Why Early Access?

“Codenamed “MoM” - aka “Man|Maan of Moon” - I’ve been developing this game in my spare time since Autumn 2024. Conceived as an alternative moon landing - in which astronauts would dig up more than just rock & soil samples - my initial goal was a short treasure-hunting experience in which a trail of discoveries led you to a final reward. That’s still my aim but as I explored various gameplay ideas - especially approaches to extraction, navigation & survival - I realised there was scope for way more concepts, modes & mechanics than I initially expected.

I’m still in the pre-alpha phase of development - adding more content and features as I work towards the main adventure content. Previous (pre-alpha) work was titled:

v0.1 - Tools Test - a core gameplay loop with essential controllables, obstacles, statistics & tools in place
v0.2 - Surface Test - added lighting, map, time & quadrant tracking and clues to undetectable treasures
v0.3 - Items Test - added interiors, inventory views, keys & locks, and various environment updates
v0.4 - Store Test - added credits & energy and a storefront for purchasing abilities, tools, extensions & upgrades

The Early Access (EA) launch version is v0.5 aka 'Treasure Hunt' - which is a sort of mini-game in itself. This version adds stamina & temperature management/tracking, unique ambience & weather per quadrant, objectives, saving and story, a 3 day [in-game] mission time-limit, main/options/pause menus and various control, environment & gameplay additions & improvements.

From here on out, I anticipate the game will get ‘wider’ (via more assets, mechanics and modes) and ‘deeper’ (via more depth & detail to existing work); although the exact ordering of additions is subject to change, I foresee the following updates/releases as part of remaining pre-alpha work:

v0.6 - The Tools & Technologies Update
Aims to add more tools - like bombs, drills & fishing rods - as well as technologies - like motion-sensors, teleporters & scout-bots - to aid you on your adventure.

v0.7 - The Flora & Fauna Update
Aims to add more colour and life to the moon through various weird plants & animals and deal with whatever mischief they may cause to the mission.

v0.8 - The Trash & Treasures Update
Aims to add more trash - junk from terrestrial & extra-terrestrial sources - which can be explored/recycled - and treasures - to unlock new gameplay potential

v0.9 - The Man & Machine Update
Aims to add new friends & foes - to help or hinder your quest - as well as new means of navigation - like the minecart & lunar rover - which offer new benefits.

These updates/releases may take the form of modifications to existing maps/modes, new modes and/or whatever seems most sensible for previewing new additions. While these phases are ongoing, I anticipate existing areas to change based on bugs, comments, feedback & suggestions. Once all these changes are in place, the alpha adventure should, hopefully, be within reach via:

v1.0 - The Descend & Discover Update
Aims to let you journey to the centre of the moon and experience a range of new biomes, challenges & obstacles as you seek out the ultimate treasure. You'll have 28 in-game days to find it.”

Approximately how long will this game be in Early Access?

“6-12 months as a minimum - which should cover the development of the alpha - v1.0 - mission that aims to lead you to the centre of the moon. Thereafter, I expect the game to enter into various improvement phases by means of beta and mastering. Depending on bugs and feedback I receive, I’m open to extending the development cycle. As I add new modes and features, I hope to give seasoned players a reason to return and replay.”

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

“I plan to make the lunar surface larger and more varied and allow you to delve even deeper via bunkers, caves & mines. I hope to add more mechanics and variety in the form of new vehicles, tools, technologies, hazards, decorations & biomes, as well as developing the art, audio, gameplay & narrative further. Following the ‘alpha’ version detailed in the “Why Early Access?” question, the game will, ideally, enter a ‘beta’ phase - where many assets will be polished and the existing game improved as necessary - followed by ‘mastering’. I anticipate there will be a playable prologue & epilogue set on earth which should, hopefully, help to round off the overall story. I also hope to add support for further achievements, control styles, languages & platforms wherever possible. I could pull this some of this work forward if requested by the community.”

What is the current state of the Early Access version?

“The current build is EA v0.5 and the game is in a pre-alpha state (currently a work-in-progress across the board). This version includes a single map & game mode by means of 'Mission 0.5 - Treasure Hunt' - a scripted experience showcasing the primary exploration, treasure-hunting & survival gameplay loop. This build is designed like a compressed version of the full game experience: with a trail of treasures leading you to a final discovery. Seasoned players may find 100% treasures in around 30-60 minutes in a single run once familiar with the map & mechanics. Please note that all artwork, audio & gameplay is a work-in-progress and subject-to-change as the product evolves. Bugs are likely so if you'd enjoy a more polished experience, please wait until the main release.”

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

“The price will increase relative to new content and features. As mentioned above, please expect bugs and changes to numerous game assets.”

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

“I plan to interact with players via Steam using my developer account. Primarily, this will be via the forums but also through various news updates that mention any major changes. Bug reports, comments, feedback and suggestions are all encouraged & welcomed. I have my own vision for the game but am open to exploring avenues I never before considered. I’ll aim to expose my current - unordered & unprioritized - TODO list to showcase ideas which are currently on the back-burner. Depending on player feedback - and in line with the games vision - immediate work will likely be subject to reordering & reprioritising.”