Steam Early Access releases rise as player expectations increase

The number of video games entering Early Access on Steam has increased sharply in 2026, GamesIndustry.biz and GameDev.net reported. Data from tracking website SteamDB shows that 2,924 Early Access games launched on the Valve platform by mid-October 2026. That represents an 18 percent rise compared to 2025 and a 60 percent increase from 2020. Early Access is a model where players pay for pre-release builds to support ongoing development while providing feedback. [1][7][9]

GamesIndustry.biz reported that Early Access titles accounted for 13.7 percent of all Steam releases in 2026. This share has steadily grown from 10.4 percent in 2024 and 11.3 percent in 2025. As release volumes grow, industry developers noted that creators must treat early debuts like full commercial launches to meet rising player expectations. [1]

Several upcoming titles are preparing for or adjusting their early releases. Gematsu and MMORPG.com reported that developer XLGAMES will release open-world action MMORPG ArcheAge Chronicles in Early Access on PC via Steam on November 3 at 3:00 p.m. PT for $29.99. Meanwhile, IGN, GameSpot, and Bleeding Cool News reported that developer Cygnus Cross delayed the Early Access launch of action RPG Emberville from October 27 to January 7, 2027, to implement improvements. [2][3][4][6][8]

Additionally, COGconnected reported that multiplayer title Scramble Knights Online is launching in Early Access on PC and Xbox Series X/S. Early Access remains a standard approach for independent studios seeking funding outside traditional publisher backing. [5][9][10]