Why Early Access?

“As an indie game developer, I have a special opportunity to develop games the way I want - with your participation! I'm a strong proponent of iteration in software development, and this means a continuous cycle of "put something out there, gather feedback, and make it better". Early Access gives me the breathing room to take this fledgling game from "interesting tech demo" all the way to "GotY" without needing everything to be perfect on day one. So, come join me on this journey towards something awesome!”

Approximately how long will this game be in Early Access?

“The primary downside to iterative development is that it can be impossible to establish timelines. Alas, all I can say here is "when it feels complete enough for a proper release". Development resources are scarce (it's just me, and as a side hustle at that), so it'll likely be a while for all the kinks to be worked out. That said, the core mechanics and basics are set up well enough that new levels, features, etc. are going to be quick to add.

So, let's go with somewhere in the 6-24 month range from initial publish to the big 1.0 as a reasonable target.”

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

“By the time we arrive at 1.0, the game will likely be unrecognizable from its humble beginnings. There are some ideas that are top-of-mind, though:

• Buttery smooth online play experience
  
• A wide and diverse array of levels and vehicles
  
• Additional play modes (e.g. 'king of the hill', etc.)
  
• Including levels based on real-world intersections
  
• Power-ups beyond just summoning a heavy vehicle, for more strategic play
  
• More level hazards and events
  
• A more compelling single-player experience
  
• Probably steering wheel controller support, if only for the lulz
  
• Your ideas here!

”

What is the current state of the Early Access version?

“A fully-playable multiplayer game that seems to work well for me and my friends. At time of writing, the game features:

• 9 playable levels
  
• 16 distinct light vehicles and 14 different heavy vehicles
  
• 4 level hazards (5, if you want to count falling off the edge of the world as a hazard)

The most common feedback from early playtesting has been "this game has no right to be as much fun as it is". The second most common feedback has been "wouldn't it be awesome if X was in the game?"”

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

“Pricing is not anticipated to change at release, though release-day or other special event promotions are likely.”

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

“While I have some ideas in mind already, honestly it'll be the community that helps to shape the long-term model. To start, I'm thinking of things like:

• New feature ideas
  
• Suggestions for real-world intersections to turn into levels
  
• Depending on the community's appetite, a publicly viewable backlog so players can vote on priorities
  
• All the usual boring stuff like bug reports, game balance observations, etc.

”