Why Early Access?

“Sauna2000 was funded by successful Kickstarter campaign back in 2020 with the help of over 500 amazing backers. After that the game has been in development and gained fans all over the world, who have embraced the SAUNA and continue to motivate and inspire us every day. We believe that to make the best game possible is to get constant valuable feedback from the players and use that in EA on what our players want to see in the full release.”

Approximately how long will this game be in Early Access?

“After about a year of early access, we intend to launch the full version. We will be releasing content in three separate patches. Upon completion, every update patch adds another "day" to the "weekend" long experience. The game's story unfolds over three days, but it doesn't actually last for three days. The game will be done, when its done and we are eager to publish the roadmap for upcoming content with the launch of EA!”

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

“For full version of Sauna2000 we plan to have over 30 voiced and acted NPCs implemented with story-arcs and twists of their own. At the launch of EA will have around 10 NPCs. Most of the core features will be in EA, but for an example: it will not have all the different endings full game has. Some of the gameplay features are linked with timeline that advances in-game, and with EA (that has the first day available) all of them are not present at launch.
Planned gameplay features:

• Fishing competition, orienteering competition, karaoke gameplay, over 10 original songs, Original songs can be found in game as C-cassette tapes that the player can then listen to on their in game walkman. Bicycles for faster travel, 5 separate planned horror environments and scenarios that will take the story to disturbing depths. Just make sure you don't bring anything back from these realities.
  Different types of saunas and other traditional midsummer activities of Finland.
  

Some of the gameplay features, that are linked with advancing of the timeline in game are not present at the launch of EA.”

What is the current state of the Early Access version?

“"Perjantai-Versio (Friday-Version) that we launch our early access with has one out of three weekend days full of fun stuff to do available at launch. Discover your neighbors' stories as you attempt to figure out who stole your sauna heating equipment. In the course of the day, you can help neighbors and borrow tools and sauna heating necessities from them, so you can heat your sauna for Friday evening! Get acquainted with Finnish sauna traditions as you chop logs with an ax, gather water from the lake, and heat the sauna! Visit the gas station, or buy your groceries from the bus-market, Jarmo's store on wheels! There are also some eerie secrets hidden in the forests, that will lead you to all new worlds if you investigate your surroundings carefully. Just be cautious, not to get pulled under by the dark forces! The Friday scenario has multiple endings that will take you to many unexpected journeys, even to some multidimensional expeditions. We'll keep adding content during EA for feedback and testing.”

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

“Our current plan is that pricing will be increased after the full game is released. Meeting the high-quality standards we have set for ourselves having higher revenue from the sale will help us to implement all the free seasonal expansions post release.”

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

“Sauna2000 project came to life in 2020 thanks to the trust and love of our Kickstarter backers (thank you!) and now approaching to EA launch our commitment to the backers and new fans has never been stronger. Though we have strong vision for the game, our goal is to develop the project together with our community and maintain a healthy relationship between developers and those that take the time to give us valuable feedback to make the best game possible.

We currently use our Discord server and Steam forums as our primary ways to keep in touch with our community. Players are welcome to give us suggestions and feedback there & meet the dev team! Please use (discord kanavalle nimi feedback ja ehdotukset) and we can´t wait to see what the perkele you guys can come up with!”