what people are saying about the game.
  • Pay attention to what people say about the game’s bugs and performance.
• Watch Gameplay Videos:
  • Look for gameplay videos of the game on YouTube or other sites.
  • This gives you a feel for the game before you buy it.
• Developer History:
  • Look at what the developers have done before.
  • Do they have a good history of finishing their games and providing support?
• Community Feedback:
  • Read through discussion forums and social media.
  • See how the developers are engaging with the community.
• Set Your Expectations:
  • Understand that the game is not finished. You should expect bugs, changes, and that some features may not work as you expect.
  • If you don’t want to deal with this, it may be best to avoid early access games.

The Purchase Process

Once you’ve found an early access game that looks interesting, the process of buying it on Steam is really straightforward. Here’s how it works:

• Add to Cart:
  • Navigate to the game’s page on the Steam store.
  • If the game is available for purchase, you will see an “Add to Cart” button.
• Go to Checkout:
  • After adding the game to your cart, click on the “View Cart” button.
  • Follow the prompts to complete the checkout process.
• Payment Options:
  • Steam has multiple payment options including credit cards, PayPal, and Steam gift cards.
  • Choose the payment option you like.
• Download:
  • Once your purchase is complete, Steam will begin downloading the game.
  • Wait for the download to complete, and then you can begin playing.

Providing Feedback

Remember that playing early access games is not just about experiencing the game. You have the responsibility to provide feedback to the developers. Your feedback makes a big difference in the development of the game.

• Use In-Game Tools:
  • Many games have in-game reporting tools.
  • Use these tools to report bugs or problems.
• Join Forums and Discord:
  • Engage with the development team in their forums or Discord servers.
  • Share your opinions and offer suggestions about the game.
• Write Steam Reviews:
  • Post a review on Steam.
  • Give honest and useful feedback to the developers.
• Be Constructive:
  • Be specific about what you like or don’t like.
  • Provide details to help the developers.

Patience is Key

Playing early access games means you need to have a bit of patience. It’s essential to understand that things will probably change a lot. There will be bugs and things won’t work like a fully completed game.

• Expect Changes:
  • Be ready for big changes in the game.
  • The developers might rework major features.
• Bugs Are Normal:
  • Do not be surprised if you experience bugs.
  • Try to report any bugs that you experience, to help the development process.
• Game Progress May Be Erased:
  • On occasion, game developers may need to reset the game, which will erase your progress.
  • Keep in mind that it is not the intention of the developers to do this, but sometimes it has to be done.

Getting into early access games can be an exciting way to experience new titles and support developers. Now that you’re armed with this information, you can start exploring all the early access games available on Steam.