Now this is not the end. It is not even the beginning of the end. But it is, perhaps, the end of the beginning.
Winston Churchill
A game is never finished. Eventually, you just have to release it.
A Klingon game design proverb
It's been a long ride, and it's time to change the version number once again and release Elsewhere from Early Access.
We've gone from an engine exercise back in 2012 to the biggest game I've ever made, with allegedly 500+ hours of gameplay.
Many things were gained on this journey, and even more were lost.
I'd like to thank everybody who's helped make and polish the game: the artists, the cats, the Yogscast, and the community for providing inspiration.
I'd especially like to thank Lewis Brindley for his encouragement and support. Without him, this game probably wouldn't have made it to full release.
But most of all, I'd like to thank the players. Your feedback and suggestions have been incredibly useful and are much appreciated. There's still a lot left to go through!
Updates will continue as usual! While the game is "finished", there are still a lot of things I'd like to implement.
Just to recap, here's what's been added in the nearly a year the game has been in Early Access:
40+ updates released
Many bugs fixed, slightly fewer new bugs introduced
Special world types (Flat, Desert, Sky Islands, Evil Wasteland)
Steam Achievements
New game rules
New hats
New Random Block effects
New skins and trophies
A few familiar characters with quests
A Big Bad End Boss (BBEB)
Shaders
A bunch of stuff from YogLabs: Testing Initiative
Lots of quality-of-life improvements, new controls, and settings
Recipe lists for machines, tooltips, and other stuff to make the game easier to learn
Save game compatibility
Better networking
Lots of optimisations
Minions
Tips for new players
Killer rabbits, giant potatoes, bubble wrap, traffic cones, strange crystals, melted cheese, and other weird stuff
Over 1,500 new blocks and recipes
Lots of other features, fixes, and adjustments!
If you haven't already, please consider buying the game.
It's cheap, it's on sale, and I keep being told how good it is.
I also need food and stuff.
Thank you again, and see you soon!
Sergio