Why Early Access?

“Anima Forest is currently in an early, yet playable state. While there are plans as to how the game will be built over time - I believe that player feedback and experience is priceless when it comes to game development. It is not only necessary, but it's also fundamental in all stages of game development (not just pre-release).

Without feedback and a fresh set of eyes (players), it's hard to self-gauge how gameplay and experience stands as a whole. If a game is ever to be shipped without early player experience and feedback, it will become hard to change the core gameplay when the product is already fully fleshed out. As a solo developer - I have a limited perspective of how the game feels as a whole. This is why I believe early access is the right choice for this game, so that I can get a feel for how other players think about the game (what ideas they might have, constructive criticisms they might have, how they like to enjoy the game, specific meta-shifts and game balances, so on so forth).

Early access does mean players will be getting less over-all polish, but on upside it does mean a few other things:
1. Early access customers will be getting the full game regardless of when the game ships. While the price of the game will slowly go up over time, there will be announcements long ahead of time. There is nothing to lose as an early access customer because the game will be incredibly low priced for early adapters.
2. Customers will be able to contribute, give direct feedback and closely engage with the developer. While it's not guaranteed that every little bit of idea will be integrated, there is a good chance that at least some ideas will shape some form of decisions the developer chooses while making the game.
3. In regards to the second option, I have a very down to earth Discord server where I pretty much read anything message - given that it's deliberate, meaningful, and constructive. Any queries or feedback can also be sent to my personal email, which I check multiple times a day.
4. Build player hype over time in a meaningful way. Game trailers and teasers are definitely an effective way to grab player interest, but to me - no amount of hype is as good as knowing how the game actually feels to play and knowing it is fun to play. Early access will allow me to gradually build that interest over time with observable game development, along with tangible results that players can experience.”

Approximately how long will this game be in Early Access?

“There is no way to accurately describe how the game development will last until a standard full release or even to imagine what a full release will look like. So anything given in this statement is a rough estimate at best. Two - three more years (minimum) until the game reaches a standard release where content is meaningfully balanced, exists in a healthy quantity and quality, as well as general streamline in level of polish across all aspects of the game.”

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

“The plan is to finish what's currently incomplete as well as adding some more meat to existing systems, and definitive features.

1. Finish Class abilities (there are 6 classes total, 1 is done so far).
2. More bosses and varying critter AI's.
3. Add a questing system, where random quests proc over time (like random game events).
4. More items, craftables, structures.
5. Adapt the game to player sensibilities and ideas.
6. Fix bugs and streamline gameplay into a more comfortable format.”

What is the current state of the Early Access version?

“Anima Forest, at the time of writing (July 1st, 2021) has had about 5~6 months of active development and contains the following:

- Fundamentals game play controls (character movement, camera controls, game UI)
- Various gameplay systems (survival mechanics, class abilities, inventory system, crafting system, building system, and more..)
- Class Abilities (Warrior Spec)
- Inventory System (can craft Main Hand and Off-Hand equips, cook food, craft potions and different consumables)
- Build System (featuring 8 different structures)
- Passive Skill Tree (includes 5 main stat sets, and 4x5 (20) more unique passives for stat sets)
- Day night cycle with a scaling environment (enemies getting stronger over time)
- 7 unique bosses to test your might
- Various forest critters and resource nodes to gather from”

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

“The early access price will be very close to free (the price is just there to show me some sort of return on the initial 5-6 months spent, probably no meaningful profit will be made - if any at all).

Coupled on-top of this, the game will be free for a short duration on initial release (if possible via Steam).

The end game price goal will be different from the initial price - the price of the game will gradually go up over time with planned price changes announced ahead of time.”

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

“I am willing to take various suggestions, deal with bug fixes through communication via personal email, discord server, or any alternative Steam related communication channels.

Email: msong7229@gmail.com
Discord Server: https://discord.gg/YVMJCux3FX”