Tag: Early Access

  • Subnautica 2: Solo Play Details and Co-Op Features Revealed

    Subnautica 2: Solo Play Details and Co-Op Features Revealed

    Key Takeaways

    1. Subnautica 2 will be primarily a single-player experience with co-op options for up to three friends.
    2. The game is set in a completely new world, offering fresh mysteries, creatures, and experiences.
    3. Players will have access to new and enhanced vehicles, but classic vehicles like the Cyclops and Seamoth will not return.
    4. Character customization will be available, with full options arriving after launch, while base building will feature expanded customization.
    5. The game will maintain the atmosphere of the original, including a silent protagonist to evoke a sense of wonder.

    Subnautica 2, the eagerly awaited follow-up to the popular survival game Subnautica, is gearing up for early access on PC and Xbox in 2025. Although the exact release date for early access hasn’t been confirmed yet, a recent Q&A session with Donya, the community manager, and Scott, known as Obraxis, the Creative Producer, provided insights into the setting, gameplay, and more.

    Concerns About Multiplayer

    Many fans of Subnautica were worried that the sequel might not capture the same feeling of fear and isolation as the first game, especially since Subnautica 2 will include multiplayer. However, Donya reassured fans that the game is designed primarily as a single-player experience, with co-op options available.

    “Subnautica 2 is made as a single-player experience, but you can also play it in co-op with up to three friends. So total, there can be four players including you,” the community manager noted. “You can still enjoy Subnautica 2 on your own,” she added, providing further reassurance to solo players.

    Gameplay Insights

    The Waterside Q&A video also revealed additional details about the game’s world, map, and gameplay features. A common question was if Subnautica 2 would take place on planet 4546B like the previous titles. “Subnautica 2 is actually set in a completely new world filled with fresh mysteries, creatures, and experiences,” Donya stated.

    Scott, discussing gameplay, indicated that the sequel will feature a larger map than both the original and Below Zero during early access. “We’re not quite sure yet just how big and how deep you can explore during Early Access,” the Creative Producer said.

    Transportation and Customization

    Regarding transportation, classic vehicles like the Cyclops and Seamoth will not return in Subnautica 2. Instead, players will have access to new and enhanced vehicles. “Although a large sub won’t be available right at the start of Early Access, rest assured that the team is diligently working on one,” Donya promised.

    Players will enjoy a more personalized experience as they can fully customize their characters within the game, a feature that was missing from the original. However, at launch, players will only have a few prebuilt character options, with full customization arriving at a later date.

    Base Building and Aesthetic

    The sequel is also set to expand customization options for base building. “You’ll be able to construct bases in shapes and styles that you’ve always envisioned while maintaining the beautiful Subnautica look,” Scott explained.

    While the sequel promises a more extensive map, novel settings, and upgraded vehicles, it will still include key elements like the silent protagonist. “We’re going back to having a silent protagonist in Subnautica 2,” Scott mentioned. Additionally, Subnautica 2 aims to deliver an “atmosphere that evokes the same sense of wonder as diving in for the first time.”

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    Subnautica 2: Solo Play Details and Co-Op Features Revealed

     

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  • New Sandbox MMO with Shapeshifting World Enters Early Access

    New Sandbox MMO with Shapeshifting World Enters Early Access

    Key Takeaways

    1. BitCraft Online is a sandbox MMO focused on world-building and terraforming, allowing players to change landscapes and build cities.
    2. A free gameplay preview is available on Steam until June 16, 2025, with official Early Access set for June 20, 2025.
    3. Community feedback has been largely negative, citing technical issues, disconnections, and slow gameplay pacing.
    4. Players have expressed dissatisfaction with point-and-click controls, preferring traditional WASD movement.
    5. The developers aim to use player feedback to improve performance, controls, and pacing before the Early Access launch.

    BitCraft Online is a sandbox MMO that allows players to shape a vast open world using a sophisticated terraforming system. We first shared news about this exciting MMORPG back in March. Unlike other games that focus on PvP battles or endless grinding, BitCraft Online emphasizes world-building. Players can change the course of rivers, flatten hills, and build entire cities. There are also twelve professions with in-depth progression, survival aspects like foraging, weather impacts, and a player-driven economy. All of this happens in one single, ongoing world without splits into different servers.

