Why Early Access?

“Every time I watch someone playing a game I learn something new. Better games are only recognized as such after being subjected to, and refined by, the crucible of play. Therefore developing a community around individual games as they mature can only ever be a good thing for development. As a feedback mechanism, exposure is vital to attaining an entertaining, cohesive game experience.”

Approximately how long will this game be in Early Access?

“This is difficult to answer as I cannot currently afford to develop games full-time. I do however pour my other waking-hours into it like a demon. I can reveal that the large building blocks are in place, and as such adding content takes a much shorter relative time. An estimate of many months, maybe up to a year, would be needed to add a suitable amount of content to occupy players. I would ideally like to continuously add content, narrative threads, tools, enemies, boss-fights, etc. for as long as players feel that it is actually adding to the experience.”

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

“The full version will contain enough narrative threads, levels, tool combinations, etc. to constitute relatively unique journeys for each play-through.”

What is the current state of the Early Access version?

“It is a 'feature-complete' vertical-slice demo of the game consisting of an extensive tutorial, a few levels, a scattering of boss fights, a handful of narrative threads, a few characters, and enough tools to make those levels interesting.”

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

“The price will likely increase, but only marginally, upon full-release. This is merely to reflect the state of the game at that time.”

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

“I routinely update feedback forms over at http://arborealgames.com/Games/MrMakeshifter/feedback/ for players to categorically convey their experience back to me. The steam community hub shall undoubtedly also form a large part of the feedback process. I have thus far read every single player comment and email, and intend to try, insofar as is reasonable, to continue to do so. I love hearing player's ideas for potential tools, characters, etc. as they often reflect their own individual experiences with the game in a meaningful way. I plan on initiating open discussions and/or AMA threads sporadically, and have previously assisted in contests for custom content for the game, and may do so again.”