Why Early Access?

“Ironline is a complete game, but community feedback for additional development is important. It’s made by one person, and a tycoon game lives or dies on its balance, which is best tuned with players rather than guessed at alone. Early Access lets me find out how people actually play it: which lines they build, where the economy feels too easy or too hard, and which tools they wish they had. It also allows me to have less tunnel vision in regards to certain features or gameplay elements, and allows me to effectively prioritize development in key areas.”

Approximately how long will this game be in Early Access?

“The goal is to have Ironline in Early Access for two months.”

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

“The full version will add:

-plans for Steam Achievements and Steam Cloud saves;
-more balance work on the economy, rival companies and the cargo chains;
-more polish to train signalling and capacity on busy lines, improvement to art and textures;
-more regions and starting scenarios
-plans for additional gameplay features and collectible in-game content.”

What is the current state of the Early Access version?

“You can play from 1920 into the modern era:

Railways: stations, junctions, passing loops, double track, viaducts, tunnels and signals.
Other transport: lorries and buses on the roads, electric trams through towns, steamers and cargo ships between quays, and mail planes and airliners between aerodromes.
The world: towns that grow along your lines, and connected cargo chains from mines, farms and forests through mills and factories to the towns.
Competition: rival companies that compete for traffic.
Planning tools: timetables, a network map, and seasons with changing weather.

Expect rough edges: some balance is still being tuned, the landscaping system occasionally hides track, and the game is mouse-and-keyboard only for now.”

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

“Yes. The initial copy for testers in Early Access will be a lesser price, and I plan to increase the price upon full release as I ship additional content and features. I do not plan for a substantial jump; the intent is to thank and reward testers for providing feedback by offering a lower early access price.”

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

“Through the Steam discussion forums and communication. I’ll read the feedback, post regular development updates with what changed and why, and use what players report to decide what to fix and build next. Bug reports and balance feedback are especially welcome, because they’re the main reason for Early Access. The community will also have the ability to shape the future of gameplay direction, development of features, and I would be thankful for any testing and feedback provided.”