When Approaching Infinity finally reached Beta state back in January, I began Early Access on itch.io to try to increase the playtester base. It was definitely a good decision, I've gotten some great feedback. Just today I got a lot of good ideas from a long-time Nethack and DCSS player.
My approach to itch.io was based on my previous success with kickstarter. I intended to offer multiple 'tiers' of rewards for not only 'purchasing' the game, but also 'backing' or 'funding' its development. Each reward tier is named after a faction in the game, from the rowdy Pirates, all the way up to the god-like and aloof Firaxughinians.
It was quite difficult trying to balance the reward levels from the kickstarter campaign with what I thought people would be willing to pay for an unfinished game (even though they could be assured that the finished product was coming, and that they had already purchased it.) I didn't want to alienate my kickstarter backers by offering Beta access for too little. I also didn't want to scare people away. So eventually, I decided on a price/reward structure.
(Notice to Roguelike Veterans: "turning off perma-death" is an *option* for this level. There are also some penalties when perma-death is off, like no achievement tracking.)
But I realize, it's time to end it. I need to put some time between "pre-sales" and the actual release. Time to build up the mystique a bit. Time to focus on the final distribution channels. Time to decide on a price for the finished game.
These images are mostly archival now. Just something nice to look at; a possibility to remember.
So if you want in, get in now, because Friday, April 11th will be the last day to get Early Access to Approaching Infinity. The Greenlight Sale will last that long, so you can still get a 34% discount. You can also pick up the free demo there.
