How to Get Early Access to Games: A Comprehensive Guide

Getting your hands on a game before its official release is a thrilling prospect for any gamer. Early access offers the chance to experience new titles, provide valuable feedback to developers, and sometimes even secure in-game bonuses. But how exactly do you snag those coveted early play opportunities? This guide will walk you through the various methods and provide answers to frequently asked questions about early access.

Securing Early Access: Key Methods

There isn’t one single route to early game access. It often depends on the developer, the platform, and the game itself. Here’s a breakdown of the primary ways you can get ahead of the crowd:

1. Official Play Store Early Access Programs

The Google Play Store offers a specific “Early Access” section. This allows you to download and play games that are still in development directly through the app store. Here’s how it generally works:

• Open the Play Store: On your Android device, navigate to the Google Play Store app.
• Find the “New” Tab: Look for the “New” tab or section on the Play Store’s home screen.
• Explore “Be the first to play”: Under this section, you’ll find a list of games available for early access.
• Tap to Install: Select the game you want to try and tap the “Install” button.
• Follow Instructions: The store will guide you through the installation process.

2. Developer Websites and Forums

Many developers use their own websites and forums to release early access versions of their games. This often involves a more direct approach and can sometimes offer a deeper level of involvement in the development process.

• Check Developer Websites: Look for sections like “Early Access,” “Beta Testing,” or “Game Preview” on the game’s official website.
• Join Forums and Communities: Engaging in developer forums and online communities associated with the game can provide insights and sometimes direct invitations for early access.
• Sign Up for Newsletters: Often, announcements for beta programs or early access are communicated through email newsletters.

3. Steam Early Access

Steam has a dedicated Early Access program, which is a major avenue for indie and some mid-sized studio games. Here’s how you might get involved:

• Browse the Early Access Section: On Steam, there’s an Early Access section within the store.
• Purchase Early Access Titles: Many games allow purchase of their early access builds, often at a lower price than the full release.
• Provide Feedback: Developers often look for feedback from early access players through the Steam forums, to help improve the game.

4. Becoming a Content Creator

• Build a Large Audience: YouTubers and Twitch streamers with a significant following often receive early access keys to cover a game, from developers.
• Contact Developers: Content creators or their management team can reach out to game developers for possible review opportunities.
• Join Developer Programs: Some game companies have specific programs for content creators, that include providing early access to games.

5. Special Retailer Promotions

• Pre-Order: Sometimes, retailers offer early access as a bonus for pre-ordering a game.
• “Accidental” Early Shipping: Occasionally, certain retailers will ship games out a few days before their official launch, though this is rare and not reliable.

6. Other Platforms and Methods

• Consoles: Sometimes consoles have similar access programs on their respective stores. For instance, Microsoft offers “Game Preview” programs on Xbox.
• Crowdfunding: Participating in crowdfunding projects may lead to early access to the title in development.

Frequently Asked Questions About Early Access

1. What exactly is early access?

Early access, also known as alpha access, game preview, or paid alpha, is a funding model in the video game industry. Players can purchase and play a game during its development stages (pre-alpha, alpha, beta), providing the developers with valuable funds and feedback to complete the game.

2. Are Early Access games free?

While some early access games are free, many are available for purchase. This is especially common on platforms like Steam. The price varies but is usually lower than the final release price. Many free-to-play titles will also come to early access.

3. Does Early Access mean I get the full game?

Yes, if you buy an early access game, you usually get the full game when it’s officially released. You’re essentially getting a preview and the full game when it goes live.

4. How much do Early Access games cost?

Early Access games vary in price. Many can be found between $0.99 and $19.99, with many being free-to-play titles. Often, these prices are lower than the final retail price of the game.

5. How long does early access usually last?

The duration of early access varies greatly. Some titles remain in early access for about a year, while others can stay in this state for multiple years. Sometimes games may even remain in a perpetual early access state.

6. How early is early access?

Early access is typically offered when a game is playable but may be unfinished. The game may lack certain features, and the developer is still working on the game and fixing bugs. Generally, these versions are considered alpha or beta releases.

7. Is early access only 10 hours?

No, early access is not typically limited to 10 hours. That time constraint is usually associated with trial versions of fully released games, often from Electronic Arts. Early access usually provides full, unlimited access for the development phase.

8. Why do people pay for Early Access?

People pay for early access to support developers, experience games earlier, provide feedback, and often receive in-game bonuses for being early adopters. It’s a way to be a part of a game’s journey from development to full release.

9. Do I have to provide feedback for an Early Access game?

Providing feedback on Early Access games is optional but encouraged. Your feedback is usually very important to developers, and can help shape the final version of the game. Many games on Steam will use Steam forums to gather this feedback.

10. What happens if an Early Access game never fully releases?

There’s always a risk involved with purchasing an early access game. Sometimes a game may remain in an early access state indefinitely or may never get a full release. Therefore, it is advisable to check the developer reputation and community feedback on the title before purchase.

11. How do YouTubers get Early Access to games?

Content creators often get early access through a few avenues:

• Directly contacting developers.
• Content creator programs
• Personal assistants or management companies, who then reach out to game developers on behalf of the content creator.

12. Is it illegal to clone a game?

Cloning a game isn’t necessarily illegal. Copyright law doesn’t protect ideas or gameplay mechanics, but it does cover the game’s unique elements like the art, story, characters, code, and music.

13. How can I grow my gaming channel from 0 subscribers to be able to receive early access codes?

To grow a gaming channel, it is advisable to follow these key steps:

• Optimize your YouTube profile.

• Create a YouTube video popup.

• Make attention grabbing thumbnails.

• Optimize titles and descriptions.

  Generally, it will take about 15.5 months of consistent uploading to reach 1000 subscribers.

14. Who is the oldest gaming YouTuber in the world?

Hamako Mori, known as Gamer Grandma, is the oldest gaming YouTuber in the world. She is a Japanese video game player and has been playing games since 1981.

15. What is the best-selling video game of all time?

The best-selling video game of all time is Minecraft, with over 300 million copies sold across all platforms.

Conclusion

Getting early access to games can be an exciting experience. By utilizing the methods outlined above, from checking official stores to joining developer communities, you can increase your chances of playing new games before their full release. Remember to be patient, as not all games have early access programs. By engaging with developers and providing valuable feedback, you can help shape the future of the games you love.