Why Early Access?

“The Ranch of Rivershine has been in development for over two years now and I’m very excited to share it with the horse game community. I know players have been looking forward to new games in this genre and I believe that sharing my development with the community will help me greatly improve The Ranch of Rivershine. Early Access will allow me to seek feedback and ensure that the game is going in the right direction, every step of the way, to create a game that this community is proud to play.”

Approximately how long will this game be in Early Access?

“I plan on releasing a new content update on average every 2 months throughout Early Access, until the game is complete. With this in mind, I expect to fully release the game in 2024 or 2025, depending on how many additional features are requested by the community during the Early Access period.”

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

“The full version will expand on multiple aspects of the game. You’ll find new areas to explore, villagers to meet, and more in-depth horse care. Here’s more information about these upcoming features:

• Explore two new trail rides, Mountain Hike & Azure Coast, which will both contain their own cross country courses and unique attractions.
  
• Keep an eye out and catch wild horses on the trails to trade at the auction house or to add them to your herd! Find wild horses with unique coat colors and patterns.
  
• Train your foals with unique activities so that they gain additional trust and skills before they reach adulthood!
  
• Pick your horse’s based on their personality traits, which will impact their training, health, behavior and reproduction. Pass on good personality traits to the foals you breed.
  
• Ensure your horse’s good health with the help of the veterinarian and practice good horse care to avoid ailments!
  
• Learn how to cut and style your horses’ hair from the stylist! Keep an eye on your horses as their hair will grow over time.
  
• Meet the saddler who crafts his equipment in town! Purchase more varied equipment for your horses from the saddlery.
  
• Meet the tailor who will sell you new outfits! Further personalize your character with these new looks.
  
• Complete Rivershine’s story as you explore all of the areas surrounding Rivershine Town!

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What is the current state of the Early Access version?

“The Early Access version already features all of the core mechanics of managing your own horse ranch! Here’s what you’ll currently find in The Ranch of Rivershine:

• Move to Rivershine Ranch to raise your horses, meet your fellow villagers in Rivershine Town and explore different trails such as Lupine Meadow, Pine Forest and Crystal Lake!
  
• Care for your horses by feeding them hay, grains & treats! Keep them clean by brushing them and mucking their stall. Move your horses between the stable and pasture based on their needs. Collect equipment and change up your horse’s tack.
  
• Ride your horse around the trails or in the riding arena to improve their skills. Maximise their potential and train your horses in multiple disciplines such as speed, endurance, flexibility & jump. Increase your horse’s trust in you and form a bond with them.
  
• Participate in beginner and intermediate cross country competitions to win prizes and help Rivershine Town become famous again!
  
• Sell and buy horses at the auction house to grow your herd or make a bit of extra money!
  
• Purchase goods from the villager’s shops or sell extra items you’ve gathered. Unlock upgrades such as improving the auction house or building new obstacle courses.
  
• Build crop fields to grow your own feed for your horses, and sell your additional harvest in town!
  
• Pick a pair from your mares and stallions and breed your own foals! Raise them on your ranch to continue their lineage and further improve your horse’s skills.
  
• Improve your ranch by upgrading different buildings such as the pasture, the arena and the stable to house more horses.

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

“As the game is fairly far into development, the price will stay the same during and after the Early Access period.”

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

“I know the horse game community has been very excited for new games in this genre, and I can’t wait to hear your thoughts about The Ranch of Rivershine! Early Access will help me ensure the game answers what players have been looking for in horse games.

I’ll be gathering feedback about The Ranch of Rivershine through the Steam forums and our Discord server, and I hope to see you there!”