Why Early Access?

“I'm a solo developer creating something genuinely ambitious. Autumn's Dungeoneering is a stepping stone toward that larger vision - each game will introduce unique features that build toward my ultimate goal. I've been working on this almost daily for three years, and the process genuinely excites and drives me forward.
However, I have aphantasia and lack skills in music and sound design. On a limited budget, Early Access allows players who connect with the concept to help support the vision. Revenue will go directly back into better art, sound, and music while I continue improving gameplay and adding features.
This experimental 'pet perspective' gameplay - where you're the companion supporting an AI adventurer who makes their own decisions - hasn't been attempted before as far as I know. I need community feedback to ensure these relationship mechanics create meaningful emotional investment rather than frustration."”

Approximately how long will this game be in Early Access?

“I am not sure, however my current goal is to have the full base game, as in leave early access, by June of 2026. This is not set in stone however, and depending on how things go it could take longer.”

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

“Early Access will gradually add all base game features until completion. Starting with Saki and Tama using behavioral mechanics pulled from the MBTI Myers-Briggs 16-personality system, I currently have two adventurers and one pet. I plan to add up to four more adventurers and four more pets, each with distinct personalities and playstyles.
Planned features include: a full gear system, shopping and weapon upgrades, up to eight dungeons across multiple biomes, a fully functional hub town, and complete skill trees up to level 60 for all characters. Right now only goblins populate the dungeons, but I'm adding variants plus at least a dozen more enemy types.
While I can't guarantee every planned feature will make it, I'm committed to doing my best - it's genuinely my dream to see this game to completion. Think of all the people out there who can't play Progress Quest in 2D!”

What is the current state of the Early Access version?

“The current state has two adventurers who have skills up to level 8 and one pet with the same. There is one dungeon and an unfinished hub town. The MBTI personality system is implemented and I will be adding to it over time. Right now the adventurers are able to explore and wander, enter combat and position themselves accordingly, open chests and use items. Both adventurers act differently in their combat techniques, abilities, and gameplay styles.
There are currently two modes: Story and Idle. Story mode has you playing as your chosen pet, following your adventurer around, helping them fight and choosing what dungeons you both tackle. Idle mode lets your adventurer operate independently - you can choose what dungeon they explore and they will complete it by themselves.”

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

“The game will start at a lower price during Early Access and gradually increase as major features and content are added, eventually reaching the standard price for a mid-tier indie game upon full release.”

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

“I am not foolish enough to believe my game is perfect. I am far from arrogant enough to think I know best in all things. As such, I will take all comments I see into account and genuinely weigh them against my vision.
Community feedback will be essential for balancing the experimental relationship mechanics. I'm particularly interested in player responses to:

Whether the AI personalities feel distinct and believable
If the psychological tension of potential dismissal creates meaningful emotional investment or just frustration
Whether the 'pet perspective' gameplay creates compelling dynamics or feels limiting
How the balance between Story mode (active participation) and Idle mode (watching AI independence) feels

Since no one has attempted this gameplay concept before as far as I know, community insight will be crucial for refining these unprecedented systems.”