Hi, I'm Don. As Producer Ham mentioned, I'm the Global Project Manager for ArcheAge Chronicles.
If you saw Ham's post, you know a bit about why I'm writing this. Now that XLGames is self-publishing AAC, the team wanted to show their commitment and vision. We wanted to be able to talk more directly and honestly with players about what we're building.
So that's where I come in. My aim is to bring you insight into what is happening with development. It doesn't mean we won't mess up or make mistakes. I'm here to help us make decisions that make sense for our global audience, show you more of what's happening behind the scenes, and bring what you're saying back to the team as we build the game. You'll be hearing from me regularly going forward - both when things go well, and when they don't.
Where things stand right now
I want to be straightforward with you about where ArcheAge Chronicles actually is today, because we believe that is more important than trying to paint a picture that is shaped by marketing.
The core of the game is here: the combat, the world, exploration, lifeskills, multiplayer. We have a solid foundation that is built and playable. But we still have a lot more planned, systems we're still expanding, ideas we're still testing, things we'll change based on what we learn once players actually get their hands on it.
We didn't want to wait until everything was "done" to start this conversation with you, because honestly, we don't think a game like this is ever really done at a single moment. It grows alongside the community playing it.
Building this with you, not just for you
That's really the heart of what we are trying to do. We want Early Access to be a genuine collaboration between the team and the players who choose to join us, not a game built in an echo chamber and handed to you as a finished product months later.
That means telling you what we're working on and why. It means showing you things before they're perfect. And it means actually listening when you tell us something isn't working, even if we don't always have an immediate answer.
What's coming as we prepare for Early Access
Looking ahead, I want to start demystifying and sharing more about the systems that make up ArcheAge Chronicles: combat, progression, lifeskills, exploration, PvP, and more. This means talking about where these systems stand today, along with our vision for these systems in the future.
We'll also be bringing you more details on our Early Access launch, including the date, the box price, and when you'll actually be able to get your hands on the game, as soon as we're ready to share those.
In the meantime, let us know what you want to hear about. Leave us a comment on Steam, and join the Discord. We're always watching those channels and would love to hear from you.
Glad to finally be talking with you directly. More soon.
Don
Global Product Manager, ArcheAge Chronicles
XLGAMES