Why Early Access?

“If you've got questions, ask them on Discord!

Ever since the demo was released way back in 2009, Gene Shift Auto has been developed with the help of its player base. With over 10 years of balancing, testing and player suggestions, Gene Shift Auto is ready to go. But we don't want to finish just yet - there's so much cool stuff we can add!”

Approximately how long will this game be in Early Access?

“Probably a year or two, but it's hard to know for sure - I'm not very good at estimating time. Gene Shift Auto is ready, but why stop development so soon? As long as you keep giving me cool ideas I'll keep on adding them.

I know this is vague, so please only buy this game based on how it exists today - not based on how it may exist in the future.”

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

“The core mechanics of Gene Shift Auto are done and have been playtested for years now. I'd like to keep that fairly similar. But there's a lot of new content to add. I can't make any specific promises but here are a few ideas often raised by the existing community:

• More vehicles. Stuff like tanks, motorcycles and ambulances.
  
• More weapons. Repair tools, trip-wires and exotic superweapons.
  
• More skills. Just think of all the skills in RPG games. Maybe a skill that lets you fly!
  
• More chemicals. Specifically meta chemicals to play more advanced mind-games.
  
• More game modes. A king of the hill or CS-style detonation mode would be fun.
  
• More maps and user-made campaigns. With the editor you can help make them!
  
• More cosmetic unlocks. You want hats? I can add hats.

To be clear these are just examples. None of these are promises! A tank has been suggested for years and I'd love to try it out. But if it turns out to be totally unbalanced I won't add it. Again, please only buy this game if you like how it exists today.”

What is the current state of the Early Access version?

“Gene Shift Auto is fully playable, well balanced and low in bugs. It's already undergone 10 years of community feedback. Thousands of players and posts in the forums have directly shaped this game, with hundreds of versions improving it since 2009, and hundreds more during its time so far in Early Access.

All of the features listed in the game description below are already in the game.”

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

“Not sure, but the price of the DLC might rise after the full launch. I believe early adopters should get a better deal as thanks for the support and feedback you provide.”

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

“The same way I've worked for the past 10 years. I listen to what the community says in Discord, and try polish the things they like, and fix the things they don't like. Sometimes that means me coming up with a brand new idea, and other times (often) someone else in the community already suggests it. Then create a test build, play around and make sure it's actually better, and release. Iterate over and over to make the game as smooth as possible.

I chat and theorycraft on Discord a lot. Come join! I read every single post and spend plenty of time discussing balance and new ideas with the community. I'm a one-man team so I'm fairly flexible. No corporate overhead, just a bunch of gamers chatting on Discord making the funnest game we can.

Chat with the community on Discord:
Or on the Steam Forums: ”