Why Early Access?

“Fishing the Unknown combines ocean exploration, fishing, and collecting. We want player feedback to help shape how these systems work together: discovering promising fishing spots, learning to handle different catches, choosing equipment, and finding reasons to set sail again.
Early Access gives us an opportunity to learn from different play styles while continuing to develop the game. We are especially interested in feedback on fishing controls, progression, exploration, and the balance between peaceful moments and challenging encounters.”

Approximately how long will this game be in Early Access?

“We currently expect Fishing the Unknown to remain in Early Access for approximately 6–12 months from its Early Access launch. During this period, we plan to refine the fishing and exploration experience, improve progression and balance, and address issues identified through player feedback. This timeframe is an estimate and may change depending on development progress and the improvements needed before the full release.”

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

“We plan to develop the ocean’s environments further, refine fishing and giant-creature encounters, and improve the variety and pacing of exploration and collection.
Other priorities include clearer guidance for new players, better equipment and economy balance, more readable interfaces, and improvements to visuals, sound, and performance. The scope and priorities may change as we learn from player feedback and development.”

What is the current state of the Early Access version?

“The current build offers a playable single-player experience on Windows. Players can sail between islands and harbors, fish with different tackle combinations, record discoveries in a collection journal, sell catches, and purchase equipment and boats.
It also includes route charts, shoreline collecting, encounters with island residents and passing travelers, changing weather and tides, and challenges involving giant marine creatures.
The game is still in development. Progression balance, guidance, visual and audio presentation, and performance need further refinement. Players may encounter bugs, occasional stuttering, and uneven pacing, particularly when pursuing rarer catches. The current experience focuses on single-player play with local saves.”

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

“We currently plan to keep the same base price throughout Early Access and at full release. We do not plan to increase the base price as updates are added during Early Access or when the game leaves Early Access.”

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

“We plan to use Steam Discussions as our main channel for bug reports, suggestions, and conversations about the game. Development updates and patch notes will be shared through Steam announcements.
We would particularly welcome feedback on the first few hours of play, fishing controls, equipment progression, rare catches, giant-creature encounters, and performance. Reports that include reproduction steps, screenshots, or PC specifications will help us investigate problems.
Community feedback will help guide our priorities, although we may not be able to implement every suggestion.”