Why Early Access?

“Early Access will allow me an episodic release format. For the last seven and a half years I have been working on Redeemart and its engine as a solo developer. That means I've done everything from the 3D modelling to the game design to writing the story. Programming a custom game engine for a game means you have a far greater amount of control over the functionality present but it also means your engine hasn't been tested in the real world on the thousands of different PC setups that exist. As a developer and Software Engineer, my credibility is extremely important to me and I'd never want to charge money for a finished product that crashes on a player. Releasing in early access gives me the ability to get my engine out into the wild without the expectation of perfection. As well, by releasing with an episodic schedule players will be able to have input on the direction of the game and allow me a far more enjoyable completion schedule. To be clear though, upon release in early access, the game will ship with the polished and completed first quarter of the story.”

Approximately how long will this game be in Early Access?

“My goal is to remain in early access for less than a year. That means the game currently has the first half of the story. Then during the year, there will be two major releases containing the remaining episodes. Inevitably road bumps will be hit and it is possible I won't be able to meet this timeline. However, I've allowed myself a lot of leeway with this estimate so that even with unforeseen issues I can release the full game within a year.”

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

“The full version of the game will include:

The Completed Story

The final version of the game will include all 4 story episodes which represent the game's total story. Currently, the first two episodes are available, with two more to come during Early Access development. Each episode will continue the narrative and bring additional gameplay elements, like more enemies and a new weapon to assemble and fight with.

More Graphics and Accessibility options

Currently, there are only a few graphical controls present (output resolution and V sync). I'd like to support more options such as windowed mode, and texture quality. As well as any other controls the community would like. Finally, I'd like to work with the community to add desired accessibility options like colour blind modes or additional control schemes.”

What is the current state of the Early Access version?

“The Early Access version currently contains the completed first two episodes of the story (the first half of the story). This section of the game is finished, and polished, and will not change in the final game. Features and content like the trading card upgrade system, story, menus, artwork and combat are all fully implemented and refined. During testing, playthroughs of this content were around 150 minutes.”

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

“While in Early Access Redeemart will be sold at a reduced price. This is your opportunity to join the development process, see the game grow, contribute feedback and experience the story in an episodic release schedule. Upon exiting Early Access the game will be finished and the price will be raised.”

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

“In between releases of episodes, I would like to have minor updates - for early access purchasers - that allow players to try out the new weapons and enemies coming in the next episode and give their feedback on the direction of the gameplay. In addition, I'd love to be able to add player-suggested items and artwork to the store. Finally, community recommendations will guide the graphical options and accessibility options implemented. All this will happen on the official Discord, so be sure to join!”