Early access (also known as alpha access, alpha founding, paid alpha, or game preview) is a funding model in the video game industry by which consumers can play a game during its pre-release development cycles—such as pre-alpha, alpha, and/or beta—while developers use those funds to continue further development.
Definition
Early access is a funding model in which players can buy into and play an unfinished game before its full release. In exchange, developers receive funding to continue development while players help debug the game, provide feedback and suggestions, and may gain access to special materials within the game.
Context
The early-access approach is a common way to obtain funding for indie games, and it may also be combined with other funding mechanisms, including crowdfunding. Many crowdfunding projects promise access to alpha and/or beta versions as development progresses; however, unlike some of these projects which solicit funds but do not yet have a playable game, all early access games offer an immediately playable version of the unfinished game.
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