Hello everyone!
As discussed in the previous announcement, I have some test builds up where you can try out the new features of the next update. I would like to invite anyone who is interested to check it out, and give an update on what the plans for next year is.
The Test Builds
I've decided to invite everyone to the test build rather than make it a half-finished optional update, as there is still plenty to do so it would be a lesser experience. The test builds are different from the current live ones in a few ways:
- Separate saves are used, and no progress can be carried over to live, and no achievements can be earned
- Characters can be boosted to level 100 & mastery 1000
- All waypoints and content is unlocked
- Vendors carry all legendary sets, and a special vendor carry the new runes
- Crafting is largely free of cost
- There's various keyboard commands (listed on the Discord pins) to spawn enemies/items/other stuff
- Odd bugs :-)
I call these builds "Tinka builds". (As reference to the Goblin in the main hub doing maintenance work)
These are designed to make testing easy and comfortable and can easily be tweaked to lock out features or classes for focused testing etc. Currently only a few (new) things are locked out due to not being finished and/or stable.
What's on the current test build:
- New rune system with several runes for Templar and Warden, and a few runes for Warlock and Berserker (many runes are yet to be added)
- New endgame system based on difficulty leagues that you can pick from freely, although so far it's only the "Random Anomaly" version that is testable (basically the current system but with controlled difficulty) - it is soon to be expanded with "dungeon anomalies"
- The complete new Mastery system
- A lot of changes to the base skills - for Templar the changes are pretty significant with new skills, but for others its mostly about number tweaking
- A lot of bug fixes
- General performance tweaks, however please note that the test build is *not* running the latest engine version that fixes the 144hz and other framerate issues, but the end goal is to have the update run on the latest engine version when it goes live
Why should I check it out?
- If you want to provide feedback or just see what on earth I've been up to all this time.
How do I get the test builds?
- Locate Chronicon in your Steam library, then right-click it and select Properties
- Go to the BETAS tab, and click the field to enter a code
- Enter tinkaistheking and click CHECK CODE to enter the special test builds
- Wait for it to download and you're off!
- To get back to the normal game you simply pick "NONE - opt out ..." in the dropdown-list under the BETAS tab where you entered the code
Here's an invite link to the Discord where we talk a lot about the test builds, the games design (and bugs), and other ARPG's: https://discord.gg/nSKhPEA
Next year's plans
Next year is going to be a big year, because next year is full release!
When? Can't say exactly - as this announcement alone is proof of, I always underestimate the time I need to finish an update, and I don't want to release an unfinished mess. But I am looking at the spring months currently, so I guess Q2 of 2019!
What's coming next year then?
First off, the current test build is going to go live as soon as it's ready. Then I am working on polishing all existing content and also releasing Act 5 - the last act of the game. I will likely split this up in a series of smaller updates, adding new runes, items, tweaks, fixes, community suggestions, and the items on the roadmap, etc as I am quietly making progress on act 5.
What happens on release?
Well you get the full game, that's what!
The currently lower price will also be adjusted - as is listed in the Early Access info on the store page the current price is with all the bugs and missing content in mind, so expect it to go up a bit on release. I will do another announcement on this when we are getting closer to give everyone an honest chance to grab the game in a cheaper state. The price isn't yet decided but it's not going to be anything crazy - I'll let you know exactly what it's gonna be when the time comes.
Post-release content and other plans
I would love to add more content to the game after 1.0, both as free updates and larger paid DLC. Something that has been requested a lot is "supporter packs" with skins for your characters or other cosmetics, which I must say is very flattering (thank you!), and is also something I will keep in mind. Though my main focus for DLC would be expanded game features, mechanics, areas, and perhaps even a class or two. I am taking all your requests and wishes into account. I am also going to look at porting to consoles!
The priority of these issues depend entirely on how launch goes so I can't say what's going to happen and when - just know that I'm keeping every option open and I want to keep supporting the game and the awesome community around it for as long as I can.
Time for some time off
I'll keep an eye on the Discord, forums, and other social media, and reply when I can, but I am now going to take some time off. I might get bored and update the test builds a bit but other than that, I'll be trying to relax and spend time with family and friends for the next week or two.
I hope this year has been good for you, and I'll see you in the next one!
Happy Holidays!
-Squarebit