Tag: Early Access

  • New Sandbox MMO with Terraforming Launches in Early Access Soon

    New Sandbox MMO with Terraforming Launches in Early Access Soon

    Key Takeaways

    1. BitCraft Online is a sandbox MMORPG set in a vast, open world where players can significantly alter the environment through terraforming.
    2. The game features 12 professions with 10 levels each, focusing on crafting, trading, and survival rather than traditional combat.
    3. Players will interact in a single, continuous world without separate servers, enhancing social dynamics and cooperation.
    4. The game’s art style is reminiscent of The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, featuring a unique, comic-like aesthetic.
    5. BitCraft Online is entering Early Access on May 29, 2025, with a starting price of $30, and will eventually be available for free.

    BitCraft Online is an anticipated sandbox MMORPG that takes place in a huge, open world where players can completely alter their environment. Users can change rivers, flatten hills, and construct entire cities; the terraforming feature offers almost unlimited options. Unlike conventional MMOs, BitCraft will operate on a single, continuous world without separate servers, allowing all players to interact in the same space.

    Character Progression and Gameplay

    In BitCraft, character advancement is based on 12 distinct professions, each having 10 levels of progression. This lets players focus on areas like crafting, trading, or survival. Combat is not the main attraction here; rather, survival aspects such as gathering food, changing weather conditions, and the threat from wildlife add layers of difficulty. Additionally, the game boasts a robust crafting system along with an economy driven by players. Aesthetically, BitCraft has a uniquely styled, comic-like look, similar to The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild. For a sneak peek, check out the Early Access trailer.

    Release Information

    Clockwork Laboratories, the developer, initially introduced BitCraft Online in September 2021. Almost four years later, the sandbox MMORPG is set to enter Early Access on May 29, 2025, with a starting cost of $30. While the date for full release is not yet specified, the game will eventually be available for free. Meanwhile, players can already put BitCraft on their wishlist on Steam.

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  • Valve Updates Guidelines to Control Predatory Advertising Practices

    Valve Updates Guidelines to Control Predatory Advertising Practices

    Key Takeaways

    1. Valve has introduced new guidelines to regulate how developers use the “Early Access” label.
    2. Developers are prohibited from hiding game content behind advertisements or rewarding users for watching ads.
    3. Valve encourages developers to use microtransactions and create additional content post-launch instead of ad-based monetization.
    4. Developers can still promote products within their games, despite regulations on ads.
    5. Valve’s guidelines aim to prevent money-hungry practices common in mobile gaming from spreading to PC games.

    After taking action against developers who improperly use the “Early Access” label, Valve has introduced important new guidelines to keep money-hungry free-to-play creators under control. According to GamingOnLinux, the company’s website now outlines clear rules regarding how developers should market their games.

    Key Guidelines on Advertising

    A major point is that developers are not allowed to hide game content behind ads. Furthermore, users shouldn’t be rewarded for watching advertisements to earn in-game items. These practices are common in many mobile games and have become a regular part of the industry.

    New Monetization Strategies

    Instead, Valve suggests that developers should focus on using microtransactions and creating additional content after launch, which is another issue that the gaming industry continues to deal with. Although this isn’t a major issue on PC, it’s reassuring to see Valve addressing it early on. However, developers who prefer to use these tactics can always turn to other platforms or choose to self-host their games.

    Advertising in Games Still Allowed

    Sadly, developers still have the option to promote products within their games. For example, Death Stranding incorporated Monster Energy branding subtly, while EA took a more blatant approach with full-screen ads in UFC 4. Thankfully, this type of advertisement hasn’t become popular, but if it ever does, Steam seems to be okay with it.

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  • Valve Targets Abandonware with New Steam Feature Update

    Valve Targets Abandonware with New Steam Feature Update

    Valve has made a low-key move on Steam that’s catching the attention of both gamers and developers. Now, Early Access games that haven’t been updated for months or even years are being highlighted, showing their latest update dates right below the ‘Early Access Game’ label. This small yet significant change seems aimed at boosting transparency and responsibility within the Early Access program.

    Spotlight on Heartbound

    One title under scrutiny is Heartbound. Gamers quickly voiced their concerns when Steam indicated it had gone 13 months without updates. The surprising part? Developer Pirate Software had actually shared an update in January 2025, but it was hidden away in an opt-in development channel not accessible to all players. This brings up a key question: what kind of updates does Steam really want from Early Access creators? And how can developers improve their communication about progress?

    Ripple Effects in the Community

    This adjustment is already creating waves. Some developers, likely wanting to dodge the dreaded “abandonware” label, have increased their communication with players. This might encourage studios to follow their roadmaps more closely and meet their commitments—a definite plus for gamers who spend their time and money testing these changing games.

    Unanswered Questions Persist

    Still, since Valve hasn’t officially rolled out this feature, several questions linger. Is there a specific standard for what counts as an “acceptable” update frequency? Will developers face repercussions if they concentrate on backend improvements or cater to niche communities instead of making visible updates? At this point, the absence of clear guidelines leaves a gap for speculation.

