I've read in various forums and discussions that releasing a demo is not recommended.
However, considering that I have very little visibility in the first place, I would rather have a playable demo that gives SOME impression leaving SOME people interested; rather than a blank slate for a steam page that PROBABLY NOBODY will have an interest in.
If you weren't interested in the demo. You PROBABLY won't be interested in the full game, which... is why I have a demo. So you don't have to buy something you regret without the chance of playing it beforehand. At least you could wait for these chances, or, move on.
So in other words I have everything to gain and nothing to lose. (Expect my entire game failing on release :D) I need impressions and feedback, because without it, this game will absolutely fail on launch if I don't address it as soon as possible, early in development. Especially with my relatively void state of marketing, and the oversaturation of games in the market; impressions and wishlists are crucial.
While I do believe the demo is fairly polished, the demo is not perfect and has bugs. However I would RATHER have a bad received demo, then a bad game. A bad demo can be improved or taken down.
A bad GAME, can also be improved or delisted, but that has DRASTIC consequences if the game was initially received bad, and CATASTROPHIC consequences if the game becomes delisted.
Anyways, while I will not be posting crucial game content outside the first world for the demo, I will be making quality of life updates to the game, which will include changes to the first world you can play right now. i also will be aiming to have my game in the next steam "next fest".
If you feel inclined to give feedback, you can check out the various links outside of steam, or do it through steam in the reviews or discussion forums. I am new to this process, but I will try to read and address any feedback.
If you also feel like spreading the word of this game to other people, that would genuinely mean a lot! Marketing is hard, and while I am trying to get better and have plans, ultimately it is up to the players interest in the game that grows a community. And on steam, this is a new process so forming player interest is super important.
I will do what I can to make this game enjoyable and fun, while also (attempting to) reach out to various people and participating in the nextfest. Everything outside of that is up to you as a player/viewer. You don't need to spread the word (only if you want to of course!), but simply playing the demo and wishlisting it comes a long way!
And if you enjoyed it, then, well, that's why I want to be an indie game developer; to make fun games!
That is all for now in terms of this post. Just wanted to bring some context to my thought process!