    New Phase for the Game

    The ambitious MMO is now entering an important stage. A free gameplay preview has been available on Steam since May 29, giving players a sneak peek of BitCraft Online. This trial aims to gather player feedback and refine the game ahead of its official Early Access release on June 20, 2025. The developers, Clockwork Labs, are using this time to improve core systems and address any concerns raised by the community before the full launch.

    Community Reactions

    The responses from the Reddit community have been mostly negative regarding the current preview of BitCraft Online. While some players appreciate the main idea and find its slower pace appealing—especially casual gamers—most of the feedback revolves around technical problems. Common issues include frequent disconnections, crashes, and subpar performance, even for those on high-end machines.

    Many players have expressed annoyance with the point-and-click controls, questioning the decision not to implement the more traditional WASD movement that is common in the genre. Furthermore, some feel the game’s pacing is too slow, with many in-game actions taking several minutes to finish, which can make the gameplay feel tedious and sluggish.

    Looking Ahead

    The primary aim of this preview is to collect gameplay feedback and spot bugs. Given this goal, it’s likely the developers will heed the community’s feedback and concentrate on enhancing performance, improving controls, and speeding up the game’s pacing in the weeks leading to the Early Access launch.

    Players can continue to experience BitCraft Online for free until June 16, 2025. While the game will be free-to-play at its full launch, Early Access will require a one-time fee of about $30. During the current preview, players can level their characters up to 10, but any progress made will not carry over—once the test is over, all data will be erased.

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  • Free on Steam: MOBA Roguelike Inspired by Classic Warcraft 3 Mod

    Free on Steam: MOBA Roguelike Inspired by Classic Warcraft 3 Mod

    Key Takeaways

    1. Innovative MOBA Gameplay: Sirocco offers a unique take on MOBA mechanics with no fixed roles, allowing players to modify abilities and focus on teamwork and positioning.

    2. Roguelike Features: The game incorporates roguelike elements, such as randomly obtained “Loom Coils,” which introduce variety and new tactical opportunities in each match.

    3. Early Access Feedback: Launched on May 2, Sirocco has received positive reviews, with 80% of approximately 150 Steam reviews praising its fresh approach and enjoyable naval battles.

    4. Free-to-Play Model: Sirocco is free to play and will remain so post-launch, making it accessible to a wider audience.

    5. Criticism and Improvement Areas: Players have noted a lack of depth in weapon and progression systems, a superficial tutorial, and technical issues like latency and frame rate drops.

    Sirocco is a free-to-play MOBA crafted by Lunchbox Entertainment Inc., immersing players in intense 5v5 naval combats that draw inspiration from the classic Warcraft 3 mod, Battleships. In that original custom map, players equipped their ships with various gear, fought at sea, and worked to destroy enemy bases. Sirocco takes that concept and adds roguelike features along with a significant emphasis on teamwork. The result is a contemporary twist on a beloved classic, merging fast action with strategic elements.

    A New Approach to MOBA Gameplay

    While Sirocco fits into the MOBA category, it deviates from the usual norms. There are no fixed roles or strict counter systems – players have the liberty to modify their abilities as the game progresses, enabling dynamic strategy alterations during matches. Ships are fitted with auto-firing weapons, which shifts the focus of gameplay away from precise aiming or last-hitting, highlighting the importance of smart positioning and close team coordination. Roguelike aspects, like the randomly obtained “Loom Coils,” introduce additional variety. These in-game upgrades provide active or passive effects, ensuring that each round offers new tactical chances.

    Early Access and Future Plans

    Sirocco entered Early Access on May 2 and is entirely free to play. The developers anticipate this phase will last between 12 and 16 months, and the game will continue to be free even after its official launch.

    Sirocco has amassed approximately 150 reviews on Steam, with 80% of these being positive. According to SteamDB, the game has reached a peak of around 880 concurrent players. Steam users commend it for its innovative approach to the MOBA genre, especially its naval battles and a more leisurely pace, which makes it feel less overwhelming compared to major titles like Dota 2 or League of Legends. The smooth Early Access launch and the easy-to-access free-to-play model are also frequently mentioned as highlights.

