Why Early Access?

“Pipe or Die is a co-op game, and co-op games get better by being played. The core loop of the game is finished and already fun with friends. You can build pipes, feed the factory, and run from monsters. What Early Access allows me to do is everything beyond that. I can add more monsters, more upgrades and equipment, extra balancing, and more. I'm a solo developer and rely on public playtesting to iterate on the experience. ”

Approximately how long will this game be in Early Access?

“Around a year. 1.0 will ship when the planned content has been implemented and is fun. I don't have a specific date. ”

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

“I plan to grow the game in a few directions during Early Access:
- More monsters, each with their own unique art and behaviors
- New, deeper regions of the pit with their own unique look and hazards
- More equipment and upgrades in the shop
- More contract types on the job board
- Long-term progression across runs
- A deeper endgame run structure”

What is the current state of the Early Access version?

“The full core loop of the game is playable, solo or online co-op for up to 6 players:
- A procedurally generated level every shift
- Real pipe logistics, scavenge scarce pipe, route lines on a grid, and watch ore physically travel through the lines
- Your pay is ejected as a physical crate you carry to the ship
- 7 monsters with different rules
- Built-in proximity voice chat, monsters can hear you, and dead teammates can keep talking through the hard hats they leave behind
- Toxic smog, blackouts, poison gas, and a quota you have to meet
- Contracts that act as level modifiers, a shop, gear, and decisions between days
- Full menus, settings, and a textured, atmospheric world
This is a complete game that is growing, not a demo.
”

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

“There will be a small discount when Early Access launches, and the price may rise slightly at 1.0 as content ships. Either way, it will stay an affordable game you can talk all your friends into. ”

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

“I make YouTube videos for a living, so development happens in the open. I'm making regular devlogs that show what's being built, what got cut, and why. Feedback lives in the comments of those videos, Steam discussion forums, and on Discord. The game has already changed shape repeatedly because of playtests, and that's the process I'm using to develop the game. In Early Access, the players steering development will be you.

”