Why Early Access?

“Hey it’s Ategig here, I’m the developer of Brimstone Brawlers. This game originally started out as my hobby project as a solo developer and has now turned into a game I think is ready to share with the Steam community. Over the last few years I have been hard at work developing the game and I would love some feedback and support while bringing you all an exciting new top down brawler!

That leads me to why I am releasing into Early Access. I have big ambitions for the game and already have many collaborators ready to join the project, I just need one thing - funding. Brimstone Brawlers has been entirely self funded to this point and I honestly need some help to get some of the more advanced features complete as well as to transition to working on the project full time. Throughout the development of the game, I have had great support from those who can see my vision and this has allowed me to occasionally engage with some freelance collaborators already, but I need more help.

There’s also a ton of other reasons for releasing into Early Access including growing the community to help shape the game into something truly awesome. As I mentioned before, I’ve been a solo developer for ages and the games at a point where it would be awesome to get some community feedback and engagement to make sure I am making a game that people actually want to play.

TLDR:
I’ve been a mostly solo developer so far and now want to grow a team.
I really want to grow the community here on Steam.
I have high ambitions for the game.
The project needs some funding and support to fulfill those ambitions.”

Approximately how long will this game be in Early Access?

“I will be using all funds generated by game sales to implement features including, new content (both maps and brawlers), online profiles, matchmaking and unlockable cosmetics.

The speed in which these features are added really depends on how much support we receive during Early Access. Once these features have been implemented, the game can then be released into 1.0.0.”

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

“Honestly, I know I am releasing the game into Early Access in an extremely early state. Let’s take the ideal option from the section above and run with that.

Here are a bunch of cool features that could make it into a full version, but keep in mind I am not making any promises.

Match Making

Matchmaking will be the backbone of Brimstone Brawlers. I would love to add all of the “standard” features including:

- Dedicated Servers
- Anti cheat measures
- Competitive and Casual play
- ELO/Rankings/Seasons
- Parties/Groups for team matches (with team ELO/Rankings/stats)

Player Profiles + Cosmetic Unlocks

Player profiles will have many features including:

- Experience with levels and rewards (cosmetics etc)
- In depth player stats
- Match stats
- Brawler specific stats
- Replays

Interconnected World

Every map in the game is geographically located within the large city of Brimstone. If I am able to grow the art team, this concept would let us do some cool things. First up, it would let us do some environmental storytelling. Imagine playing on a level and then noticing a new set of scaffolding on one of the buildings in the background, why did the developers add that? Perhaps it’s a new map? Or a new character moving into town?
Another cool thing this feature would let us do is create exciting new game modes including solo/coop content and large scale modes. Wait… does this mean I’m thinking of doing a battle royale mode? Well no, not exactly. But I am not ruling it out either. I can promise that if I ever do, it will be in the same game and wont take anything away from the core Brimstone experience.

Content Packs

Brimstone Brawlers will get content updates throughout its life cycle. There will be a constant stream of content including maps, brawlers, cosmetics and more. If I am able to grow the team, we will also be working towards larger content packs which will be released less often in order to refresh the game.

These packs will focus on world events within the city of Brimstone. The Circus will be the first major content pack, releasing several circus themed brawlers as well as a bunch of new maps and casual game modes. These packs may also be used to bookend seasons of competitive play.

Did I mention a playable circus bear?

Constant Improvements

So far the game has been developed by a tiny team (mostly one person). Along with all of the big features I want to include, I will be reworking and improving existing systems already in place.

The major priorities for improvement include:

• Netcode updates/optimizations
  
• UI Updates (we are well aware our UI is trash)
  
• Ability FX updates
  
• SFX updates
  
• Existing level updates
  
• Getting some awesome music made
  
• Brawler visual updates

”

What is the current state of the Early Access version?

“The game is still under development, hence the Early Access. Players are able to play local (single machine) multiplayer using up to 4 controllers, as well as limited featured online multiplayer (no matchmaking yet). Currently in online mode you are able to host a public or private server. Private servers can be password protected or set to Steam invite only.

For those happy to support the game now and play Early Access, there are currently 5 core playable brawlers. Each brawler has a unique set of skills and all supporting ability mechanics have been implemented into the game. If you decide you like the core game and would like to support the project, there is DLC that will give you access to all the brawlers and future content.”

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

“The core game will be free while in Early Access. As you can see by my future plans, I have many new features (hopefully) coming down the road.

Once these features have been added I will look into alternate pricing options, such as switching to a “Free to Play” structure where in-game purchases (non-gameplay affecting cosmetics etc) continue to fund the project far into the future.

This would be a large transition and will depend on community engagement and support. If the project does not make it to this transition I will look into several other options moving forward.”

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

“Community involvement and feedback will be vital to the development process of Brimstone Brawlers. The game is already shaping up to be an awesomely fun game when played with friends and there has been a small competitive community playing the game in online alpha tests.

I mainly engage with the community through the games verified and will be active on the Steam community pages.”