early access
Before official release
Early access describes a release strategy where customers can use a product—typically software or video games—before its official launch, often in an unfinished state.
Buyers get the product sooner but accept bugs and missing features: The game is available in early access on Steam.
Publishers gain funding and feedback during development.
The term sometimes applies to exclusive preview periods for subscribers or premium customers.
- betaGreek alphabet's second letter
- closed betaInvite-only software testing
- open betaPublic prerelease testing phase
- previewAdvance showing sample
- first lookInitial viewing opportunity
preorder · day one · exclusive · launch · testing · demo · alpha · unlock · founder · supporter · backer · steam · indie · buggy · unfinished · work in progress · anticipation · hype
- game developmentgame engine, game design, game engines, game designer, rendering
- Exclusiveslimited editions, rare items, exclusive rights, sneak peeks, pre-release
- gamingvideo games, buff, games, PlayStation 4, gameplay
- accessauthorization, credentials, password, passcode, permission slip
- loyalty programspoints, rewards points, loyalty card, punch cards, points system
- Premium Featuresad-free, cloud storage, exclusive content, HD streaming, family sharing
early, access, earlier, earliest, earliness, accessible, accessibility, inaccessible, accessing