Why Early Access?

“The design of the game is such that the existing content is finished and playable in its current state. The levels are self-contained. I want to make more levels; one hundred is the goal.

I intend for most major updates to be sets of ten levels each until the goal is reached.

I want to create enemies out of as many of the different malware types as possible -- ransomware, phishing attacks, rootkits, cryptominers, each with their own unique ability, and to create levels where they take the spotlight either on their own or in combination.

I want to add more secondary gameplay mechanics for more complex level design, including but not limited to:

• secrets, be they references or secret levels not unlocked through the normal level progression
  
• popups which obscure player vision, often while displaying the aforementioned references
  
• unique hyperlinking -- links that can only be used by either the player or the viruses & malware

”

Approximately how long will this game be in Early Access?

“The plan is for one year.”

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

“My main goal is to create more levels; many, many more levels, featuring more types of viruses, malware, and system tools.

Additionally, I have several ideas in mind for secondary mechanics related to level interaction.

Finally, and if possible, I intend to make the game multiplayer, or at least co-op capable.”

What is the current state of the Early Access version?

“The game currently has ten levels out of a planned one hundred.

Two of the nine planned virus types are featured.
Four of the ten planned malware types are featured.
Four of the nine planned system tools are featured.

For a description of gameplay, please refer to the "About This" section.

In its current state, the game is a skeleton.
The basic components include:

• the aforementioned featured viruses, malware, and system tools
  
• player controller + dashing
  
• destructible enemy spawners
  
• virus & malware navigation
  
• windows, window kernels, and window compromisation
  
• the hyperlinking system
  
• points, time, and level completion save file
  
• level progression system and unlock tied to level completion

These pieces are in place and have been moderately bug-tested.

Under the hood, everything is set up to make the creation of new levels, tools, viruses & malware relatively easy and fast.”

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

“I have no plans to raise the price until the game has at least fifty levels. After that point, I may slowly raise the price relative to level count, until I reach my one hundred level goal.”

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

“I intend to make good use of the Discussion forums Steam provides for receiving Community feedback.

The most important contribution the Community can make is bug testing. As the creator, I am biased to play test my own game in the "intended" manner, so it's important that players have a way to report things such as strange interactions between system tools, bizarre enemy behavior, or game-breaking exploits.

I'll also be open to suggestions from players for content -- new levels, interesting gameplay mechanics, etc.”