Why Early Access?

“Salvaged is a unique sci-fi strategy game that introduces an entirely new way of controlling a multi-person squad in a fighting environment. To put it simply, we’re unsure of how players will respond to this new way of playing. Is the game too easy, too hard, would people prefer more action, more strategising? We believe that Early Access is the perfect way to gauge player opinion and adapt the game appropriately.

The full campaign is playable in this Early Access edition, with 20 levels that feature a fully realised storyline with between 8 and 15 hours of play (depending on player skill). So while the game can be played all the way through without interruption, we expect to have have a few minor bugs that will need to be ironed out during the Early Access period. The game has already been tested thoroughly, so most players should find very few issues, but we want to be 100% bug free when the full game is released.

We also have a variety of features we want to add (all of which are listed below). So we feel now is the right time to start gathering feedback from a wider audience. As such, be sure to provide feedback on your experience with Salvaged!”

Approximately how long will this game be in Early Access?

“This will largely depend upon the amount of balance changes we make to the core gameplay, as well as the number of minor bugs that need to be eradicated. As well as these improvements, we will also be gradually adding the below features, which will obviously take time. However, our expectation is for the game to be in Early Access for six months at the maximum.”

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

“Salvaged features 20 full levels and an extensive narrative (plus incredible background lore) written specifically for the game. Salvaged also features a huge range of customisation options for your crew members, as well as multiple routes and strategies for your salvage operations. Despite this breadth of content, we’re planning on extending the Early Access version in the following ways:

• Incorporate post-campaign procedural missions
  
• Include support for the HTC Vive. Salvaged was developed first for Oculus Rift, so we're still adjusting Vive performance.
  
• Take feedback from players on balancing, specifically difficulty levels, and adjust the game accordingly.
  
• Add tablet control method for the non-VR play method
  
• Optimise the performance and graphics for lower / higher end PCs
  
• Fix any bugs as they are found

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What is the current state of the Early Access version?

“Salvaged has 20 levels and a full narrative that can be played and enjoyed from beginning to end. We expect the campaign to typically take players 8 to 15 hours to complete, depending upon play style and ability. Of course, this can be replayed endlessly, and with various customisation options and combat tactics there are plenty of reasons to play the campaign over and over again.”

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

“We will gradually be increasing the price as we ship new content and features. However, all Early Access versions of the game will automatically be upgraded when the full game is released.”

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

“Feedback is a large part of the reason Salvaged is on Early Access, as such we’re incredibly keen to hear from the players and to see how they react to the game. For starters, there are broad balancing decisions to be made which will be reviewed against the metrics on playtime we receive.

Of course, we’ll also be receiving, listening and responding to your direct feedback provided either here on our Early Access page or via our various external channels (Twitter, Facebook, game forum).”