How Major Publishers Adjusted Early Access Offers in 2026
In 2026, several major publishers changed their early-access offerings for big releases. Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4's digital standard edition allowed campaign access on October 16 ahead of its October 23 launch, with other modes unlocking later. NBA 2K27's $100 edition offered up to nine days of early access, an increase from NBA 2K26's seven days, while Sony and Nintendo generally avoid selling early access and GTA VI has no early version.
Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4’s $70 digital standard version let buyers begin the campaign on October 16, a week before the October 23 street date. Its DMZ component opened October 20, while the remaining multiplayer arrived three days later. The arrangement applied to digital pre-orders, which can yield stronger margins for publishers.
NBA 2K27’s $100 edition provided as many as nine days of advance play before its September 4 debut, up from seven days for NBA 2K26. Forza Horizon 6’s $120 premium edition offered the same four-day head start and two-expansion prepayment as Forza Horizon 5’s $100 premium edition.
These pricing choices may affect players most directly, as some could feel encouraged to spend more for earlier play or digital extras. Publishers may gain stronger early sales signals and revenue, potentially shaping future release timing and edition tiers. The approach could also create uneven experiences, since those who wait pay less but miss launch conversations. Because some platform holders avoid selling early access, its social and market effects may remain fragmented rather than universal.