Why Early Access?

“My primary goal in bringing my game to Early Access is to actively follow the development process through continuous iteration, which is an integral part of my journey, and to collectively shape the game's final form based on real-time feedback.

At this current stage of development, the game's core gameplay and main mechanics are robust and well-established. During my time in Early Access, I aim to optimize game balance, complete bug fixing, and implement new content based on the feedback I receive from my players. Player input will be invaluable, especially as I plan to introduce new character classes, regions, and story quests.

Early Access will provide me with the flexibility and guidance needed to align the game with my community's expectations and preferences. While my commitment to developing and completing the game remains unwavering regardless of Early Access sales, any revenue generated during this period will be fully reinvested into further enhancing the game, allowing me to introduce additional features, expand content, and accelerate development based on community input.

I believe this transparent and collaborative development model will not only elevate my game technically but also ensure it resonates deeply with my players' hearts.”

Approximately how long will this game be in Early Access?

“We're estimating the game will be in Early Access for roughly 5 months.

Instead of providing a precise end date for my game's Early Access period, this estimate is based on my roadmap to achieve the core features and content saturation I'm aiming for. My primary goal is to deliver a polished, well-balanced, and complete experience to my players when the full version officially launches.

Therefore, I will remain in Early Access until I'm confident that the main features on my roadmap (e.g., new game modes, additional character progression systems, story expansions, and end-game content) are finalized, and that existing content has been thoroughly tested and debugged. Community feedback will directly influence the duration of this process. Valuable insights from my players might steer me in new directions or require me to refine existing systems more extensively than initially anticipated. Thus, the Early Access period may vary depending on my players' engagement and my progress in development.”

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

“I envision the full version of the game as a significantly expanded and refined experience compared to its Early Access counterpart. While the core gameplay and established mechanics will remain central, the full release aims to build upon this foundation with a wealth of new content and system enhancements.

Players can anticipate substantial additions, including a broader selection of character classes, diverse new regions to explore, and an expanded array of story quests that delve deeper into the game's lore. I'm also planning to introduce additional game modes that will offer fresh ways to play, along with more intricate character progression systems that provide greater customization and long-term goals. Crucially, the full version will feature robust end-game content, ensuring that players have compelling reasons to continue their adventures long after the main story concludes.”

What is the current state of the Early Access version?

“The current Early Access version offers the main gameplay elements I envision for the full game. Players can experience the core combat, character progression, and initial exploration of the game world.

Right now, the game includes one large region to explore, with unique enemies and environmental challenges. Players can expect about 1.5 hours of story content in this first release, along with some side activities.

The game is generally stable, and there are no major bugs that stop progress. I am actively working on smaller visual details and balancing the game based on early feedback. Some planned features, like all character customization options and the full end-game content, are still in development and will be added during the Early Access period.”

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

“The game's pricing is currently planned to remain consistent during and after Early Access.

However, my commitment is to continuously develop and expand the game based on community feedback. If, over the course of Early Access, I introduce significant new content, major features, and substantial expansions that dramatically increase the game's scope and value, then I may consider a price adjustment upon full release. This potential change would directly reflect the much larger and richer experience that the final version would offer.

My aim is for the initial Early Access price to be fair for the content available, and any future price change would only occur if the game grows significantly beyond its initial Early Access state, ensuring it justly represents the extensive and complete experience delivered.”

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

“I plan to put my community at the heart of the development process. Your feedback will play a vital role in shaping the game's final form. Here's how I aim to involve you:

In-Game Feedback Tools: I aim to integrate an easily accessible in-game feedback or bug reporting system. This will allow players to send me direct feedback without interrupting their gameplay experience.

Steam Community Hub: I'll actively use the discussion forums on the Steam Community Hub. This will be a primary platform where I'll open structured feedback topics, conduct polls, and share important announcements.

Regular Development Updates: I'll share my progress, new features I'm working on, and challenges I face through regular blog posts or updates. This transparency will help the community feel like a vital part of the journey.

Prioritization and Roadmap Contribution: I'll carefully evaluate feedback from the community, allowing you to contribute to the prioritization of features and improvements on the game's roadmap. I may organize polls or discussions for specific features or content.

Through this transparent and collaborative approach, I aim to ensure the game not only reflects my vision but also truly resonates with my players' expectations and preferences.”