MICROSOFT: Console Early Access is happening

Steam’s popular (but controversial) Early Access program now has a console equivalent.

Xbox Game Preview will allow console gamers to buy games before they are completed and are still in active development.

Crucially, however, Microsoft wants to do this in, its own words, a way that makes sense” – that meaning it doesn’t want gamers paying out for titles that are never finished or don’t live up to their promises.

Therefore, all Xbox Game Preview titles will offer a free trial, allowing potential buyers to dip a toe in the water before handing over any cash.

Five games have been confirmed so far, four of which – Elite Dangerous, Shelter, The Long Dark and DayZ – are already available on PC. The fifth, Dean Hall’s Ion, is a new IP and is console exclusive to Xbox One, although it will also hit PC.