Steam’s “Early Access” is no longer what it used to be — has it failed gamers?

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As a researcher, I find the concept of Valve’s “Early Access” on Steam intriguing and, theoretically, beneficial. It serves as a platform for bringing games to life that may have otherwise remained unseen, offering an opportunity for new developers to fund their creative aspirations. This initiative potentially unearths hidden talent in the gaming industry that might have gone unnoticed otherwise.

Practically speaking, I’m no longer convinced that the Steam Early Access program functions as originally meant for PC gamers and developers.

For over a decade now, Steam’s Early Access program was launched back in 2013, and it has significantly expanded since then, boasting an impressive count of approximately 14,056 games either currently or previously associated with this initiative.

Although numerous games have achieved significant success, many others remain unpublished and gather dust for years. Initially, purchasing an Early Access game on Steam carried some level of uncertainty, but at one point, things weren’t as problematic as they are now.

What was Steam Early Access like when it launched?

My Steam account is so long-standing that it qualifies for entry into an adult establishment, reminiscing back to when the Early Access program was new and functioning optimally. It debuted with merely a dozen games lined up initially, among them are titles that persist today such as Kerbal Space Program, ARMA 3, Prison Architect, and Kenshi.

These titles continue to be widely appreciated now, receiving mostly positive or extremely positive ratings on Steam. It seems evident that Steam’s Early Access program played a crucial role in shaping the games into their current successful forms.

Initially, the single-player version of the ARMA 2 DayZ mod significantly impacted my perception of early access games. The development began in 2012 and entered Steam Early Access towards the end of 2013, soon after Early Access (EA) was introduced. For almost five years, DayZ remained in Early Access, causing some players to lose hope that it would eventually be fully released.

Currently, Steam’s Early Access platform continues to release fantastic games that might not have been produced in any other way. Yet, given my recollection, the scenario similar to DayZ no longer feels surprising when it arises with contemporary Early Access titles.

As a researcher, I’ve observed a shift in the purpose of Steam Early Access that has led me to suspect some developers are exploiting this platform as a means to generate revenue swiftly from projects initially conceived as unfinished.

Speaking of Steam’s Early Access developer rules, here they are as pulled from the official site:

  1. You must include Steam Early Access branding and information about the current state of your game on any third-party sites where you are distributing Steam keys for your Early Access game.
  2. Do not make specific promises about future events.
  3. Steam Early Access titles need to be available to customers through Steam.
  4. Don’t overcharge Steam customers.
  5. Make sure you set expectations properly everywhere you talk about your game.
  6. Don’t launch in Early Access without a playable game.
  7. Don’t launch in Early Access if you are finished with development.

These guidelines presume that a game creator is trustworthy and proud of their work (a trait often found), and they anticipate the possibility of wealth and recognition as motivators for continuing development on a particular project.

Realistically, however, that’s not always what happens.

What’s the point of an early access release program?

The concept of an early access program serves three main purposes. Initially, it provides a platform for developers to gather valuable input from players during various phases of game development, often referred to as playtesters.

Additionally, it offers gamers an opportunity to back a studio or developer financially, and as a reward, they receive early access to the game before its official release.

Additionally, an early access release provides financial resources for the development team, enabling them to accelerate progress and enhance the product’s quality.

Engaging with early buyers and incorporating feedback from the wider community may require additional work from the developer, yet it’s crucial to note that launching a game in early access is typically the sole pathway for many titles to be brought to fruition.

Nowadays, developers often release games that are hardly ready for play, employing the “Early Access” label more as a justification for the game’s current condition, rather than to indicate that it needs further assistance in development.

As an analyst, I can say that developers hold the discretionary power when it comes to implementing changes suggested by players or completing the development process on Steam. They are not bound by any obligations in this regard.

Who’s really to blame for the current state of Steam Early Access?

To clarify, I want to make it clear that I’m not solely pointing fingers at Steam or its parent company, Valve. In fact, I strongly support Steam as a platform for purchasing and enjoying PC games. However, this doesn’t prevent me from offering constructive criticism when necessary.

Unscrupulous game developers exploit flaws in the Early Access guidelines to peddle subpar games, attracting a lot of PC gamers who are quick to invest their funds. It’s enticing to be involved in the newest trend, frequently hyped up by popular streamers.

I acknowledge my lack of caution in this matter compared to many of my friends. I truly respect their wariness, especially when I find myself out of pocket due to an unfinished game, costing me another $20 or $30.

The Steam Early Access program continues to generate a wealth of quality content, yet there’s a growing concern that it might soon, or perhaps even now, be overshadowed by abandoned games that exploit misleading promises for quick profits.

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2025-06-27 13:39