Why Early Access?

“Cluck to the Top! is built around precision platforming and player feedback. Because it’s intentionally challenging, community input is invaluable for refining difficulty balance, checkpoints, and movement feel. Early Access will allow players to experience the climb early, share feedback on level design and mechanics, and help shape the game’s final polish. I want to ensure every jump, fall, and frustration feels fair and satisfying before full release.”

Approximately how long will this game be in Early Access?

“The plan is to remain in Early Access for roughly 6 months, depending on feedback and how quickly additional zones, polish, and accessibility features come together. My goal is to ensure the full climb feels complete, challenging, and rewarding, not rushed.”

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

“The Early Access version includes the first four complete zones of the game, each featuring unique themes, hazards, and mechanics. These zones represent roughly half of the final climb.

During Early Access, I plan to work closely with players to refine movement, balance, and difficulty based on real gameplay feedback. Community input will directly influence how the remaining four zones are designed from their layout and visual identity to new obstacles and environmental mechanics.

The goal with the full version is to include six to eight zones, expanded story content, improved visual polish, additional soundtrack elements, and overall performance and quality-of-life improvements to make the full climb feel cohesive, challenging, and rewarding from start to finish.”

What is the current state of the Early Access version?

“The Early Access version of Cluck to the Top! is fully playable and represents about half of the planned game content, featuring four complete zones with unique environments, mechanics, and hazards. (The demo includes the first two zones.) Players can experience the full gameplay loop including running, jumping, using abilities, and falling across a continuous climb from the farm to the floating islands above.

The current build includes controller and keyboard support, steam deck functionality, and music integration. Gameplay systems such as physics, camera control, and player movement are stable and feature complete. Balancing and tuning will continue throughout Early Access to make sure every fall feels fair and every recovery feels satisfying.

Future updates during Early Access will focus on expanding content, refining level flow, and incorporating community feedback to make the climb smoother or tougher depending on player response.”

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

“Yes. The Early Access version will launch at a lower price to reward early supporters and testers. The price is planned to increase slightly after the full release once all zones, story content, and polish are complete.”

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

“Community involvement will play a major role throughout Early Access. I plan to hold regular polls and feedback posts to gather player opinions on new zone ideas, difficulty balance, and quality of life changes. Livestream Q&A sessions will give players a chance to ask questions directly and share their thoughts about the design process in real time.

There will also be a dedicated feedback section on the Steam Community Hub where players can report issues, share suggestions, and vote on upcoming features. The goal is to make players feel like part of the climb itself, helping shape the world, tone, and progression of Cluck to the Top! as it heads toward full release.”