Why Early Access?

“Rift Investigations leverages advanced AI to generate infinite unique detective mysteries, and Early Access is essential to refining this ambitious system through real-world player feedback.

The procedurally-generated nature of the game means each investigation is unique—with distinct suspects, evidence, locations, and solutions. While our AI systems can generate countless scenarios, the only way to identify edge cases, balance issues, and areas for improvement is through extensive real-world playtesting across thousands of generated cases.

Early Access allows us to:
- Gather critical data on case quality, difficulty calibration, and investigation pacing
- Understand how players interact with AI-generated suspects and evidence systems
- Identify which gameplay mechanics resonate and which need refinement
- Receive direct feedback on content priorities and feature requests

We are fully committed to:
- Regular updates incorporating community feedback
- Active engagement with players through Steam discussions and feedback channels
- Transparent development roadmaps showing progress toward full release
- Continuous AI model improvements based on aggregated gameplay data
- Seeing the project through to a polished 1.0 release

Early Access isn't just about testing—it's about partnering with our community to build the definitive AI-driven detective game. Every player's experience contributes valuable data that makes the game better for everyone. We're ready for the long-term commitment this requires.”

Approximately how long will this game be in Early Access?

“6-12 months”

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

“The full version aims to deliver a more refined, polished, and expanded experience built on extensive player feedback from Early Access.

Planned improvements and focus areas:

AI Case Generation Enhancement: The full version plans to offer more sophisticated procedural generation with improved case logic, clue distribution, and narrative coherence. Player feedback will guide refinements to ensure consistently high-quality mysteries across all difficulty levels and case types.

Refined Difficulty Balance: Using aggregate player solve rates and performance data, we aim to achieve precise calibration across all 10 difficulty tiers, ensuring each level provides the intended challenge from accessible entry points to expert-level investigations that test even veteran detectives.

Polished Investigation Mechanics: Core gameplay systems interrogation, evidence cross-referencing, investigative services, and turn-based pressure will be refined based on community feedback, with improvements to pacing, information presentation, and quality-of-life features.

Deeper NPC Systems: Character AI is planned to be enhanced with more consistent personalities, sophisticated lying behavior patterns, and richer dialogue, making every suspect and witness feel more distinct and believable.

Expanded Content: The full version aims to include additional location types, case categories, evidence varieties, and investigative tools. Community requests during Early Access will directly influence content priorities and expansion direction.

Localization Polish: With support for 6 languages, the full version plans to offer refined translations and improved cultural authenticity across all supported regions based on player feedback.

Overall Scope: The 1.0 release is envisioned as a comprehensive detective experience where the AI-driven procedural generation consistently delivers compelling, logical, and varied mysteries. The game aims to provide hundreds of hours of unique investigations with systems refined to the point where every case feels handcrafted despite being procedurally generated.

The exact features and timeline will be shaped by Early Access feedback we're committed to building what players want most while maintaining our vision of creating the definitive AI-powered detective game.
”

What is the current state of the Early Access version?

“Rift Investigations is in a very stable state with all core features fully implemented and playable. The game offers 40+ hours of unique gameplay, with significantly more content for dedicated investigators.

CURRENTLY IMPLEMENTED FEATURES:

CORE INVESTIGATION MECHANICS:
- AI-powered procedural case generation ensuring every mystery is completely unique
- 10 adjustable difficulty levels ranging from casual investigations to expert-level challenges
- Full interrogation system with dynamic questioning of suspects
- Comprehensive location search mechanics across diverse environments
- Evidence cross-referencing system to identify lies and contradictions
- Strategic deduction phase with multiple plausible conclusions
- Two-attempt solve system with escalating consequences for wrong conclusions
- Turn-based investigation with time pressure and resource management

CHARACTER & NPC SYSTEMS:
- Rich NPC framework with unique personalities, backstories, and motivations
- Dynamic character behavior (witty, serious, deceptive, hostile, etc.)
- Untrustworthy witnesses who lie to protect themselves or their interests
- Distinct character attributes affecting gameplay and narrative

INVESTIGATIVE TOOLS:
- Forensic Rush: Accelerated evidence processing to reveal hidden clues
- Informant Network: Intelligence gathering on suspects and their secrets
- Surveillance Report: Complete overview of all suspects and locations with undiscovered evidence
- Strategic cost/benefit system requiring careful resource allocation

WORLD & SETTING:
- The Fractured Enclave: A fully realized post-apocalyptic noir world
- Multiple distinct investigation zones including:
* Spire Arcology (luxury penthouses and corporate districts)
* Undercroft (black markets and forgotten tunnels)
* Rift Zones (reality-warping anomalous areas)
* Dead Cities (ruins with biomechanical distortions)
* Temporal Scars (time-loop phenomena)
- Dozens of searchable locations with environmental storytelling
- Atmospheric blend of 1940s detective noir and cosmic horror

CASE VARIETY:
- Diverse case types from mundane crimes to reality-warping catastrophes
- Corporate conspiracies and high-society intrigue
- Anomalous phenomena investigations
- Standard criminal cases with supernatural twists
- Each case features unique suspects, evidence chains, and narrative threads

PROGRESSION & REPLAYABILITY:
- Infinite procedural generation ensuring no two cases are identical
- Reward system tied to investigation efficiency and accuracy
- Case history tracking
- Difficulty scaling to match player skill level

TECHNICAL FEATURES:
- Full multi-language support (English, Spanish, Chinese, Russian, Portuguese, German)
- Stable performance and polished user experience
- Cross-platform compatibility

For complete details on all implemented features, please refer to the "About This" section on the store page, which comprehensively describes the current gameplay experience.

ONGOING DEVELOPMENT:
While all core features are complete and fully playable, we continue active development focused on:
- Gameplay balance refinement based on player feedback
- Difficulty tuning across all 10 levels
- Additional quality-of-life improvements
- Performance optimizations
- Content expansion (new case templates, locations, and character archetypes)

The game is feature-complete and provides a full, polished detective experience. Early Access status reflects our commitment to ongoing refinement and expansion rather than incomplete core systems.”

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

“We plan to gradually raise the price as we ship new content and features.”

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

“Listening closely to community reviews and forums, as well as actively engaging with the community. ”