Escape from Playtime Enters Early Access with Expanded Multiplayer and Founder Rewards

The wait is over for fans of the Poppy Playtime universe, as the team behind the franchise has officially launched Escape from Playtime into Steam Early Access. According to the official announcement, this release marks the culmination of feedback gathered during the game’s recent Open Beta period.

New Co-op Mechanics and Roster

In direct response to community requests for larger group play, the developers have expanded the game’s scope to support 1-8 player co-op. The Early Access build includes all eight ‘Smiling Critters.’ Players can start as CatNap, Hoppy Hopscotch, Bobby Bearhug, or the newly added DogDay. The remaining four characters—CraftyCorn, KickinChicken, Bubba Bubbaphant, and PickyPiggy—can be unlocked through gameplay progression.

Cosmetics and Founder Bonuses

To celebrate the launch, the developers are introducing several cosmetic items. Players who own Project: Playtime and have played at least once will automatically receive a Project: Playtime Hoodie that can be equipped on any of the eight critters. Additionally, those who purchase the Midnight CatNap plush through the official website will unlock a corresponding in-game Midnight CatNap skin.

Perhaps most notably for early adopters, a ‘Founders’ Pack’ featuring exclusive alternate looks for all eight characters is available. The developers are offering this pack for free for the first 30 days of the Early Access period as a gesture of gratitude to the community helping to shape the game’s development.

Why it matters

For players, this Early Access launch represents a shift toward a more collaborative experience, with the transition to 8-player lobbies serving as the most significant mechanical change. Because the developers are explicitly framing this period as a collaborative effort to refine the game, those who jump in now have a direct opportunity to influence future updates through their feedback, much as they did during the Open Beta.

If you are planning to check out the game, be sure to grab the Founders’ Pack within the first 30 days of release to secure the exclusive cosmetic rewards at no cost. Keep an eye on the official store pages for further updates regarding content patches as the title moves through its Early Access lifecycle.