Why Early Access?

“Fathom’s End has already been shaped through a community-driven process, with feedback from over 15 playtesters directly influencing systems, balance, and design decisions. Early Access is a natural continuation of that approach.

The goal is to keep development player-led from this point through to full release; using real feedback, real play patterns, and real discussion to guide what the game becomes, rather than locking everything behind a fixed roadmap.”

Approximately how long will this game be in Early Access?

“Approximately 6 months to 1 year”

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

“The core game loop is already complete and fully playable. The Early Access period will focus on expanding the scope and depth of the experience rather than rebuilding its foundations.

Planned additions during Early Access include:

Expanded narrative radio interactions, featuring story-driven calls from ships and other offshore locations, including recurring characters and longer-form story threads.

Progression through multiple decades, with the lighthouse, equipment, and daily routines evolving over time as new technologies become available.

Lighthouse customisation and decoration, allowing players to personalise both functional and living spaces.

Additional activities and entertainment, giving the keeper more ways to pass the time during quieter periods and long shifts.

Early Access players should expect a complete core experience at purchase, with the full version representing a broader, deeper, and more varied version of that same game.”

What is the current state of the Early Access version?

“The Early Access version includes the complete core gameplay loop and all major systems required to play the game as intended.

Currently implemented features include:

Radio communications with over 25 ships, each fully voiced by a unique actor.

Lighthouse maintenance systems, including lens cleaning, clockwork winding, lamp replacement, circuit breaker management, and power handling.

Daily operational tasks, such as producing printed logs and responding to routine responsibilities.

Supply ordering and budgeting, with helicopter deliveries forming part of the survival loop.

Cooking and food preparation, alongside fishing as a supplementary activity.

The Early Access build is stable, fully playable, and representative of the intended experience. All core systems described on the store page are already implemented, with Early Access focused on expanding content rather than completing missing fundamentals.”

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

“There are no plans to change the price during or after Early Access. Players who purchase the game in Early Access should expect to receive all future updates and content additions at no additional cost.

If the scope of the project changes significantly over time, pricing may be reviewed, but the current intention is for the price to remain consistent through to full release.”

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

“Community feedback has already played a direct role in shaping Fathom’s End. Over 15 playtesters have contributed during development, with their feedback leading to concrete changes to systems, balance, and features currently in the game.

This approach will continue throughout Early Access. Development priorities will be informed by player feedback gathered directly from the community, including bug reports, quality-of-life improvements, feature discussions, and longer-term design direction.

The primary hub for this will be the official Discord server:
https://discord.gg/rmsaBeT8Md

Early Access is intended to be an open, player-led development process, where community input meaningfully influences how the game evolves toward full release.”