How to get early access to game demos and releases
Like test driving a car, many people like to know what they're getting in advance. Here's how to get early releases of new games.
1. Sign up for newsletter
No one wants spam to fill up their inbox, but signing up for newsletters can get you some early game releases. However, it takes a structured approach.
To keep things organized, use Gmail to create labels. Sometimes they'll be ads, sometimes they'll be something worth checking out. If you want, you can unsubscribe from newsletters if you don't get any good information. Take it a step further with a disposable email.
2. Support crowdfunding projects
Crowdfunding projects are another great way to get early access and demos for games. Now, it's worth noting that, unlike Steam, you have to stretch your faith a little bit with crowdfunding projects. First of all, Pillars of Eternity is a perfect example of this fun fact – you get early access to the beta if you donate enough (and the donations are very affordable).
This is a great way to get started on a game in development. In fact, your participation can influence the game. Sometimes, your input can lead to a whole new feature!
Be wary of scams, though, and use the same warning signs as any crowdfunding site in general. Also note that donating doesn't necessarily mean you'll get early access. Read all the fine print for details!
3. Pre-order the game
When you pre-order a game, early access is often a given. For example, Starfield and Diablo 4 are two games that if you pre-order, you get access a few days earlier than everyone else. Regardless of the dirty tactics used to get you to pre-order a game, this is still a viable option for getting early access.
If that changes your mind, there are a few things to keep in mind. First, make sure you order before the early access launch date. Finally, you may encounter server issues and errors with the trials.
4. Check online stores
Instead of letting early access games and demos trickle down to you, why not be proactive? Online stores, from Android to PC, have varying levels of options for such experiences, including alphas and betas to sign up for.
Steam and GOG are both great for a work in progress, especially Steam. Steam has demos and early access titles as tags in the Categories drop-down menu. GOG also has an early access tag, but you'll have to use the search function for demos.
On console, the options are a bit more limited. At least it's much easier to find demos and early access games on PC. The same goes for games on Google Play or the App Store. However, mobile games tend to be free-to-play, so they always feel like they're being developed over time.
However, before signing up for the early access program, make sure you know the pros and cons of these types of games.
Whether you're impatient or just want to experience a game that's been in development for a while, early access titles and demos aren't hard to find. Online stores are where most people go, but you can use all of the above methods at some point.
You should read it
- What is a demo? The meaning of the demo word
- Free demo of super HOT football game - PES 2019, invite download and experience
- There is an eFootball demo: PES 2020 free on SteamReal, invite download and experience
- Download the Forza Horizon 4 demo, 4K Ultra HD racing game for free on the Windows Store
- How to Download Minecraft for Free
- There are FIFA 19 Demo versions and it's free, please download and experience
- DEMO ASEAN Events 2014 - Products for major events
- Middle-earth experience offer: Shadow of War is free on Steam through the DEMO version
- The most memorable game leak of the village - P.1
- Download the demo version of Windows 8 to explore
- The website offers free games
- There was a free version of the popular FPS game CS: GO, invited to experience
Maybe you are interested
The factory 'panning' gold from old electronics is nearly 4,000 m2 wide
Samsung launched a 9-minute rechargeable battery that travels nearly 1,000 km and has a lifespan of 20 years
This exoplanet is half day and is nearly 800 degrees Celsius hot
Threads social network reached more than 175 million regular users after nearly a year of launch
AMD Radeon 800M iGPU with 16 RDNA 3.5 cores scores more than 3600 points in 3DMark Time Spy, nearly equal to RTX 2050 Perf
Scientists 'hack' the Solar Orbiter spacecraft camera to see the sun more clearly