Why Early Access?

“Fully designing and testing a game, especially an open-world one, takes a considerable amount of time. As a solo developer, I enjoy spending the time to craft interesting levels, enemies, bosses, and so forth. But I wish to involve the community in this process as I continue to integrate newer and more interesting content. Every step of the way, every new map, every new boss, every new piece of story, any and all content I design I want to involve the community in any way I can. I want this development to be a journey embarked amongst others interested in the game, not just myself. I have a lot of plans for this game, a lot of spells and bosses and worlds to design, and I wish to be able to continuously share them as progress ensues.”

Approximately how long will this game be in Early Access?

“A year or two minimum; with the majority of core design integrated, this makes the “engine” of the game able to run in a stable manner while newer content is developed. This means my central focus will be on new worlds, bosses, spells, RPG-elements, and playable units almost exclusively. My intended goal is to attempt to get a new significant piece of content pushed out every few months. In my grand design for the game I want enough content integrated to truly earn the “open world” title I’ve established for this project, and be a game which exhibits a challenging yet rewarding experience for the player.”

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

“The world I wish to design is vast and complicated. In the base state of the game, there is the sole environment, the Grove, with the basic starting Units: Disciples, Apprentices, Mystics. This world and this race are but the start of the Early Access version of the game. As development ensues, I wish to create worlds high up in the clouds, worlds enshrined in cryptic mystical jungles, worlds set in the vast sea, and worlds deep within the forests of the dead. Many new races will be accessible throughout this journey, all tying back into the central race of the Mystics. In addition, a heavy amount of story, lore, quests, and RPG-like elements are sure to come.”

What is the current state of the Early Access version?

“V1.0 is the first major release of the game in which all of the desired gameplay content is in: combat, movement, multiple maps, story, spell unlocking, and much more!

Demo 2.0 builds upon the start of Early Access, and now features a total of 3 Maps with an enhanced series of playable Units. These Units feature additional spells that can be used in a variety of ways. This version of the game depicts the versatility of spells at the player's disposal, coupled with the various new and powerful enemies the player must fight against.

Demo 1.0, the start of the Early Access, depicted a single map within the Grove with a limited series of controllable Units. With this baseline, the player learns to control their small squadron of Units, cast spells, dodge enemy attacks, and ultimately fight against a vast swathe of foes until they take on their first real challenge: Apprentice Dragon Barein, an army unto his own. This baseline depicts everything I wish out of the game, and offers a demo with a significant enough amount of content I would deem a player would get a good idea of what this game is and what it stands for just from the demo alone.”

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

“Price will gradually increase as additional content is integrated.”

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

“At the core of community involvement comes the Reviews and Community discussions, of which I will be checking regularly. But beyond that, I’ll be creating YouTube videos documenting major parts of the game’s development. In addition, various content will be posted on Twitter, Discord, and Reddit.

Lastly, feel free to send me an email with any questions or concerns you have.”