Why Early Access?

“Event Horizon Research is playable from start to finish, but it is the
first game I have shipped, and I built it alone. Early Access is how I
find out what breaks on hardware I don't own, in the hands of people who
didn't design it.

The second reason is the physics. I want to build an uncompromised
descent mode based purely on the published models, without the
concessions the current version makes for playability. I would rather do
that with players watching and telling me where it stops being
interesting.”

Approximately how long will this game be in Early Access?

“I plan on around a year. I work on this alone and alongside other
commitments, so I would rather give a realistic window than a short one
I cannot keep. But hope 3-4 month)”

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

“I plan to add a second descent mode built strictly on the published
models, without the simplifications the current version makes in favour
of gameplay. Beyond that I plan to extend the research systems, work on
the station interior, and keep improving performance.

These are intentions rather than a committed feature list. What gets
built, and in what order, will depend in part on what players ask for.

And maybe VR, I would do it, but there is no opportunity to buy it yet, so I will spend the first money from the game on VR for tests)”

What is the current state of the Early Access version?

“The game is feature-complete: the tutorial, the station, the piloting
and research systems, and the full descent past the horizon are all in,
along with 40 achievements and full controller support.

Expect bugs. It has been tested by a small group rather than at scale,
and performance in the station scene is not yet where I want it.”

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

“I plan to raise the price modestly when the game leaves Early Access, so
that players who come in early pay less. Any change will be announced
ahead of time.”

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

“I read and answer everything in the Steam discussions and the game's
hub, and I post there about what I'm working on. Bug reports and
physics corrections are especially welcome - several things in the
current build exist because beta testers pushed back.

If you think something in the black hole model is wrong, tell me and
show your reasoning. That is the kind of feedback that changes the game.”