Why Early Access?

“I have spent the past year building Goodly Trials, and I am finally ready to put it in front of players.

The game is entering Early Access with its core experience already in place. Single-player and multiplayer modes are fully playable with matchmaking, ranked play, and real-time multiplayer lobbies. This is not a promise of a game that may eventually take shape. It is a working game that I believe is ready to be played, challenged, and improved.

Early Access will give me the opportunity to refine balance, improve clarity, address rough edges, and learn how the game holds up in the hands of a larger and more varied group of players. Just as importantly, it will help establish the community that I hope can sustain Goodly Trials for years to come.

Goodly Trials has no publisher, Kickstarter campaign, or large marketing operation behind it. I have funded and developed the game independently, and releasing it in Early Access is the next step. The introductory discount is meant as a genuine thank-you to the first players willing to take a chance on it.

I want those early players to have a meaningful place in the game’s development. Early Access supporters will receive special Discord privileges and opportunities to take part in conversations about balance, design, and the future direction of Goodly Trials.
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Approximately how long will this game be in Early Access?

“60 days”

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

“At the time of the Steam Early Access launch, one additional faction is already in development. I intend to complete them before the full release, bringing the planned launch roster to four playable factions.

I am also developing a more substantial single-player campaign and story. My current expectation is that it will arrive after the full release, allowing me to focus first on the core competitive experience and the systems shared across every mode. That priority may change, however, if Early Access players show that single-player is where Goodly Trials is at its strongest. The direction of development will be informed by how people actually choose to play.”

What is the current state of the Early Access version?

“The Early Access release includes every core feature planned for the final game. Players can compete through asynchronous multiplayer, join or host real-time matches through a lobby-based system, climb the ranked ladder, or play alone across three difficulties. A substantial progression system offers roughly 30 hours of unlockable items, characters, and cosmetics.

Goodly Trials also enters Early Access with its final artistic identity firmly established. Its hand-drawn presentation is representative of the finished vision, not temporary or placeholder work.

The EA release includes three distinct playable factions, along with a large roster of characters, equipment, and strategic combinations to discover.”

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

“The price will increase about 50% once early access completes.”

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

“Goodly Trials is a dense turn-based strategy game with more than 60 playable units, a large collection of unique items, multiple bosses, and a considerable number of interacting stats and systems.

Balancing all of that has been both enjoyable and demanding. During the closed Early Access period, I released one or two balance patches each week, amounting to roughly 40 updates so far. I intend to maintain that pace during Steam Early Access. Detailed notes for every update can be found in game.

I am also looking forward to building a community that can provide broad feedback while helping me test specific ideas, balance changes, and new features.

Steam Early Access players will receive access to a dedicated Design Council channel on Discord, along with a special role. Members will be able to vote on proposed balance changes, new units, and new equipment. They will also be invited to scheduled multiplayer tournaments and have access to a separate, open-ended channel focused on balance discussion and design feedback.”