Why Early Access?

“In Waiting represents a significant technical and creative experiment: building meaningful AI-driven horror experiences with complete player privacy. We're entering Early Access because we need player feedback to refine this approach.
We've built all core systems—local AI processing, conversation mechanics, puzzle integration, atmospheric horror design—and they work. But we don't know yet how players will engage with an AI NPC over extended play, what conversation patterns emerge, or which puzzle types resonate most. Early Access lets us observe real player behavior (through voluntary feedback, not data collection) and adjust our design accordingly.
We're committed to seeing this through to full release. Our zero-data-collection architecture means we're building a complete product, not a live service we can abandon. The game already delivers a self-contained 1 hour horror experience with narrative closure—this isn't a proof of concept.
We're using Early Access to validate our direction before investing in larger content expansions, ensuring we build what players actually want rather than what we assume they want.”

Approximately how long will this game be in Early Access?

“6-12 months”

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

“The current Early Access build is a complete horizontal slice: all core systems functional, 2 major puzzles, full AI conversation system, and narrative closure for the opening chapter.
We plan to expand this foundation based on community feedback:
Content we aim to add:

Additional puzzle sequences (currently planning 3-4 more, but player preferences will guide this)
Extended story chapters revealing more about Eleanor and the manor
New explorable areas (servant quarters, gardens, basement—scope dependent on feedback)
Multiple ending paths based on player choices
More environmental storytelling elements

Systems we hope to improve:

Eleanor's emotional depth and context awareness (based on conversation reports)
AI performance optimization for lower-end hardware
Potential support for additional languages
Graphics and lighting refinements

Features under consideration:
Procedural environment changes driven by user responses
Larger AI model upgrade (if performance testing supports it)

Development priorities will shift based on what Early Access players actually value. If feedback indicates more puzzles matter more than voice acting, we'll focus there.”

What is the current state of the Early Access version?

“The Early Access build includes:

FULLY IMPLEMENTED:
- Complete manor hub environment (explorable with multiple rooms and hidden areas)
- Eleanor's AI conversation system (fully functional with context awareness and safety filtering)
- 2 major puzzle sequences: Library keypad puzzle and Compass-and-globe directional challenge
- Core narrative arc establishing Eleanor's backstory and the manor mystery
- Atmospheric audio design and environmental sound effects
- Local AI processing (Llama 3.2 3B Instruct) with zero data collection
- Age-verification system and content warnings
- Approximately 1 hour of gameplay

PARTIALLY IMPLEMENTED:
- Eleanor's emotional range (currently functional but limited; will expand with more personality variations)
- Environmental storytelling (core elements present; more journal entries and interactive objects planned)

NOT YET IMPLEMENTED:
- Additional puzzle sequences (3-4 more planned)
- Extended story chapters beyond current ending
- Multiple ending paths based on player choices
- Voice acting for Eleanor (considering for full release)
- Additional manor locations (servant quarters, gardens, basement levels)
- Achievement system

For a detailed feature list, refer to the "About This Game" section which describes all currently available content.

Players should expect: A complete introductory horror experience with functional AI, 2 full puzzles, and narrative closure for the current chapter. This is not a vertical slice—it's a horizontal slice showing all core systems working together.”

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

“We plan to gradually increase the price as we add significant content updates during Early Access, with the full release price being higher than the current Early Access price.
Early supporters will receive all future updates and the complete game at their purchase price—no additional cost regardless of when we release or how the price changes.
We'll announce any price increases at least 2 weeks in advance.”

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

“Community feedback is essential to Eleanor's development. Here's how we'll stay connected:

WHERE TO REACH US:
- Steam Community Forums: Primary hub for bug reports, feature requests, and general discussion



HOW WE'LL INVOLVE YOU:
- Monthly Development Updates: Posted to Steam news hub with progress reports, upcoming features, and behind-the-scenes content
- Community Polls: Regular surveys on feature priorities (more puzzles vs. story? voice acting? difficulty options?)



WHAT WE'RE LOOKING FOR:
- Eleanor AI Feedback: Does she break immersion? Generate inappropriate content? Fail to understand context?
- Puzzle Difficulty: Too easy? Too hard? Just right?
- Performance Issues: How does the AI run on your hardware? FPS drops? VRAM issues?
- Story & Atmosphere: What's working? What's not landing emotionally?

FEEDBACK THAT MATTERS MOST:
Because we collect zero player data (no telemetry, no analytics), we rely entirely on voluntary player reports. If Eleanor says something weird, a puzzle is broken, or you experience a crash—please tell us! We can't see what you're experiencing unless you share it.

”