Hey Folks!
It’s been a while, so we’d like to explain what has been happening behind the curtain over the last few months.
We announce that from now on, we’ll be self-publishing Escape the Mad Empire. Paradox Arc and us (XperimentalZ Games) came to a mutually beneficial arrangement that will allow us to keep supporting the game for longer than planned for.
We’re very grateful for this last 3 years of partnership, the game would not be where it is now without their continuous support!
The original plan was to release in 1.0 last March with a big end-game content update, then probably put development on ice.
Now, we’d like to take a risk and extend the development of this crazy project, for you the players but also for us, since this has been our passion-project over the last 8 years.
So over the next few weeks/months, we'll address recurring concerns and release the content originally planned for 1.0. We'll then discuss the options with the players, as we head toward 1.0 with new content. Here’s a glimpse of the revamped roadmap:
Take some time to address a few recurring issues, starting with a first update in the next few days that will increase the party cap and add a few bits of content.
Have the players vote on the instability and thirst mechanics, and address these in another update, along with a calibration pass in preparation for the upcoming end-game content update.
Release the end-game content update originally planned for 1.0, in a few weeks / months.
Consult players about QoL and potential content options to work on as we look at the next 1.0 release windows, probably fall 2026 or early 2027.
Review post 1.0 content update options.
Here’s a few potential options for upcoming content we’ll be considering to develop over the next few years (though 1.0, but mostly post 1.0):
Arena mode (endless challenge)
Archer class
Standalone roguelike mode (single run)
Displaying the visual of equipped weapons or armor
Keep improving onboarding functionalities
Controller support
Adding a Competences/Feats System that gives options on level-up
Races system
If you’d like to participate in the upcoming discussions, please visit us on Discord. We thank you all for your precious support over the last few years!
So, be ready for a series of updates in the next few days / weeks! Oh, and the game is currently 25% off!