After much analysis, and having discussed the best road forward for the title, lead developer Bob Smith and Publisher Iceberg Interactive have chosen to opt for a controlled closed beta program for Oriental Empires, instead of the initially planned Steam Early Access process.
The closed beta program will enable a fixed-sized and fully controllable environment, where feedback is more manageable and easier to digest for the relatively small indie team. The beta program will consist of several different phases/waves, introducing a fixed number of new players to the beta program at different development points. Once the closed beta program for Oriental Empires is complete, the title will be launched as a solid and finished product, created together with the ever-growing 4x community.
More information about the closed Beta program and application process will be revealed later this month.
UPDATE: we are now accepting applications! Application form