    All in all, this appears to be a positive move. The Early Access program has faced backlash for housing abandonware—games that developers have simply left behind, leaving players hanging. By introducing this level of accountability, Valve could be trying to restore player trust and clarify expectations for both developers and their communities.

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    Valve Targets Abandonware with New Steam Feature Update
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  • Tuning and Street Racing: New Steam Game Revives NFS Underground 2

    Tuning and Street Racing: New Steam Game Revives NFS Underground 2

    The Tokyo Xtreme Racer franchise, created by Genki Co., Ltd., has been a part of gaming for more than 30 years. It first appeared in Japan in 1994 under the name Shutokō Battle and made its way to Western audiences in 1996 as Tokyo Highway Battle. The series gained global fame with the release of Tokyo Xtreme Racer in 1999, but it gradually lost popularity by 2006 after several spin-offs were made for platforms like PS2, PSP, Game Boy Advance, and Xbox 360. Fast forward nearly 20 years, Genki is bringing back the series with a new spin, focusing more on gameplay rather than graphics. The visuals remind players of a title from the PlayStation 2 generation.

    Gameplay Dynamics

    In Tokyo Xtreme Racer, players immerse themselves in the life of a street racer aiming to gain fame on the expressways of Tokyo. The game emphasizes not only speed but also strategic driving. The Spirit Point Battle system introduces a Spirit Point bar for each racer. If a player falls behind or makes errors, their SP bar decreases quicker, while keeping a good lead helps to slow its reduction. When a driver’s SP bar reaches zero, they’re out of the race.

    Community Comparisons

    On Reddit, numerous users compare the revitalized game to the classic Need for Speed: Underground 2, which was released in 2004 and is still celebrated as one of the greatest tuning games. Customization is a significant aspect of Tokyo Xtreme Racer. Players can enhance performance with upgrades like turbo kits, improved gearboxes, and aerodynamic changes that increase speed. Additionally, adjustments to suspension and brakes can improve handling. Players also have the opportunity to customize their vehicles’ looks with body kits, wheels, and unique paint styles.

    Early Access Launch

    Tokyo Xtreme Racer entered Early Access on January 23 and has already garnered over 6,000 reviews, achieving a remarkable 95% “Overwhelmingly Positive” rating. The Early Access version is available on Steam for approximately $30 and presently offers around half of the story, 50 cars, and 180 km of roads to drive on. As of now, a final release date hasn’t been revealed.

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  • Oldschool MMO Experience Returns to Steam in Early Access

    Oldschool MMO Experience Returns to Steam in Early Access

    On December 13, Visionary Realms launched the MMORPG Pantheon: Rise of the Fallen in Early Access on Steam. This game is aimed at players who enjoy classic MMORPGs such as World of Warcraft Vanilla and EverQuest, providing a intentionally slow and difficult gameplay experience. The focus is on an open world, social interactions, and PvE content. Gamers can select from nine different races, including dwarves, elves, and gnomes, along with 14 classes like clerics, druids, and paladins. The game highlights several key features, such as:

    Classic Gameplay

    Pantheon intentionally skips modern features like quest markers and maps, putting a spotlight on mob grinding instead of quests, while implementing a slow leveling system. This design is likely to resonate well with fans of traditional MMOs.

    Mixed Reviews

    Currently, Steam reviews for Pantheon are somewhat mixed. Many players have pointed out the demanding system requirements, even with mediocre graphics and bland NPC dialogue. Some users express annoyance at the lack of a map, even though this fits the game’s central design philosophy. Overall, Pantheon has garnered a 75% positive rating from about 400 reviews.

    Pricing and Future Plans

    Pantheon: Rise of the Fallen is still evolving. The Early Access version is available for around $40 on Steam, allowing players to explore six large areas that include dungeons, unique monsters, and a crafting system with 10 different professions. The developers have plans for future expansions, which will introduce new classes, races, zones, visual upgrades, and gameplay mechanics.

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  • Path of Exile 2 – Top ARPG Rising on Steam Charts

    Path of Exile 2 – Top ARPG Rising on Steam Charts

    On December 6, Grinding Gear Games (GGG) introduced their new game, Path of Exile 2, into Early Access. This release comes exactly 11 years after the original game, allowing players to dive back into the dangerous, shadowy realm of Wraeclast. They will face towering bosses, relentless hordes of monsters, and a variety of magical dangers. After the lukewarm launch of its rival, Diablo 4, action RPG enthusiasts have been eagerly waiting for a noteworthy game, and the success of PoE 2 shows just how much they have been looking forward to it. Just three days post-launch, the game soared to the top of SteamDB’s Popular Releases chart, reaching a peak of 578,569 concurrent players, and it now stands as Steam’s best-selling game.

    Class Selection and Story Chapters

    In Early Access, players can select from six out of the twelve planned classes and enjoy three of the six story chapters. Staying true to the genre’s roots, the core of Path of Exile 2 is found in its endgame, which is fully available from the start. Players aim to forge their way through massive groups of monsters and powerful bosses, collecting strong gear to confront increasingly challenging tasks. Grinding Gear Games (GGG) seeks to maintain player engagement by adding procedurally generated areas, making sure that each forest or cave feels unique.

