Why Early Access?

“As a solo developer, I need the help of the community to build Traverse The Void into a great game. This is not just lip service. I am releasing a demo now to see how players respond, and to receive feedback, before I even consider entering Early Access and charging.”

Approximately how long will this game be in Early Access?

“Roughly three years. My goal is to fully explore what this game can be with the help of the community.”

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

“The full version of the game will be wildly different from the current version. I have barely scratched the surface of the terrain deformation mechanic, the traversal mechanics, and the level editor. While it is too early to talk specifically, below is a list of ideas I want to explore:

• Design multiple innovative uses of the terrain deformation tool.
  
• Improve movement mechanics and increase movement options for more satisfying running and climbing
  
• Open up the game to modding to greatly expand the possibilities.
  
• Develop innovative ways to discover levels.
  
• Numerous enemy types, obstacles, and platforming objects.
  
• Steam Workshop integration.
  
• Robust tools to build and edit terrain in the level editor.

Ultimately, my goal for the full version is to develop a mechanically rich terrain deformation tool and a host of traversal mechanics for satisfying movement, held together by a thriving community of players and thousands of player generated levels using innovative tools in a robust level editor...easier said than done right? We have our work cut out for us!”

What is the current state of the Early Access version?

“Pre-alpha. Refer to the "About This" section for features. Below is a specific list of the state of each feature.

• Level editor supports adding and removing: terrain, enemies, and health pickups.
  
• Level editor has following options: light direction, gravity scale, spawn and goal locations
  
• Terrain deformation tool has one type (arm canon to destroy terrain)
  
• Player locomotion system: climbing, walking, jumping
  
• One enemy type to place in levels

”

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

“The game will stay at its current price during Early Access, EXCEPT A ONE TIME INCREASE during Early Access if I add significantly more content to this game than I envision. I am looking for folks excited at the prospect of getting the game early and helping with the development; for those looking for a full experience it is best to wait on the full release.”

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

“I will use Discord as well as Steam’s forums to involve the community.

I figure Early Access works best when players and developers respect each others roles. My role is to respect the community, listen to what they are saying, and communicate what is happening with development. Similarly, it is the communitiy's role to offer feedback, let me know what is working and what isn't, trust my vision and grant me the space to take chances, experiment, and make mistakes. I hope to foster an environment in Discord where players discuss the game, as I believe this interaction can reveal many insights about the game to me as the developer. I will be available for direct discussion, announcements, and targeted feedback about new features. Discord is a new place for me, so I will be learning quite a bit from the community about how best to involve it.

Note: I will use beta branches for feedback during each new feature update. Additionally, I hope to have an experimental branch where I do weird stuff that may or may not ever make it into the game.”