Why Early Access?

“Every port, fleet and rival power in the game runs on its own, and the way their trade, wars and politics play off each other only really shows over many playthroughs. The game is playable and fun today, and we want players in it now to help us tune that world and choose what to build next. We're a small team, and your feedback will shape where the game goes.”

Approximately how long will this game be in Early Access?

“We don't have a set date. We'll leave Early Access when the game has the features we set out to build and plays the way we want it to. We'd rather take the time to get it right than rush to a release date.”

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

“We plan to grow the game in a few directions:

• Diplomacy in your hands: declaring war, making peace and bringing other powers under your flag as vassals.
  
• A way to win: an endgame where one power finally rules the islands, and it could be yours.
  
• Defeat that isn't the end: being taken captive, and carrying on with another of your captains.
  
• More life at sea: enemies who strike their colors and surrender, new weapons and tactics, ships that wear down on long voyages, and contracts that put hard choices in front of you.
  
• A tutorial, more polish, sound and visuals, and a lot of balancing of the rival powers and the economy.

Plans may change along the way, and much of what comes next will depend on what you tell us.”

What is the current state of the Early Access version?

“The game is playable as an open-ended sandbox. You can found your own faction, trade between ports, take contracts, fight real-time sea battles, fit out and order ships, hire officers to command your squadrons, and conquer and govern islands, while the rival powers trade, fight and conquer around you.

Some things aren't in yet. You can't declare war or make peace yourself; the other powers decide that for now. There's no win condition, so the campaign is open-ended. Losing your fleet ends your game. Harbors are taken in an assault that resolves on its own rather than a battle you fight. There's no tutorial yet, and there is a single save slot.

Expect bugs, rough edges and regular balance changes. Some updates may require starting a new game.”

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

“We plan to raise the price when the game leaves Early Access. If you join now, you get the game at a lower price and every update along the way.”

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

“We read the Steam forums and our Discord, and that's where we want to hear what's working, what isn't and what you'd love to see. We plan to share what we're working on, ask for your input on what comes next, and let player feedback steer both the balance and the roadmap.”