PlayStation Now may be the next big feature to land on the PS4 this year, but it looks like Sony may be exploring the possibility of something else coming as well. Valve are already experimenting with Steam Early Access program and we can now confirm that Sony has already discussed the idea of a similar project landing on PS4.

It appears that this idea has already reached some PS4 owners though and we have seen that some are not sure if it is actually a good move or a bad move.

The idea of consumers having more input into games as they are being developed sounds really fantastic, almost a spin-off of a direct Kickstarter style scheme in the hands of every PS4 gamer with certain games.

For example, gamers would pay full price of the game in question and would be able to play it say 6 months before the intended full release of the game. Within this six months, you will be able to effectively test the game and offer feedback to the developer, allowing them to make the changes that you want to see moving forward.

It’s a system that is already in flow on Steam and here’s a quote from Sony’s Adam Boyes on the potential of it happening on PS4:

“We’re working through that right now. We’re internally discussing [what the list will] look like and what are the caveats. At what point does [a game meet standards of release]? We still at some point ensure that we’re being mindful of the consumer.” He continued further: “We don’t want somebody to stumble across that title and expect a full product, and have a negative experience. So it’s still a project that a lot of minds are considering. No details yet, but it’s something on the top of my mind every day.”

Would you really want to see it happen? Many Steam users have said that while the idea is very promising initially, some games that have released early as a result of Steam’s Early Access have been released in a ‘broken’ state – according to some gamers.

There’s also some concerns on one game in particular, called Warmachine which costs $65 and has been met with mixed reaction to say the least, so obviously these are some of the dangers that Sony will be thinking about too.

Remember that this is coming off the back of debatable prices for PlayStation Now, although we are confident that Sony will get it right after excellent feedback from the beta.

What are your thoughts on the PS4 getting an Early Access feature similar to what Valve are doing with Steam – would you give this your full support or not?