Why Early Access?

“Our software is currently in the beta development cycle. All of our in-game features are developed but will be refined and improved upon during the early access period. Early user testing of our early access version has shown that it is fully playable, with overwhelmingly positive user feedback and an average improvement in learning outcomes of 20%. Therefore, the experience is well worth the price tag for early access.

The goal of the early access release is to gather usage data that is necessary for continuous improvement of in-game features, user interactions, and accessibility. In addition, it will be used to complete the calibration of a hint system that will support users in successfully meeting the learning objectives of our product. By getting our beta version in the hands of early access users, we will obtain feedback that is necessary for the iterative optimization of critical features for our final release.”

Approximately how long will this game be in Early Access?

“Our game will remain in Early Access until Fall 2021, after we have collected sufficient feedback to make the most meaningful and final changes to our application.”

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

“The full version will feature the same narrative and structure as the early access version. Over the course of the early access period, we will gather a range of user data logs that will be used to improve the design and functionality of the final version. These include, but are not limited to, metrics on:

• Time taken to complete specific tasks, 3D tool usage (e.g. duration, frequency), formative assessments, user attention at particular moments, and any errors or software crashes.

We will also be actively soliciting feedback from users on their overall experience through a range of communications channels.

Comprehensive analysis of the log data and customer feedback collected over the early access period will impact the integration of additional mathematical content support (in the form of hints provided by the in-game virtual assistant), as well as enhanced UI interfaces and interactions that will improve accessibility for all users.”

What is the current state of the Early Access version?

“The early access version of our game features a stable, fully functional build. It features two separate learning modules, each of which includes a range of instructional tools and UI features that are designed to support the successful completion of the experience.

The goal of the early access release is to gather user data and feedback that will be critical in enhancing the design and effectiveness of these built-in features and tools.”

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

“Given the changes we will make during the early access period to optimize user interactions, improve accessibility and provide more comprehensive in-game learning assistance, our full version will be priced at a slightly higher cost. Existing early access users will be able to access the full version at no cost when it gets released.”

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

“We ask our users to sign up for our newsletter to stay up to date on all developments regarding our module, which we send every month via email.

We have created a Discord server in order to cultivate a community of early access users. This will serve as a forum for users to provide feedback to our development team, as well as a place for them to access additional resources that will help optimize their experience of the module.

We also encourage users to follow us on social media (i.e., twitter), where they can receive all updates regarding our first release as well as additional information about our associated activities.”