Why Early Access?

“Crownways: A Settlement Economy is a detailed settlement-building and economic strategy game with interconnected systems that will continue to evolve throughout development.

Through Early Access, we want to involve players in shaping the game. Community feedback will be especially valuable for refining production chains, transportation networks, economic balance, and AI opponents.

Early Access allows us to improve existing gameplay systems, gradually introduce new features, and work towards a polished and engaging long-term strategy experience.”

Approximately how long will this game be in Early Access?

“We currently estimate that Crownways will remain in Early Access for approximately 12 to 24 months. The actual duration will depend on development progress, community feedback, and the scope of planned features and expansions. Quality and stability will take priority over meeting a fixed release date.”

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

“The full version of Crownways is intended to bring together the systems developed and refined throughout Early Access into a complete settlement-building strategy game.

During Early Access, we plan to expand the game with diplomacy, trade, seafaring across islands and continents, and multiplayer functionality.

We also aim to continuously improve the economy, AI opponents, user interface, performance, and gameplay balance.

The order, scope, and availability of individual features may change depending on development progress and community feedback.”

What is the current state of the Early Access version?

“Crownways: A Settlement Economy is currently in active development and already features an extensive playable economic simulation.

Players can establish their own medieval settlements, construct numerous production buildings, and develop complex production chains. Resources are gathered, processed, and transported by carriers through a network of roads and flags, connecting production sites, warehouses, and construction projects.

Features already implemented include farming, mining, various crafting industries, warehouse management, territorial expansion, military buildings and soldiers, and procedurally generated hex worlds. Games can be saved and loaded, and the user interface is available in both English and German.

Before the planned Early Access launch, we aim to introduce the first independently developing AI opponents with different personalities and military interactions.

Development continues with additional animations, sound effects, user interface improvements, and performance optimizations.

Diplomacy, trade between players, seafaring, and multiplayer are not yet available and are planned for later development stages.”

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

“We plan to offer Crownways at a lower introductory price during Early Access.

As development progresses and major updates introduce new content and features, the price may gradually increase throughout the Early Access period.

A further price adjustment may also take place when the full version 1.0 is released.

Specific price levels and dates have not yet been determined. We will inform the community in advance of any planned price changes.”

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

“The community will play an important role in the ongoing development of Crownways: A Settlement Economy.

Through Steam Discussions, community feedback, and regular development updates, we aim to stay in contact with players and share insights into current progress and planned features.

We are particularly interested in feedback on game balance, production chains, transportation networks, AI opponents, usability, and performance.

Bug reports, suggestions, and player experiences will help us improve existing gameplay systems and prioritize future updates.

We also plan to test new features gradually and incorporate community experiences into further development.

The core vision of Crownways will remain consistent, while constructive feedback and useful suggestions are always welcome.”