Why Early Access?

“Lost & Round (L&R) is a work in progress, and the work of one at that! Despite my best efforts, the process of creating this journey is one that takes time. It is my goal to bring a complete game to the Community as soon as possible--and one way to speed up the process is to incrementally release Io's journey in bits while gaining valuable player feedback along the way. Players interested in Early Access will be able to keep their access to the game build as it grows and updates, up to the point of becoming a fully-fleshed adventure!”

Approximately how long will this game be in Early Access?

“The goal is to release Lost & Round as soon as it has reached completion. Knowing well enough that the game development process has its fair share of bumps in the road, I expect L&R to remain in Early Access for a span of several months, leading into Summer 2021.”

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

“The first release of Early Access consists of Io's adventure through the first half of the game -- Worlds 0 to 5, approximately 50 levels. Early Access will encompass every build release before the second chapter containing Worlds 6 to 10 is completed. Once the main story is finished, the game will move from Early Access to the full version. Note that until the game moves to its final version, the later worlds in the game and their respective mechanics and story will not be available.

Ideally, the full version will have its bugs squashed and some lovely polish. Additional levels beyond the initial story are planned, but these will not come for some time.”

What is the current state of the Early Access version?

“Early Access consists of Io's adventure through the worlds of the Mother Cube:

• World 0 - Greyscale Depths (1 level)
  
• World 1 - Myriad Mountain (10 levels)
  
• World 2 - Desolate Plane (10 levels)
  
• World 3 - Horizon Seas (10 levels)
  
• World 4 - Blustery Heights (10 levels)
  
• World 5 - Crystal Drifts (10 levels)

Basic gameplay mechanics implemented include:

• Collecting Gems
  
• Camera Rotation
  
• Moving/Rotating Platforms
  
• Falling Sand
  
• Rising & Lowering Tides in Water Levels
  
• Floating Platforms in Water Levels
  
• Bouncy Cloud Pads
  
• Icy Terrain

Players may still encounter the occasional bug here or there, so please be warned!”

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

“The price of Early Access will be lower than the full version of the game, and as such its price will be reflective of the amount of content currently available. As more of the adventure is added to the game, the store price of Early Access will increase, but players who have purchased Lost & Round will be able to reap the rewards of every update along the way.”

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

“Lost & Round will thrive on the feedback of the Community. The voices of players, especially during the Early Access phase, will help shape the game in line with a vision shared by player and creator alike. Reviews of the game and feedback on the Steam Forums are both greatly valued! Or give a shout on Twitter @opensky_studios as well!”