Why Early Access?

“Tactics: Age of Affliction is going into Early Access because I want to get your feedback as soon as I can, since this is a game where you build and execute on your master plan! I've made several smaller games in the past, but this intricate strategy/tactics game is something I've never done before and I want to make sure I pull it off.

In Early Access, I'm able to evolve and improve the game's core mechanics in a way that otherwise wouldn't be possible. I've always included the community as soon as I could with my previous games, so I'm excited to do the same with Tactics: Age of Affliction!”

Approximately how long will this game be in Early Access?

“I'm expecting Tactics: Age of Affliction 1.0 to be released by the end of 2021.

The game is playable right now, and you can get a great sense of the potential, but many of the systems have a lot of room to grow. For example, you can take prisoners after battles, and use their limbs for magical rituals, but I want to have recruitment, ransoms, and so much more. It'll take time for these to work out, but I'm looking forward to it!”

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

“The current iteration of the game has a lot going on under the hood, but the 1.0 version of Tactics: Age of Affliction will have a singleplayer campaign, more music, more art and visual effects, the UI will be remade with ease-of-use and visual appeal in mind, and you'll have dozens and dozens of hours worth of unique content, so that you can choose and control the fate of your allies.”

What is the current state of the Early Access version?

“While Tactics: Age of Affliction has come a long way since October 2018, it is very playable! Systems are being improved and reworked often, the UI is placeholder, and things are being added every week.

While the current iteration of the game represents the spirit of what will be finally released, each build reworks systems and evolves synergies. I'm excited to get feedback on how it currently feels to play. However, if you'd prefer to play a completed game, I recommend you wait until the 1.0 release, since I'm moving quickly and breaking often!

The current features are:

• Deep combat system, simulating limbs, spell casting, damage types, tons of dice rolls, and over a dozen stats to manipulate and plan
  
• Rebuild your capital and construct outposts to reclaim the wilds
  
• Capture enemies as prisoners and use them in Rituals
  
• Sell items found on the Marketplace based on the current need of your people
  
• Develop and execute battle plans on over a dozen locations with unique enemies to loot
  
• Can arm your heroes and minions with specialized weapons and armor
  
• Can script battle tactics like Attacking Rearmost Unit with Most HP, Cast Spell on Front Row
  
• Can send your parties on excursions to conquer three unique locations, with a variety of enemy encounters, tuned to challenge a variety of playstyles
  
• Able to patrol for enemies, or gather resources, to loot or to build magical totems

”

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

“The price will not change upon leaving Early Access.”

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

“I'm very active on Tactics: Age of Affliction's Discord, so I'm always on the lookout for feedback. Many of the best ideas from my previous games came from the community, so I can't wait to hear what the players have in mind for this project!”