Video games that enter early access have many advantages over similar titles due to potential for marketing, feedback, and community. With the next game in the Astroneer series entering early access soon, the team has taken the time to lay out their reason for doing so along with what they intend to receive during the period. Developed by System Era Softworks and published by Devolver Digital, Starseeker: Astroneer Expeditions promises to be lighthearted game about expeditions and playing with friends. To coincide with the announcement of upcoming early access, the team has also released a new trailer for the game.
The blog post regarding the game’s early access begins by detailing how the team intends to change how they used their early access period, turning it from a pre-Alpha test to a polished product meant to see what elements players engage most with. The post also details the general gameplay loop that the early access will encourage. Players will be able to meet up with friends for multiplayer aboard the ESS Starseeker before being sent down to the planet Tephra to complete various missions. By completing these missions within the sandbox world, players will be able to uncover the main story of the game.
In addition to the coming early access for the game, players also received a roadmap detailing the coming development for Starseeker: Astroneer Expeditions. Each month after release, a new update will come, adding new regions, events, story content, equipment, and mechanics to the game. The trailer gives a look at what it will look like in the meantime, showcasing gliding, swimming, and combat mechanics.
For many games, the early access period offers benefits to both players and developers, letting players experience a game early while giving the developers valuable feedback for the finished product. Players will have the chance to play the early access build for Starseeker Astroneer Expeditions on June 11th.