The Risks and Rewards of Buying Games in Early Access

9 October 2025

So, you’re scrolling through Steam, minding your own business, and boom—you stumble across a shiny new game with cool graphics, a killer concept, and a tempting "Early Access" tag slapped on it like a neon sign screaming, “Buy me now!” Hold up though. Before smashing that "Add to Cart" button, let's chat. Because diving into the world of Early Access games? It’s a bit like dating someone you met on a wild Friday night—thrilling, unpredictable, and kind of risky.

But don't panic. We're here to break it all down, so you know exactly what you’re getting into when you drop your hard-earned cash on a game that's not technically finished yet.

What Is Early Access Anyway?

Think of Early Access as an open beta with a price tag. Developers make their games available to the public before the official launch. You pay to play a game that’s still in development. In return, you usually get the chance to shape its progress, throw feedback at the devs, and maybe, just maybe, be a part of something epic.

Sounds like a win-win, right? Well… it can be. But let’s not put on the rose-colored VR headset just yet.

The Glorious Rewards of Early Access

Before we get all doomsday about it, let's give credit where it's due. Early Access can be a fantastic experience—when it goes right. Here's why people (like you and me) sometimes jump on that early hype train.

🎮 Play Before Everyone Else

Yep, you get to be the cool kid who’s already playing the game while everyone else is stuck watching trailers. There’s something oddly satisfying about texting your friends, “You haven’t played THIS yet?”

💬 Influence Game Development

Your voice actually matters. Most Early Access devs are listening hard to community feedback. Suggest a feature, point out a bug, and there’s a decent chance it’ll get patched or added. It's like being a game tester, but cooler and far less soul-crushing.

💸 Lower Prices (Usually)

Early Access titles often come with a “get it now before it gets expensive” price. You’re rewarded for your support with a cheaper deal than latecomers who wait for full release.

🧪 Watch It Grow

Ever watch a game evolve from janky mess to polished masterpiece? Seeing a game you supported grow into something legendary is weirdly emotional—like watching your Tamagotchi turn into a stable adult. Almost.

The Brutal Risks of Early Access

Now for the tea. Because honey, not all Early Access stories have a Hollywood ending. Some of them crash and burn. And others? They just fade into oblivion, never to be finished, like your gym membership.

🚧 Incomplete (And Sometimes Unplayable)

Let’s keep it 100—some Early Access games are barely held together with digital duct tape. Broken mechanics, missing content, bugs that make you want to chuck your keyboard out the window? All fair game in Early Access territory.

🕳️ Development May Stall (Or Stop Completely)

Here’s the nightmare scenario: you buy into the dream, the game shows promise, then the devs ghost like your worst ex. Updates slow down, communication dries up, and eventually, the game just… dies. No refund, no closure, just heartbreak.

🔄 Constant Changes That Might Not Be Good

Change isn’t always a good thing. Devs may rework core features, remove things you loved, or pivot in a direction that makes the game feel totally foreign. The game you signed up for might not be the one you end up with.

🧪 You’re Basically a Lab Rat

Let’s not sugarcoat it. You’re paying to playtest a game that should still be behind closed doors. That means performance issues, server crashes, unexpected wipes, and moments that make you question your life choices.

The Players: Who Should (and Shouldn’t) Buy Early Access?

Some gamers thrive in the chaos of Early Access. Others? Not so much. Here's how to tell where you fit.

🏆 Early Access Is for You If:

- You love being part of the dev process and watching a game evolve
- You have patience for updates, bugs, and balance changes
- You’re okay with paying for a possibly unfinished experience
- You get a thrill from the behind-the-scenes aspect of development

🚫 You Should Skip It If:

- You want a polished, completed game on day one
- Bugs make you rage-quit like it’s nobody’s business
- You’re easily frustrated by delays or shifting priorities
- You hate uncertainty (Early Access is filled with it)

Spotting the Red Flags: When to Run

Not all Early Access games are created equal. Some are diamonds in the rough… others? Hot garbage with a fresh coat of marketing paint. Here’s how to protect your wallet—and your sanity.

💬 Watch the Dev Logs and Communication

Are the devs active? Are they posting updates, talking to the community, and actually listening? Silence is a major red flag.

🕰️ Check the Update History

Look at how often the game gets updates. If it's been months without a peep, that’s not a good sign.

👀 Read the Reviews (With a Grain of Salt)

Reviews can be goldmines of info—but remember, some people love drama. Look for balanced opinions that discuss bugs, updates, and dev behavior.

💻 Check the Roadmap (If There Is One)

A detailed roadmap shows that the devs have a plan. No roadmap? That might mean they’re making it up as they go (yikes).

The Feel-Good Stories: When Early Access Works

Despite the risks, some Early Access games hit the jackpot. Let’s shout out a few legends that made it big.

1. Hades

Supergiant Games nailed it. They released Hades in Early Access, took player feedback seriously, and polished that game into a freaking masterpiece.

2. Subnautica

Started as a buggy deep-sea concept and turned into one of the most beloved survival games out there. Thanks to regular updates and great dev communication.

3. Baldur’s Gate 3

Larian Studios took their time, let players in early, and fine-tuned this RPG based on tons of user data and feedback. Result? A critically acclaimed juggernaut.

See? Early Access works. Sometimes.

Epic Fails: When Early Access Goes Off the Rails

Unfortunately, not every story has a happy ending. Here’s your cautionary tale section.

1. The Stomping Land

Touted as a dino-survival dream. Devs vanished. The game was quietly removed from Steam. Players were left in the dust.

2. Spacebase DF-9

Double Fine launched this one with promise. Slowly, updates stopped. Then… poof. Game abandoned in its beta state. Ouch.

3. Earth: Year 2066

This one was so bad, it was pulled from Steam altogether. Accused of being a scam. Ugly visuals, worse gameplay. A full-on mess.

Tips to Be a Smart Early Access Shopper

Still interested but don’t want to gamble? You don’t have to go in blind. Here’s how to shop smarter.

🔍 Research Like a Pro

Don’t just watch the trailer. Check forums, Reddit threads, YouTube gameplay, and dev blogs. Look beyond the shiny stuff.

💸 Treat It Like a Donation

If the game never gets finished, would you still be okay with the money you spent? If yes, go for it. If not, skip it.

🤝 Support Studios You Trust

If a studio has delivered solid games in the past, they’re more likely to get through Early Access responsibly. Look at their track record.

🧠 Set Expectations

Remember, it’s not a finished game. If you go in expecting bugs and weirdness, you’ll be a lot less annoyed when you run into them.

The Verdict: Is Early Access Worth It?

Like most things in life, it depends. Early Access has the potential to be an exciting ride full of innovation and community involvement—or a train wreck that burns your wallet and your hope.

If you're down to take a risk for the chance to be part of something amazing, Early Access might be your jam. But if you're the type who wants all the bells and whistles from the get-go? You might want to sit this one out and wait for the final version.

Just remember: Always do your homework, support responsible devs, and keep your expectations in check. And maybe, just maybe, you’ll find yourself part of the next Hades or Subnautica success story.

Final Thought: It’s Your Call, Hero

At the end of the day, you're the star of your own gaming journey. Early Access? It's like skydiving. Thrilling and bold, but not for the faint of heart. So suit up, choose wisely, and let your wallet vote for the kind of gaming world you want to see.

Ready to roll the dice?