Why Early Access?

“Get The Artifact: Violent Incursion already offers a playable experience built around precision movement, time-limited contracts, and replayable Time Attack challenges.

Early Access allows me to expand the space station, introduce additional challenges, and refine the gameplay based on direct player feedback.

I'm particularly interested in how players approach different routes, use movement skills, and respond to medal requirements and difficulty progression.

As a solo developer, I see Early Access as an opportunity to work directly with the community while building toward the complete experience.”

Approximately how long will this game be in Early Access?

“I currently expect Early Access to last a few months, with the goal of reaching version 1.0 during Q1 2027.

This is an estimated timeframe rather than a fixed deadline. Development progress and community feedback may influence the final release schedule.”

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

“The main goal is to expand the playable space station from its initial section into three interconnected sections, creating a complete Main Contract that takes approximately five minutes to finish.

I also plan to introduce additional Time Attack runs, new traversal challenges, and opportunities to discover faster routes throughout the station.

Beyond gameplay content, planned improvements include Steam Leaderboards, Achievements, Cloud Saves, an original soundtrack, and occasional voice transmissions that provide additional context to the station and its story.

These are development goals rather than guaranteed features, and priorities may evolve based on player feedback and development progress.”

What is the current state of the Early Access version?

“The initial Early Access release is planned to feature the first substantial section of the space station, with vertical traversal through at least five station levels.

Players will be able to take on the timed Main Contract, explore alternative routes and shortcuts, and challenge themselves across approximately six individual Time Attack runs.

Each Time Attack run features medal target times and tracks the player's five best results.

By earning medals across the available runs, players can progressively unlock three movement skills: Double Jump, SuperSprint, and Back Flip. These abilities provide additional traversal options and allow players to approach both Time Attack runs and the Main Contract in new ways.

The core movement, time-attack, medal, and skill progression systems are in place, while additional station sections and gameplay content are planned for future updates.”

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

“I'm not currently planning to change the base price when the game leaves Early Access.

The goal is to keep the game affordable while continuing to expand and improve the experience, with Early Access players receiving all subsequent updates, including the eventual full release.”

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

“Community feedback will be an important part of ARTIFACT's development throughout Early Access.

I'll be communicating through Steam Discussions and the game's public Discord server, where players can share feedback, report bugs, suggest improvements, and discuss different approaches to the available challenges.

I'm particularly interested in feedback on movement mechanics, difficulty balancing, medal target times, skill progression, and level design.

I plan to provide regular development updates covering new content, improvements, and progress toward the full release. Player suggestions will be evaluated for possible implementation, with an emphasis on maintaining the game's core identity.

I'd also like to recognize active community contributors and playtesters through dedicated Discord roles and other community perks.”