    Criticism and Areas for Improvement

    On the downside, Sirocco has been critiqued for its lack of depth. Many players believe the weapon and progression systems are too simplistic, featuring only two weapon slots and limited build options, which doesn’t measure up to the complexity of the original Warcraft 3 mod. Numerous in-game choices seem to have low impact, resulting in repetitive gameplay. Other prevalent issues voiced by players include a superficial tutorial, a cluttered user interface, and technical problems like increased latency and frame rate drops.

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  • New Single-Player MMO in Early Access: Players Are Loving It

    New Single-Player MMO in Early Access: Players Are Loving It

    Key Takeaways

    1. Unique Gameplay Features: Erenshor uses AI-controlled SimPlayers instead of human players, allowing them to level up, gather loot, and organize raids independently.

    2. Community and Feedback: The game has a friendly community, no microtransactions, and is developed by a solo creator who actively considers player feedback.

    3. Nostalgic Appeal: Players appreciate the nostalgic feel of the game, drawing comparisons to classics like EverQuest and RuneScape, making it suitable for solo play.

    4. Early Access and Pricing: Priced at $20 with a 10% launch discount until April 21, players receive access to four classes, a large world, and extensive content for the price.

    5. Current Limitations: Issues include an outdated interface, clumsy controls, tedious conversation mechanics, imprecise combat, and criticisms of the game world’s graphics and design.

    Erenshor is a single-player MMO that takes place in a vast fantasy realm, featuring four unique classes: Arcanist, Druid, Duelist, and Paladin. In this world, AI-controlled SimPlayers take the place of human gamers. They level up, gather loot, and independently organize raids. These SimPlayers emulate genuine player actions, forming guilds and communicating, affecting the game environment. The towns and factions react dynamically based on the player’s choices, and any NPC can be attacked, leading to consequences. The demo of Erenshor received positive feedback, and on April 14, the game entered Early Access. Just two days later, it had amassed over 250 reviews on Steam, with 93% being favorable. SteamDB shows that the MMO has surpassed 1,000 concurrent players at peak times, indicating a strong community interest.

    Nostalgic Appeal

    Reviews highlight that players particularly value Erenshor’s nostalgic feel, making comparisons to iconic games like EverQuest and RuneScape. As a solo MMORPG, it attracts individuals who may have limited time or prefer to play alone without the pressure of participating in online groups. The lack of microtransactions, a friendly community, and a committed solo developer who actively considers feedback are often praised. Nevertheless, the game has its issues. The interface and controls are frequently described as clumsy and outdated, and it lacks quality-of-life features such as quest trackers and minimaps. Conversations can sometimes require players to type specific words, which may feel tedious. Combat is another area of concern, featuring imprecise auto-attacks and no clear aggro system. While the SimPlayers are a notable highlight, their behavior can come off as overly scripted. Some players also view the world as too barren and the graphics as old-fashioned or unattractive.

    Pricing and Content

    Erenshor is currently in Early Access, priced at $20. However, until April 21, Burgee Media is offering a 10% launch discount, reducing the price to about $18. For this amount, players receive a solid foundation: four playable classes, a vast world comprising over 36 unique zones, more than 800 items, and hundreds of different NPCs. The current level cap is set at 35, which will also be the maximum at launch. The developer estimates that playtime will range from 100 to 150 hours, but those who want to optimize their characters might invest even more time. The Early Access period is anticipated to last approximately 18 months. For those who are unsure, a free demo is available to test the game before making a purchase.

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  • Steam Reviews Critique Path of Exile 2 Dawn of the Hunt Update

    Steam Reviews Critique Path of Exile 2 Dawn of the Hunt Update

    Key Takeaways

    1. Path of Exile 2 has seen increased player numbers since the Dawn of the Hunt update, but ongoing complaints could hinder growth.
    2. Players are frustrated with overly powerful enemies and a slow progression system, leading to mixed reviews on Steam.
    3. The game, launching in early access in December 2024, emphasizes strategic combat and intricate skill trees but has weakened skills in the recent update.
    4. Negative reviews are rising, focusing on long boss fights, weak player attacks, and technical issues like frame rate drops and crashes.
    5. Community concerns highlight the challenges of early access games, with players seeking a balanced and fulfilling progression experience.

