Valve has expanded Steam to give users access to in-progress games so they may give feedback to designers.

Steam Early Access allows players to purchase and play in-development titles (or simply download them if they are free), and then give feedback, participate in discussions, post screenshots, and write guides.

“These are games that evolve as you play them, as you give feedback, and as the developers update and add content,” said the company.

“We like to think of games and game development as services that grow and evolve with the involvement of customers and the community.

“There have been a number of prominent titles that have embraced this model of development recently and found a lot of value in the process.

“We like to support and encourage developers who want to ship early, involve customers, and build lasting relationships that help everyone make better games. This is the way games should be made.”

Purchasing early access was not the same as a pre-purchase, Valve added.

“Early Access is a full purchase of a playable game. By purchasing, you gain immediate access to download and play the game in its current form.”

The following games are available now through the Early Access Games portal:

1… 2… 3… KICK IT! (Drop That Beat Like an Ugly Baby)
Arma 3
Drunken Robot Pornography
Gear Up
Gnomoria
Kenshi
Kerbal Space Program
Kinetic Void
Patterns
Prison Architect
StarForge
Under the Ocean