Why Early Access?

“We feel that the much wider range of potential player input and feedback that we could receive by releasing for early access will only further our goal of creating a more fun and enjoyable product for the largest audience possible.”

Approximately how long will this game be in Early Access?

“The plan’ is to release on Halloween 2022, but when it comes down to it the game will be in Early Access as long as it takes to get right.

Estimated remaining development time: 6 months.”

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

“While the Early Access version has all the core features and content described in the current state section below, there are more than a few things that need to be added, expanded, and improved on before we can call the game “finished”. The ability to control your character the way you want is important, that’s why the full version of TDA (The Dragon Apprentice) will feature Full controller support and Steam Controller support. Furthermore, the final version will include multilingual support in the top five major languages. Additionally, with the full release of the game, players can expect to experience an updated and improved leveling system, new and improved Player and NPC spells, new NPCs and Quests to encounter, along with traps to survive and puzzles to solve. Finally, the full game will feature more dynamic NPCs, with improved behavior out-of-combat (e.g.: patrol, interact with each other, react to/interact with the environment), a higher degree of situational awareness in combat with appropriate responses, NPC infighting between certain factions or on threat pull, new and improved NPC abilities and environmental reactions, and improved boss fight mechanics. Oh, and also way less bugs.”

What is the current state of the Early Access version?

“Core and major game mechanics such as a basic intro experience, pickups, powerups, procedural dungeon generation, bonus levels (aka “the Blue Portals”/“Pocket Dimensions”), difficulty tier scaling, basic enemy AI, melee and magic combat, healing magic, the boss room, and partial controller support are implemented, while secondary and tertiary features like full controller/SteamInput support, enhanced AI, side-questing, puzzles, trap-rooms, lore system, expanded leveling system, and a bustling Ember Village are still in the works. There are also a variety of bugs that may cause visual, audio, and/or other UI or gameplay related issues that we're attending to. There is currently an in-game report tool, although it too, ironically, is occasionally bugged.”

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

“During Early Access only The Dragon Apprentice may be purchased at a 40% discount off the full retail price.”

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

“We are engaging our community through a variety of methods, including: Discord, Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Online Forum/Message-board, and an In-game reporting and suggestion system.”