Why Early Access?

“Making a pro wrestling game turns out to be quite the task for a solo developer's hobby project. Thanks to the massive support of and regular playtesting with close friends, I have come a long way building this game from scratch. After several years now, a foundation has been laid and the current state of the game is a valid demonstration of what it is going to be.

However, this is not a complete game yet, Early Access is my idea of paving the way. I'd like for the community to get a peek of what's brewing and help me make this the fun casual wrestling game that the world deserves. There is in an infinite range of ideas and possibilities, but these need the foundation to be as solid and stable as possible. For this, your feedback is needed!”

Approximately how long will this game be in Early Access?

“I plan on splitting Early Access into two phases. During the first phase, the focus will be on getting the game stable, meaning that crashes and game-breaking bugs should be the absolute exception. The second phase will then focus on adding content to create a deeper experience as well as additional customization possibitilies.

With what is already there, I reckon that the Early Access status should span approximately one year.”

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

“First and foremost, it should be absolutely playable. Crashes and game-breaking bugs should be shown the door during Early Access.

Apart from that, the main difference will be added content. While new features may certainly be added during Early Access, focus lies on creating a deeper experience and adding ways for the player to play and customize the game. This includes a sizeable roster of wrestlers with signature movesets and music themes, content for the Create-A-Wrestler mode as well as for customizing the ring and the arena, the ability to brawl in backstage locations with added weaponry and furniture, promos for adding storylines to match-ups, and more match types to better reflect what we know from the pro wrestling industry.”

What is the current state of the Early Access version?

“I believe we have a solid foundation to build a memorable pro wrestling game on:

• The key mechanics are there. You can navigate a main menu, start a match, control a wrestler and win - or even lose! Many, but not all standard actions are implemented, including striking, grappling, running, climbing the ring using weaponry. However, what's really still lacking is a larger set of different moves.
  
• There is a basic set of weapons to intensify the punishment. However, breakable furniture is not in there yet.
  
• The Create-A-Wrestler mode is designed in a way where combinatorial explosion sets in fast, even given the still small amount of content.
  
• Both couch and Steam multiplayer are already implemented and ready for action.
  
• There are probably some bugs. Let's throw them over the top rope!

”

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

“I believe that Early Access players should have an advantage, because they helped get the game to a release version. In that regard, and because there will be additional budget involved in providing the content for a full version, one should expect a somewhat increased price once out of Eary Access.”

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

“I will launch an issue tracker that, apart from the ability to report bugs and attaching game logs, allows for sharing ideas, with the explicit possibility for people to vote for already posted requests. Thus, community feedback will not only help get this game in a stable state, but will also influence what issues and requested content or features will be considered with higher priority.

Apart from said tracker, I plan on using different platforms that enable two-way communication. These include the game's Steam forum, Twitter, the official subreddit and a Discord channel. These will also be the channels for me to give regular development updates that the community can give feedback to, which may futher improve the quality of new developments and reveal potential issues to be avoided early on.”