Why Early Access?

“KAPITAL PUNISHMENT 22XX is a massively complex game being developed by just two people and we've only just begun! Despite its simple 8-bit appearance the game already features many intricate systems. Enemies are controlled by advanced AI allowing them to navigate complex, changing environments full of ladders, monkey bars, climbable fences, moving platforms and deadly hazards. The same AI is used to direct helpful comrades and followers while the player explores. The game is set to contain two fully fleshed out gameplay Modes. Arcade Mode features randomized arenas, with procedurally generated combat waves and online leaderboards. Story Mode will be full of in-game events and dialogue that help guide the narrative.

From a development perspective, there’s a lot that can go wrong! We follow a test-driven development process, which helps prevent us from committing broken code and keep bugs to a minimum. But even with minimal bugs, there are a lot of gameplay factors to balance and creative decisions to be made.

That’s where Early Access and the Steam Community come in!

We intend to closely follow feedback from the community to address balance issues and edge case bugs as we work towards completing KAPITAL PUNISHMENT 22XX’s planned content. Player experience will also help inform design choices for future content as we address what works for you and what doesn’t in the game’s Early Access form.”

Approximately how long will this game be in Early Access?

“KAPITAL PUNISHMENT 22XX will be in development for the duration of 2023. We hope to see the full version of the game released early 2024.”

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

“When KAPITAL PUNISHMENT 22XX enters early access it will feature a combat-heavy, different-every-playthrough Arcade Mode. In the final version of KAPITAL PUNISHMENT 22XX we intend to feature a consistent, narratively rich, three act Story Mode. As Early Access progresses we intend to preview each act of this Story Mode, culminating with the final act being released shortly before the official launch. As these acts are developed, their content (environments, enemies, etc.) will also expand Arcade Mode until it is roughly 3x the size it is presently.”

What is the current state of the Early Access version?

“The first act of KAPITAL PUNISHMENT 22XX’s Story Mode is near-complete, but not ready for prime time. However, the enemies, comrades, power-ups, and mechanics of this first act have been scrambled up and stuffed into randomly generated arenas to create the first zone of Arcade Mode. Upon entering early access, KAPITAL PUNISHMENT 22XX will consist of Arcade Mode, featuring at least four sub-environments, over a dozen advanced enemies, loads of power-ups and computer controlled comrades, plus online leaderboards.”

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

“When it enters early access KAPITAL PUNISHMENT 22XX will be deeply discounted from its intended final price. As more and more content is released, the price will increase respectively. Expect a price increase with the release of each major section of the game’s Story Mode. By the time the full game is launched, its price might be considerably higher than it was upon entering Early Access.”

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

“There are only so many hours in the day for two people to develop a game, let alone play-test it. That’s where the Early Access and Steam Community comes in! We intend to closely follow feedback from the community to address balance issues and edge case bugs as we work towards completing KAPITAL PUNISHMENT 22XX’s planned content. Player experience will also help inform design choices for future content as we address what works and what doesn’t in the game’s Early Access form.”