Why Early Access?

“Shadow Stalk Studios is a new video game company that has chosen to embrace the Early Access model for several compelling reasons.

Community Engagement: The development team behind "The Hunted: Only the Strong Survive" is passionate about involving players in the game's evolution right from the start. By releasing the game in Early Access, they aim to create a dedicated community of players who can actively participate in shaping the game's development. Player feedback is invaluable for fine-tuning gameplay mechanics, balancing, and addressing any bugs or issues that may arise.

Iterative Development: "The Hunted: Only the Strong Survive" team recognize that building a truly exceptional gaming experience takes time and continuous improvement. Early Access allows us to release a core version of the game while working on additional content, features, and optimizations based on player feedback. This iterative development approach ensures that the final release will be polished and well-crafted.

Transparency: "The Hunted: Only the Strong Survive" developers believe in open and transparent communication with their player base. Early Access provides an opportunity for players to see the game's development journey first-hand, fostering trust and a sense of community between developers and gamers.

Testing Ground: Early Access is an ideal environment to test new features, game modes, and experimental content. Player feedback helps the developers gauge which aspects resonate most with the community and which ones may need adjustments or removal.

Platform Adaptation: Releasing "The Hunted: Only the Strong Survive" in Early Access allows the team to adapt the game to different platforms more effectively. Player feedback helps them optimize the game for various hardware configurations and iron out platform-specific issues.”

Approximately how long will this game be in Early Access?

“"The Hunted: Only the Strong Survive" plans to remain in Early Access for 1 year”

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

“The full version of "The Hunted: Only the Strong Survive" will build upon the Early Access version by incorporating player feedback, adding new content, enhancing gameplay mechanics, improving technical aspects, and delivering a more polished and feature-rich gaming experience that reflects the development team's commitment to creating an outstanding final product.

Polished Gameplay: Player feedback will be instrumental in fine-tuning and improving the overall gameplay experience. This includes addressing any balancing issues, optimizing performance, and enhancing game mechanics based on player suggestions and preferences.

Bug Fixes and Optimization: Early Access often reveals unforeseen technical issues and bugs. The full version of "The Hunted: Only the Strong Survive" will have undergone extensive bug fixing and optimization, resulting in a smoother and more stable gaming experience.”

What is the current state of the Early Access version?

“"Current State of the Early Access Version for "The Hunted"

"The Hunted" is an open-world animal survival game currently in its Early Access stage. Here’s a detailed overview of the features and systems that are already implemented:

1. Core Gameplay Mechanics:
- Simple Combat:
Players can engage in basic combat with other animals. This feature allows for defensive and offensive actions to ensure survival.

2. Social and Reproductive Systems:
- Birthing System:
The game includes a unique birthing system where players can mate and invite other players to join as their offspring. This system fosters a sense of family and community within the game.

3. Exploration and Resource Management:
- Large Interactive Map:
Players can explore a vast open world filled with various biomes and ecosystems. The map provides numerous opportunities for interaction, resource gathering, and survival challenges.

- Finding Food:
Survival depends on locating and consuming food scattered throughout the environment. This aspect adds a layer of strategy and urgency to the gameplay.

4. Progression and Growth:
- Growth System:
Players start as baby animals and gradually grow into adults. This system tracks the player's progress and development, impacting their abilities and interactions within the game.

In summary, the Early Access version of "The Hunted" offers players a rich and immersive experience with its simple combat mechanics, innovative birthing system, expansive map, and a detailed growth progression. Players can enjoy a dynamic and evolving world where survival, exploration, and social interaction are key to thriving in the wilderness.”

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

“No, the game price will not change when we leave early access. We plan to release content that can be purchased along side the game in either singles or bundles.”

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

“Shadow Stalk Studios recognizes the importance of engaging with the gaming community in the development and promotion of our upcoming game, "The Hunted: Only the Strong Survive". We believe that involving the community from the early stages of development will not only enhance the game's quality but also foster a sense of ownership and excitement among players. This Community Involvement Plan outlines our strategy for involving the gaming community throughout the development process.

1. Pre-Development Phase:

Announcement and Teasers: We have began by announcing "The Hunted: Only the Strong Survive" and releasing teaser content such as concept art, a brief storyline overview, and a gameplay concept. This will create initial excitement and curiosity among gamers.

Community Forums: We have established a Discord server with dedicated channels to "The Hunted: Only the Strong Survive" where players can discuss their expectations, share ideas, and provide feedback.

2. Early Development Phase:

Alpha Testing: A select group of players from the community will be invited to participate in closed alpha testing. This group will have early access to the game, providing valuable feedback on gameplay mechanics, balance, and bug reports.

Developer Blogs: Regular developer blogs and video updates will be posted, giving insights into the game's development progress. This transparency will keep the community engaged and informed.

3. Mid-Development Phase:

Private Beta Testing: As the game becomes more polished, we will launch our private beta phase, allowing a larger portion of the community to experience the game and provide feedback. This phase will also serve as another stress test for our servers.

Community-Driven Features: We will hold community polls and surveys to gather input on features, animal designs, and additional content to be added to the game based on player preferences.

4. Post-Release Phase:

Continuous Updates: After the game's release, we will continue to release updates and patches based on player feedback and bug reports, ensuring that "The Hunted: Only the Strong Survive" remains engaging and balanced.

Feedback Channels: We will maintain active channels for community feedback and suggestions, demonstrating our commitment to listening and improving the game.

In conclusion, Shadow Stalk Studios is dedicated to involving the gaming community in the development and promotion of "The Hunted: Only the Strong Survive". We believe that by working collaboratively with our players, we can create a game that not only meets their expectations but exceeds them. Together, we will make "The Hunted" an immersive and memorable gaming experience for all.”