Why Early Access?

“Positron is a passion project. It began as a hobby project, and actually got me my job in the games industry just over 12 years ago. Since working as a programmer in the games industry, Positron was shelved, and I'd occasionally fire it up to port my own engine to new platforms, or to research new rendering techniques, but the core game wasn't being actively developed.

Since Christmas 2023 I've been busy working on finishing the game. I've been working through my backlog of tasks to get the core game to the point where I'd be happy to release it to the public. I'm now approaching that point, but there is a lot more I'd like to do with the game too.

Positron is written from scratch, in C++, using my own 'engine'. In some respects this makes certain development tasks 'easier' as I know the full codebase and can modify it as I like. Implementing brand new features that I have little experience with can be daunting though too. The main thing I'd love to add to the game is proper networked multiplayer (splitscreen is currently supported for local multiplayer arena matches). I want to work towards getting this working in the game for it's full release, and will be testing this while in Early Access.

As well as networked multiplayer, there are further game modes and game mechanics I'd like to try out, to see if they fit the core game, and I'll be looking to the community to provide feedback on these throughout development.

There is a lot more general polish I'd like to add to the game. Improved rendering, vfx, spatial audio, and accessibility settings. I'll be looking for community feedback while implementing all of these features, with the aim to deliver the best possible experience in the finished game.

I plan to keep the community up to date with the absolute latest builds of the game, and will likely push new builds to Steam every week or two, whenever significant changes have been made, or there are new changes I'd like to get feedback on.”

Approximately how long will this game be in Early Access?

“I've made a lot of progress on the game through the start of 2024, working on it over weekends and evenings to got it to a point where I'd be happy to release the game to the public. The scope of what the final finished game might look like hasn't yet been fully determined, but I expect to be leaving Early Access around Q4 2025.”

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

“There are numerous game modes I would like to add to the game for the full release, as well as the inclusion of proper multiplayer over the internet (currently only local multipayer is supported, in splitscreen). There's a lot I want to polish with the overall experience of the game too, and I hope to bring the game to consoles around the same time I release fully on Steam. I also plan to support Mac and Linux natively, since my engine does run on those but needs some work to reach parity with the current PC version. I'd also like to get player feedback, to help determine what features I should potentially add to the game, to work somewhat collaboratively with the community.”

What is the current state of the Early Access version?

“The current game contains the core maze game mode, with three difficulties, and 50+ levels fully unlocked to play. Arena, and Snake modes will be added shortly as post-launch updates, each just needs a little work to ensure there are no major issues.

The current build is Windows only (x64, D3D11), but does run well on Steam Deck.”

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

“I do intend to increase the price of the game when it leaves early access. I'd like to think a lower price point is fair during Early Access as it's not the full experience I intend it to be. When I'm happy with the overall quality of the game and the amount of content available in it, I'll release fully to Steam, along with an appropriate price increase.”

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

“Community involvement is critical to the development (and hopeful success) of Positron. I've demoed the game at dozens of in-person events, and the feedback I've received has helped shape the game in to it's current form. I'd love to work with fans to help improve, polish, and develop the game to get it to the point where I'm happy to release fully. I intend to try out new game modes and features during Early Access, some of which may not make it in to the full game on release. Feedback from players will be essential throughout this process, as I decide what to keep, what works in the game, and what potentially doesn't. Community involvement will also keep me motivated, and I intend to put a lot more time in to the game over the coming months, to not only bring the full game to Steam, but also to other platforms.

I will be monitoring the community forums and our social media channels for feedback and suggestions. We also have a Discord set up for direct communication and regular updates.”