    Free-to-Play Model and Supporter Packs

    Similar to its predecessor, Path of Exile 2 will be free-to-play when it fully launches. For those who are impatient and don’t want to wait until 2025, there are three supporter packs currently available. These packs provide early access and include in-game currency that matches the value of the pack. The basic pack, available for $30 on Steam, offers 300 points, which can be spent in the in-game store on cosmetic items or enhancements like stash expansions. Right now, Path of Exile 2 can be played on PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S.

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  • Atlyss: New Action RPG with Zelda Vibes Tops Steam Charts

    Atlyss: New Action RPG with Zelda Vibes Tops Steam Charts

    The action RPG Atlyss, crafted by Kiseff and brought to life by KisSoft, launched into Early Access on November 23. This indie game plunges players into a strange fantasy realm teeming with bizarre creatures and uncharted terrains. Gamers start by picking one of five character classes (though only three are available during Early Access) and can engage in extensive character customization. The active classes—"Fighter," "Mystic," and "Bandit"—emphasize melee fighting, ranged assaults, and magical abilities. After selecting a class, players can roam through an open world that encourages free exploration.

    Enigmatic Adventures Await

    Players have the opportunity to discover mysterious sites, embark on quests, and battle various monsters. A standout feature is the dungeons, which include challenging puzzles and tough enemies, similar to the shrines found in The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild. The Early Access version already boasts two playable dungeons, with the "Rage Boar Dungeon" being notably tough and packed with demanding challenges.

    Dynamic Combat System

    The active battle system is highly praised, drawing comparisons to Zelda but with a more robust emphasis on particular play styles thanks to the class system. Atlyss also shares visual similarities with Nintendo’s beloved RPGs, yet it leans more towards older games like The Wind Waker or Twilight Princess.

    Seamless Gameplay Experience

    What distinguishes Atlyss is its smooth transition between single-player and multiplayer modes. Players can fully enjoy the world of Atlyss solo without missing out on any content. For those who enjoy playing with friends, the online mode can be activated at any moment. In this mode, players can tackle challenges together, explore dungeons, or engage in PvP matches against others.

    In conclusion, the action RPG concept appears to be gaining traction among players. It currently holds a remarkable 97 percent positive review rating (from 2,300 reviews), placing it at the top of the SteamDB chart in the "Hot Releases" category. As reported by SteamDB, Atlyss has achieved an impressive peak of over 10,000 players playing at the same time. The game is priced at $9.99 on Steam. The duration of the Early Access phase remains uncertain.

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  • Early Access to Realme UI 5.0 based on Android 14 Now Available for Realme 11 Pro 5G

    Early Access to Realme UI 5.0 based on Android 14 Now Available for Realme 11 Pro 5G

    Realme 11 Pro 5G Receives Early Access to Realme UI 5.0 based on Android 14

    Realme, the Chinese smartphone manufacturer, has fulfilled its promise by releasing the Realme UI 5.0 on schedule for the Realme GT 2 Pro. Following this, the update was made available for the Realme GT Neo 3 and GT Neo 3 150W. Now, Realme is continuing its rollout by offering the Early Access of Android 14 for Realme 11 Pro 5G users in India. This major update grants early access to all the features of Android 14 for the Realme 11 Pro 5G.

    Enrolling in the Update

    To enroll in the update, users can follow these steps:

    1. Go to Settings.
    2. Click on "About device."
    3. Select the "Realme UI 4.0" banner at the top.
    4. Click on the three dots in the top right corner.
    5. Choose "Beta program."
    6. Select "Early Access."
    7. Click on "Apply Now."
    8. Submit your details and complete the application.

    Before proceeding with the update, users must ensure that their device is updated to the required UI version: RMX3771_13.1.0.546(EX01). Once the device is updated, an Early Access enrollment option will be available. It is important for users to carefully read the application and tips, as well as review the update details.

    Changelog for Realme UI 5.0 based on Android 14

    The Realme 11 Pro 5G with Realme UI 5.0 brings several improvements and new features. Here are some highlights:

    1. Smart Efficiency

    • AI text service improvement: The update enhances the AI text service by automatically recognizing copied content and providing corresponding service recommendations. This allows users to access the desired service with just one tap.
    • Speech to Text update: The Speech to Text feature now supports highlighting key parts of a transcription, making it easier for users to navigate and access specific information.

    2. Cross-Device Connectivity

    • OWork synchronization improvement: The cross-device synchronization and efficiency of OWork, Realme's productivity app, have been enhanced.
    • Clone Phone enhancement: The update improves Clone Phone, which enables quicker device verification and data migration.
    • Shelf improvement: The Shelf feature now offers more widget recommendations, enhancing the user experience.

    3. Security and Privacy

    The Realme UI 5.0 update also focuses on security and privacy enhancements, ensuring a safer and more secure user experience.

    With the Early Access of Android 14, Realme 11 Pro 5G users in India can now enjoy the latest features and improvements offered by Realme UI 5.0. It is recommended for users to take advantage of this opportunity and provide feedback to Realme to further enhance the user experience.

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