Hvorfor tidlig tilgang?

«As a pioneer in the field of realistic full physics-driven combat in VR, I believe that the best way to develop the game is with the help of players. With player feedback, I intend to improve the game and add new features throughout its Early Access, and with enough success it is my hope to ultimately evolve the game from a combat sandbox into something with more depth.»

Hvor lenge antas det at dette spillet vil være i tidlig tilgang?

«Due to the original small scope of the game, it was initially expected that the Early Access period for B&S could be as little as 6 months. However, fans have shown us such overwhelming support and enthusiasm that it has allowed us to increase the scope of the game dramatically, as seen by the continued expansion over the years. Our estimated finish line has now shifted to approximately Q1 2024, but that could very easily become Q2 2024.

Thanks to the fans, Blade & Sorcery has grown from a simple simulation sandbox wave fighter into an "experience simulator", where besides cool physics-based combat, the idea is that the player feels fully immersed in some other world that is completely and realistically interactable. Our philosophy is if it feels like you should be able to do something, you should be. We believe this is what VR was made for, and that freedom is what separates it from traditional gaming.

On top of the original concept of arena fighting, the game is currently playable as a dungeon crawler with semi-procedurally generated dungeons. The final game will also now include a "progression mode" for players who crave more traditional direction and motivation than a purely sandbox experience.»

Hvordan er det planlagt at fullversjonen skal være forskjellig fra versjonen i tidlig tilgang?

«Features planned in the full version are:
- New procedurally generated Dungeon
- Player inventory
- “Progression mode” - Buying / unlocking equipment
- Skills tree
- New content (weapons, maps, armors)
- New enemy types
- Enhanced AI
- Lore
- Even more modding support

However, as has been the case up to now, I will be listening carefully to the community and the content of the final release could change depending on feedback and suggestions.»

Hva er nåværende tilstand for versjonen i tidlig tilgang?

«Although many planned features will be missing until version 1.0, the core combat and interaction mechanics are already in place so the game is currently playable and enjoyable as a combat sandbox. As is the case with all in-development Early Access titles, you should expect crazy bugs, balance tweaks, performance fluctuation, and content drip.

Current features (as of Aug 2022):
- Unique VR combat: Physics driven objects and characters
- 6 Arena-type Maps (Home, Arena, Ruins, Market, Canyon and Citadel)
- Semi-Procedurally Generated Dungeons
- More than 21 Weapons (swords, dagger, mace, shields, axes, spear, bow...)
- 5 spells (Slowing time, Telekinesis, Lightning, Gravity and Fire), each with many functions
- 3 enemy archetype (fighters, rangers and mages) with a variety of armour
- Avatar customization (wear any armour, mix and match pieces without restriction)
- Grappling and Punching
- Jumping, kicking, running
- Unrestricted climbing
- Free locomotion
- Advanced Modding; B&S is already one of VR’s most modded and mod-friendly games»

Vil spillet være priset annerledes under og etter tidlig tilgang?

«The final game price will increase moderately depending on the amount of content added during Early Access. The current price reflects our appreciation for those willing to support the game in its development stage.»

Hvordan planlegger dere å involvere samfunnet i utviklingsprosessen?

«I want to create the best physics driven VR combat game possible, so feedback and input from the community is not only desired, but needed. The community is what will make Blade & Sorcery the best it can be, and I intend to use Steam, Reddit and Discord as the central places for exchanging ideas and taking feedback.

As an ex-modder, the modding community is close to my heart. It is my opinion that modders greatly add value to a game, extending lifespan and adding variety in ways a developer sometimes cannot, so it is my intent to make the game as openly moddable as possible.

Currently game data is already moddable in terms of custom maps, weapons, spells and json tweaking, but in the long term I plan to add even more support, including the possibility for modders to add new game modes.»