Early Access

Early access gives players a playable, unfinished build before the full release and allows development to continue in public. Unlike a short beta, it may last months or years, is often sold, and can evolve through major design changes. Developers use feedback, telemetry, and revenue to refine the project, but features, performance, saves, price, and release plans can change. Buying early access supports the game in its current state rather than guaranteeing every announced idea. The term should not be confused with advance access, a preorder perk that unlocks an otherwise finished game a few days early.