    Path of Exile 2 has seen a rise in players since the release of Dawn of the Hunt on April 4th. However, this growth could be hindered if complaints about the update persist. The main issues revolve around overly powerful enemies and an already slow progression system that has become even more frustrating. Recent reviews of Path of Exile 2 show these concerns, resulting in mixed ratings on Steam.

    Early Access and Comparisons

    Launching in early access in December 2024, Path of Exile 2 is an action RPG often likened to the Diablo series. Yet, there are crucial differences, including POE 2’s focus on more strategic and deliberate combat. Fans of Grinding Gear Games enjoy the intricate skill trees that allow for distinct character builds. The recent update has weakened various skills, causing many players to consider starting fresh characters. Unfortunately, some gamers feel that this effort may not be worth the time.

    Mixed Reviews Persist

    Overall, Path of Exile 2 still holds mostly positive reviews on Steam. But the number of negative ratings is increasing. One highly read review criticizes the duration of boss fights and the lack of power in player attacks. Another concern involves frame rate drops and crashes that emerged with the Dawn of the Hunt release. Grinding Gear Games has implemented several hotfixes aimed at resolving the most urgent issues, but other problems might take longer to fix.

    Community Concerns

    The backlash regarding the recent changes in Path of Exile 2 emphasizes the challenges players encounter with early access games. Major gameplay modifications are common since the title is still being developed. Ideally, Grinding Gear Games will create a fulfilling sense of progression without overwhelming players. Striking that right balance can be tough and causes confusion about what players can expect from the final version of the game.

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  • New Dealer Simulation Tops Steam Charts with 99% Positive Reviews

    New Dealer Simulation Tops Steam Charts with 99% Positive Reviews

    Key Takeaways

    1. Positive Reception: Schedule I entered Early Access on March 24 and received around 1,800 reviews, with 99% being favorable.

    2. Gameplay Overview: Players act as drug dealers in Hyland Point, starting with no money or connections, and must grow plants and manage their operations.

    3. Exploration and Strategy: The game allows exploration of Hyland Point, requiring players to build networks, establish trade routes, and prepare for conflicts with rival cartels and police.

    4. Engaging Mini-Games: The developer has incorporated mini-games for tasks like planting and harvesting, adding depth to the gameplay.

    5. Pricing and Demo: The game is priced at $20, currently available for $16.99 with a 15% launch discount, and a free demo is offered for players to try before buying.

    We recently talked about Schedule I, a simulation game about drug dealing that gained attention on Steam with its demo version. On March 24, the game officially entered its Early Access phase and has received a very positive response since then. Just a day after its release, Schedule I had gathered roughly 1,800 reviews, with an impressive 99% of them being favorable. At the time of this writing, it was also occupying three top positions on SteamDB, ranking high in categories like “Trending Games,” “Popular Releases,” and “Hot Releases.”

    Dive into Hyland Point

    In Schedule I, players take on the role of drug dealers in the dilapidated coastal town called Hyland Point. You start with zero money and no connections, just a small-time dealer aiming to hit it big. Your adventure kicks off in a rundown motel room, which serves as your secret base, where you begin to grow your first plants discreetly. Getting started requires hands-on effort—literally. Players must care for the soil, select the right seeds, manage lighting, keep an eye on growth, and handle the harvest all by themselves. The developer, TVGS, has turned these chores into engaging mini-games, adding a layer of depth to the grind.

    Building Your Empire

    However, cultivating plants is only the start—achieving success demands more than just a knack for gardening. Players must establish a network, recruit their initial crew, and oversee the distribution of their products. The expansive world of Hyland Point is available for you to explore, whether you prefer walking, driving, or even skateboarding—exploration is rewarding. The more strategic your trade routes, the better your operations will run. But remember, the city isn’t just yours. Competing cartels are looking to claim your territory, and the police are always a looming danger. Conflicts can erupt at any moment and are resolved using fists, makeshift weapons, or firearms. To stay on top, you’ll need to be prepared for anything.

    Pricing and Availability

    TVGS, the developer and publisher, has set the standard price of Schedule I at around $20. To celebrate the launch of Early Access, the game is currently offered at a 15% discount, lowering the price to $16.99. Not sure if it’s the right fit for you? The free demo allows you to try it out before making a purchase.

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  • 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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  • 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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