Why Early Access?

“It is very important to get as much feedback from the players as you can before the actual release of a game. I already got tons of great advice from the first testers, and I see how can it make the game even better if I listen to everybody's opinion and make all the important decisions after that.”

Approximately how long will this game be in Early Access?

“I would like to wrap up JamG by the end of 2015 with all the features and maps planned and focus on further development of some free DLCs, extra maps and game mods.”

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

“To add sound effects and some music is surely in the game's future. There are no parts in the levels that move on their own - not yet - and I have a lot of puzzles planned which are based on those. Better learning curve and more balanced puzzles will be the clear result of the Community's feedback based on Early Access. Leaderboards, controller support, Steam Achievements... lot of extra features which makes a game perfect.”

What is the current state of the Early Access version?

“There are 10 playable levels with 50+ puzzles and challenges at the moment.
If you buy this version, you might find bugs and glitches and some annoying unfinished things like:
- there are no sound effects or music.
It is just a matter of time to get it done, I'm just not there yet. I have been told that JamG is playable with any kind of music in the background, like your favourite songs.
- the learning curve is too steep at the moment.
After the first level it's like the Dark Souls of marble games. The reason for this is that when the puzzles were made, the main issue was to make them as different as possible and find a way that each solution needs a new approach.
- the mouse sometimes disappears in the menu.
You can still use the mouse if you alt+tab the game, set the mouse in the desired position, alt+tab back to the game and click. Sorry about that, this is a major bug and I'm working on a fix.
- you can get stuck between rails when you enlarge the ball.
This happens rarely but happens nonetheless. If you shrink back you get free again.
- there are minor graphics bugs.
Funny shadows mostly when you die and the level resets.
- ... for now that is all what I know about. Less than ACU at release, so yey! :)”

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

“There are different approaches for this. Some, like the developers of Don't Starve (kudos!) say Early Access should be cheaper because people playing with your buggy game and the least they can deserve for that is some discount. Planetary Annihilation (kudos!) developers put a higher price on Early Access versions, because it has a sense of exclusivity, that you can try and play the game before others, even with content that is not featured in the final version of the game.
Both are good points, and after long consideration I still cannot decide which one would I prefer as a player. I would say price be lower after JamG leaves Early Access, or it could be the same if there will be more than 12 maps on release. Of course, everyone who is involved in Early Access testing will see and play all 12 levels first from JamG as well as all the puzzles that might not be included in the final version, so that is something extra to look forward to.”

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

“I'm looking for you for support to fine-tune JamG, it's levels, learning curve and puzzle difficulties. I enjoy every minute of testing the game, but what might come easy to me, others might find that frustrating, boring, too easy or too challenging.
During development all the Unreal Engine 4 blueprints will be available on the game's website for everyone who is interested how the game is made behind the scenes.”