There are many different ways to find alpha, beta, or early access games. Let me share with you the ways that have worked for me:
1) Social Media: You can find games by searching Twitter, Facebook, Tumbler, and Pinterest. You will perform a search by typing alpha games, beta games, or new releases. If you are on these platforms, your friends might be talking about these games too. Go and see what their conversations are about to include screenshots from the game or video.
2) Steam is a platform where you buy games, connect with other gamers and even buy software. When you’re on Steam, go to the store and look for early access. If you want alpha or beta games, go to Steam Greenlight. This is where they are pitching the idea. Sometimes there are demos that you can try.
3) Another way to find games on Steam is if you are in a certain group, if you or a friend is a friend of the developer. They can also tell you what is available.
4) The same method in number 3 applies to the Slack and Discord chat platforms. Discord is pretty new. Slack may be pre-owned in case you haven’t heard of them.
5) Don’t forget to check crowdfunding sites like Indiegogo and Kickstarter. When you are on these sites, you can search for games. For example, if you go to Kickstarter.com, you would choose Explore. Then go to Categories. Once you choose Games, there are different types of games. You will need to read the different games and see if they have a demo to try. You may also have the opportunity to sign up for the alpha or beta game.
Another site that is not a crowdfunding; however, there is a place to find games in the alpha, beta, or early access stage called IndieDB. You don’t buy anything here. (Similar to Steam but without buying).
6) YouTube – Don’t forget to search. You can find games through your favorite YouTuber. Don’t forget about the other video platforms too.
7) For the reader, don’t forget to look at Blogs. Check gaming bloggers or even gaming news sites. There is a world of information that they share to include links.
8) A simple way that you may not have thought of is to perform a Google search. Let’s be honest; there are a lot of people who still use search engines.
9) The last way is to go to Reddit. Let’s see if there is a games or art forum. If not, do a search.
10) Don’t forget about the fun activities, like gaming events, which are strictly for gamers. What better way to find out about new games on the horizon.
You can find alpha, beta, and early access games just about anywhere. Don’t worry about finding and playing every last one of them. Alpha and beta games will always come out. Every game needs to be tested before it is released. Until the day you leave this world, there will always be alpha and beta games. Don’t stop going out and taking vitamin D. Your computer screen doesn’t count as vitamin D. There will always be games.