Why Early Access?

“I have decided to change the game to Early Access as there is a lot of additional features that I have yet to add, and I decided that with a lot of them, they do need feedback from the community on if it is the right direction to take, as a lot of them involve mechanics that will need to be refined (with the actual driving of the hovercar being a major one). I have done a good amount of playtesting on the "feel" of the controls (as the control scheme is (as far as I am aware) unique).”

Approximately how long will this game be in Early Access?

“Currently, I am anticipating to have the current technical features done by the end of 2024, but that may end up being longer as it is dependent on the art side of the game, so the game might be in Early Access for longer. I will be providing updates on this front. This is also dependent on if any additional features that the community want added are implemented, as I am always being given suggestions by the very small community I currently have for the game.”

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

“The full version will differ from the Early Access version as the full version is planned to have AI support as this is a huge thing that I would love to have implemented. There are also a fair few additional features currently planned, but I will need feedback from the community to help me in deciding if I am tracking in the right direction (the game is rather different to what it was over a year ago when receiving feedback from players when playtested at conventions). The full version is also likely to go over a notable change in the visual art of the game (as currently the assets used are mostly placeholder, with the one notable asset being the hovercar itself being very much placeholder. It looked better than using a cube though!).

Currently, the Early Access version has just over half of the intended features of the game (technical wise, art wise it has a fair way to go), and I am always happy to add more depending on what the community would like. I want to create a community that enjoys playing my game (I think most creators/developers want that) and not feel like they aren't being listened to and start to resent the developer (in this case being me).”

What is the current state of the Early Access version?

“The current state of the Early Access version will have split-screen support as well as more tracks than are currently featured in the demo (with more being added to the Early Access version vs the demo, which will have gameplay updates, but at the current time, no additional content). The Early Access version also has online multiplayer, but this is still rather glitchy and has no matchmaking implemented (so joining other people's lobbies is needed to play).

The Early Access version as of writing has 7 tracks (2 time trial "solo" tracks, 5 circuit "multiplayer" tracks) with more to come (that will need to be play tested. The visuals are also still very "placeholdery", as I am focused on the gameplay over the visual aesthetics (but am slowly implemented more visual changes).

For example, if the Early Access version has changes to how the hovercar controls or mechanics, that gameplay change will be carried over to the demo version (such a change may also necessitate a leaderboard reset).”

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

“The price during Early Access will be lower while the game is in Early Access. However, the price will gradually increase as additional content and features are added.”

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

“I plan to involve the community by communicating through announcements as well as on socials (currently the only one fully set up right now is Twitter (aka, X), but I plan to create additional ways for the community to be involved). I will be posting updates on progress of the game as often as I can, which at the current time is monthly.

Having had this game play tested at a small handful of conventions local to where I live, a large majority of the reception has been very positive, and I want to see more people involved in seeing how the game is developing as a whole and helping to shape it as well. No point in me making a game that only I will like and enjoy playing.”