Why Early Access?

“Hello! I'm Nick DePalo, the indie developer behind Crimson Tide. First off, I'm not your traditional indie developer. I never went to "school" for being a dev, but I'm just extremely passionate about the medium and how we can tell stories through pixels. My hope with this game is to "shine" a path towards your own "lighthouse" of purpose to help survive the darkness that life can create, so thank you for thinking about joining me on this Early Access journey. Every step towards this game drives my passion! CRIMSON TIDE is my passion project, made by me, the only indie developer on the project alongside a few friends who help with my many brainstorming ideas. For me, players like you are at the center of all I do. I chose Early Access on Steam to invite you into the development world. It's more than just getting to play early; it's about building the game's future together. Your feedback and experiences will help shape and improve the vision and overall story direction. With you by our side, CRIMSON TIDE will become the best it can be!”

Approximately how long will this game be in Early Access?

“We're committed to enhancing this game to its fullest potential, so the duration of our Early Access phase largely depends on the feedback we get from players like you. While our current estimate is that the game will be in Early Access Q3 2025, this might change. If we see a lot of suggestions and ideas, or if we decide to expand the game even more, it might take a bit longer. We appreciate your understanding and patience as we work to make this game the best it can be!”

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

“CRIMSON TIDE isn't just another exploration game. Our big dream is to make it the most unforgettable and unique experience for you. What you see now in the Early Access is just the beginning. So, what can you expect in the full version?

Deeper Tides: I'm not just adding more detail, exploration, and narrative elements, but making each one count with deeper gameplay elements. My hope is to get under your skin making you feel the story and tension through new gameplay, not just a quick one and done experience.

Deeper Story Lore: Ever wonder how you arrived at the Shoreline and why is it the way it is? You'll get to dive deep into the lore and uncover hidden mysteries of the shore of shipwrecked dreams.

More to Do: I would be adding optional tasks and paths for those who like extra challenges.

Play It Your Way: Whether you like using a keyboard + mouse, or controller, we've got you covered. First, I'll focus on keyboard, but as time goes on, I'll support other inputs.

Discover New Places: The shoreline isn't just trees, mystery and obstacles. Expect new landmarks and structures to explore, each with its own tale.

Better Performance: While I am limited in how much we can optimize the game in Unreal Engine 5 without compromising the intended visual fidelity, I'm working hard to ensure the game runs as smoothly as possible for everyone.

And that's just a preview! I have a lot more in store on the shore.”

What is the current state of the Early Access version?

“The current version has exploration features implemented and working nicely. Most of the crucial gameplay mechanics are implemented, such as environmental puzzles, weather systems, and narrative design weaved throughout, but will keep evolving and being further refined as the game is being developed.

However, remember this isn't the finished product. As with any Early Access title, you might encounter some bugs. We're committed to fixing these, especially with your invaluable feedback. By playing during Early Access, you're not just supporting a game; you're partnering with me in its creation. I'm building this experience together with you, and while that's a thrilling journey, there might be a few bumps (or bugs) along the path.

Thank you for your understanding and being a vital part of this game's development!”

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

“I recognize that times are challenging right now. Everyone is doing their best to save money, and we want as many people as possible to enjoy CRIMSON TIDE. That's why we've set the Early Access price at approximately $15 USD. However, the final price may vary based on player feedback and the introduction of additional content to the game.”

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

“We want to work closely with the community. We'll listen to your feedback, run surveys, and talk with you to find out how to make CRIMSON TIDE even better. You can chat with us on Discord and the Steam forums.”