Why Early Access?

“As lifelong fans of the Ghost in the Shell: Stand Alone Complex franchise as well as the FPS genre this project is really close to our hearts at Neople.

To really create an experience that not only brings to life the rich and exciting world portrayed in the anime, but also delivers an exciting and competitive gameplay experience, we want to work closely with our community to develop the game we all want to play.

Our goal is for First Assault to become the definitive tactical team-based shooter, by working closely with the community throughout Early Access to listen to and incorporate their feedback into the final game design.

During the Early Access program for First Assault, our commitment to you is to maintain an open communication loop, sharing content and update news as well as discussing ways we can improve the game.

With your input and support we will create a game truly worthy of the Ghost in the Shell: Stand Alone Complex franchise.”

Approximately how long will this game be in Early Access?

“We want to ensure that our players have the best possible experience when the game goes live so we are planning to take our time in Early Access, working with the community to improve and enhance the gameplay experience. We anticipate a full release some time in 2016.”

How is the full version planned to differ from the Early Access version?

“At Early Access launch the First Assault core experience will be in place, but the game will continue to evolve and grow throughout the development process. As time goes on we will add more to the game, which could include new maps, modes, characters, weapons and other content based on community feedback.

A lot of future content will be determined by our community in Early Access, but core features
currently planned include:

• Additional characters with all-new CyberSkills.
• Additional game modes.
• Additional maps based on locations from the Stand Alone Complex anime.
• Additional primary, secondary and melee weapon types.
• Cosmetic skins for weapons and characters.
• Lots of bug fixes, balance passes and improvements based on player feedback.”

What is the current state of the Early Access version?

“At Early Access launch players can expect the core gameplay experience to be in place including several unique characters, three initial game modes (Team Deathmatch, Terminal Conquest, and Demolition), five maps based on iconic locations from the anime, many weapons, initial augment and weapon attachment systems and basic matchmaking and progression systems.

During the Early Access phase the game will be regularly updated and iterated upon with new content, balance changes and bug fixes and improvements sourced from community feedback.”

Will the game be priced differently during and after Early Access?

“During this phase players will be able to buy instant access through the Steam Early Access program by selecting one of four available packs, each including exclusive in-game bonus content (with a value higher than the pack price).

At full launch the current plan is for First Assault to be a Free-to-Play title with optional in-game cash purchases for convenience and cosmetic items.”

How are you planning on involving the Community in your development process?

“Involving our community in every stage of Early Access is of the utmost importance to us. To help share our vision for the game, we will hold regular Q&As and AMAs with the community as well as publishing detailed patch notes and insights into our content plans and development process.

In addition to this, the dev team will regularly interact with the game’s community both on our forums over at http://www.FirstAssaultGame.com and the Steam community forums to gather player feedback, suggestions and more.”