Why Early Access?
“To be frank, I need help finishing this game up. I've been working on it solo for about six years and the end is in sight! For quite some time, people have been asking me how they can support the game or do some form of preordering (including asking me directly to launch the game in Early Access). Early Access looks like it fits my needs perfectly, and allows those looking to support a means to do so (and if you decide to do so or already have, thank you!).
As someone developing this project solo and independently, it lives and dies on word of mouth. I believe Early Access will help give this game its best shot.
Clearing up any hardware issues and optimization problems I can from player feedback is also a concern to me, not to mention rooting out bugs and any general unpleasantness lurking in the game's engineering.
And tuning! Lots of tuning as far as gear stats, player stats and enemy balance. Getting feedback from new people and fresh eyes on this thing will hopefully work wonders when it comes to balancing the game's deeper RPG elements.”
Approximately how long will this game be in Early Access?
“I reckon I have around 3 to 4 months left of content work (more enemies, armor, weapons, areas, etc.). This is subject to change based on any issues I run into during development, though most of the game's systems are in and working, and the game just needs more content.
I hope to hit full release before the year is over.”
How is the full version planned to differ from the Early Access version?
“The finished game will have a complete critical path and main story to play through, as well as a completed worldmap, more dungeons, gear, enemies and bosses. Basically a lot more content.
I also plan on making use of as many of Steam's features as possible that fit the game (achievements, trading cards, cloud saves, etc.).
There are many ideas for content that I would love to include in the game, during Early Access and post launch.”
What is the current state of the Early Access version?
“The current version of the game offers anywhere from 5-15 hours of content, depending on how difficult a player may find parts, desire to grind and explore, etc. About half of the worldmap is accessible. The main story and critical path of the game cannot be completed yet. Nearly every system is complete and working in the Early Access version (crafting, alchemy, dialogue system with skillchecks, perk system from mastering gear, etc.).”
Will the game be priced differently during and after Early Access?
“There is no planned difference in price.”
How are you planning on involving the Community in your development process?
“During development, I have gotten a lot of great feedback from early backers and folks playing the free demo via my livestream where I work on the game. Interactions on the Discord, feedback submissions via email, comments on social media - I listen and read it all; certain things even wind up in the game (Stepping on enemies that are impaled on spikes and driving them deeper onto the spike is one of my favorite examples)!
Feedback and interaction from any and all of these channels is welcome and encouraged!”
)
