Let’s look at the factors for and against buying an early access game.

Is There a Vertical Slice?

It needs to look, feel, and play more or less like what the developers intend.

A video game controller and a screen displaying a game catalog in the background.

Lucas Gouveia / How-To Geek |KateV28/ Shutterstock

Do the Developers Have a Roadmap?

Do they have a rough idea of when the game will be finished?

Many early access games are developed by small, inexperienced teams or even individuals.

The store page for the early access version of Manor Lords.

How Active Has Early Access Been?

Many games (arguably most)never make it out of early access.

That’s not an indictment.Game development ishard.It’s just the way things are.

What Are Reviewers Saying?

Do You Have a Good Reason to Get In Early?

Is it because there’s a lot of buzz around the game?

Is it because it’s particularly appealing to you?

Do you want to be involved in its development?

For most people, it’s best to simply wait for the game to be finished.

Few people like eating raw bread dough, not that there’s anything wrong with that.