Why Early Access?

“I've been in my dev-hole for a long time now with a very small group of playtesters. The game is already in a very playable state and the core gameplay loop is mostly complete, all that's left is the metaphorical icing on top. With that in mind, I felt it was finally time to open this project up to the public. I'm excited to hear the feedback i'll get from everyone who tries out the game. Community feedback has already been crucial in the early beta-testing, and it'll continue being an invaluable asset as I finish up the game.”

Approximately how long will this game be in Early Access?

“It's always hard to estimate how long things like this will take. While theoretically I imagine the game could be finished in a month or two's time, realistically things like new ideas, bugs, suggestions, and real life always end up greatly affecting that time-frame. So with that in mind, I *think* Alnico won't spend more than a year in Early Access, but I make no promises.”

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

“The game already has a lot of available content, but the final version i've invisioned has even more. Currently: mining, forging, and crafting are all pretty ironed out, but there are a few more key features I have planned, including: alternate game modes (sandbox, time trials, etc.), an underlying plot/story, more crafting mechanics, and late-game features like enchanting. And that's not to mention the million small additions and changes i'm sure to make along the way. In conclusion: the game will not differ greatly, but will have even more content in the full release.”

What is the current state of the Early Access version?

“The game currently has its core gameplay loop complete.
Mining, smelting, crafting, and selling are all fully implemented. You can make ingots, buy items, and discover all the alloys and crafts in the game.
The game's physics, graphics, and audio are also all but fully complete.
Missing features include some craft textures, npcs, and late game mechanics not yet revealed.”

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

“As of right now, there are no plans to change the price of the game once it leaves early access. The price has been a subject of much thought and discussion, and the current price has been the decided plan for a very long time now. So once again, no price changes are planned.”

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

“Player feedback is a critical part of the game's development. Prior to a suggestion from a community member, there were no plans to include any kind of crafting in the game, and now it's a core feature! It always helps to get others' perspectives and ideas on the game, early access will help get more player feedback and mold the game into it's best possible form by the end of development.”