Why Early Access?

“We have already built a lot of content that we feel is worth experiencing in VR. There is an intimacy and exhiliration to swimming with our turtles, dolphins, sharks, whales and giant shoals of fish that react to your presence. The included movement systems, environments and creatures are already complete or close to completion in most cases. We would like to share what we have made so far with the public while we continue to build in the remaining gameplay features and content that we have planned.

Rotech Digital currently have to take on other work to pay the bills, so development of Call of the Ocean is done part-time. If we see strong demand in the Early Access phase we will be able to focus fully on Call of the Ocean and the game will develop at a much faster pace as well as potentially expanding the scope of development.”

Approximately how long will this game be in Early Access?

“We estimate it will take around 6 months to complete our current vision for the game at current pace. If we were able to work full time on Call of the Ocean then we estimate 2 to 3 months until the game is out of Early Access.”

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

“The full version will have more gameplay mechanics such as treasure hunting puzzle trails, races, obstacles courses and other mini-games, equipment that can be discovered or bought to affect player movement abilities and wildlife behaviour. We also have plans for more wildlife, additional environment types, collectible treasures, and more refined graphics.”

What is the current state of the Early Access version?

“The existing game has a large map that is fully explorable via running, jumping, climbing and swimming with motion controls. This map has a mostly ancient Greece theme to the architecture and treasure, with the main exception being we also have a fully climbable pirate ship docked in one corner of the map!

We have two additional "VR experience" type maps for people who only have a few minutes to play or want to quickly demo VR to their friends and family. There are many many types of wildlife already in the game, from tiny seahorses and fish, through dolphins and turtles, up to huge sharks and whales. These creatures navigate the environment and react to the presence of each other and the player.”

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

“Yes, the game will be cheaper during Early Access.”

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

“We would like to get feedback from a wide range of people on our unique control system ideas, as well as hear what type of creatures and environments (both above and below the ocean surface!) that people would like to explore.”