Honorable Knights of the Valley,
While testing of the latest Alpha 2 build will continue, work on version Alpha 3 started today!
This means barring any game-breaking bugs still found (very unlikely at this stage), there will be no further Alpha 2 updates.
Thanks to everyone who tested Alpha 2 and provided me with feedback, the game is now really stable and completely playable, and all reported bugs, unless they are related to Alpha 3 features, have been fixed.
Some really great improvement ideas and suggestions also came in, and it's just fun and exciting to read through all of it. There's no lack of good ideas here, it's about execution now.
Speaking of which: the first thing I started working on for Alpha 3 today is Trading. You will be able to puchase items from store owners, market sellers, tavern staff, and a number of other characters.
You will also be able to sell your extra loot at some places.
Unlocking the store doors will open up a few other gameplay mechanics, too... if you're not really invested in the whole money-for-goods idea, you will be able to break into stores at night or rob them in broad daylight!
The Alpha 3 scope is quite large, and aside from some additions that can almost be expected (like Trading, true character progression, an improved combat system, and much more content), there will also be a few surprises in there.
Alpha 3 will have enough content for six to eight hours of gaming, up from two. This next demo release will participate in several Steam events, which will expose the game to a large (uncontrolled) number of players - including you!
When will it be ready? I am aiming for the begining of the fourth quarter this year.
I'm looking forward it,
Until next time,
Martin