Posted September 01, 2022 by Whim Independent Studios
Hi all! Producer Grover here, I have some additional updates for Spellbearers this month! Thank you for sticking with us on our journey.
Previously I mentioned our timeline for soft launch and beta testing to take place in "Late July 2022". I apologize that we weren't able to reach that planned timeframe, but I am happy to say as of today that the beta version/early access of Spellbearers is now uploaded and ready on itch.io!
New Free Demo Available!
We have also uploaded a new free demo of Spellbearers on our Spellbearers itch.io page. This includes an expanded difficulty mode and updates to lighting systems, UI, and other effects. As with the previous demo build, it will only showcase Level 1. Please give it a play and let us know how you like it!
Below I would like to share some details about how code distribution will work for backers and for those who would like an early look at Spellbearers.
Early Access of full game on itch.io and first-wave code distribution to backers
Starting today, we will begin itch.io code distribution for Early Access for Spellbearers. We're using the time between now and Steam release to gather feedback and bugs so our official release in October can be as smooth as possible. We have a lot of backers to send codes to, so please be patient!
* Do note that during the early access period, you will be unable to accumulate or get credit for any achievements and we have disabled the feature temporarily. We are aiming to have implementation for this beginning in October with the official release.
We would love to hear feedback on bugs, issues, or the overall experience. Please feel free to write out your thoughts on the early access or demo build on our survey and bugs can be reported to us directly on our Discord under the #bugs-and-issues channel.
Progress Reset/Wipe on Launch Day
Because we're still working on Achievement implementation at the moment, it will be necessary for us to perform a save data wipe/clear on launch day so that players who have played Early Access can be able to play through and obtain Achievements that might have been triggered and saved otherwise.
Steam Release Date Update
We will be slightly delaying our game release on Steam from October 7th, 2022, to October 14th, 2022. This will allow us to demonstrate our game at the upcoming Steam Next Fest, which we have a lot of plans for! Backers will be receiving Steam codes around launch day as well, so please look forward to it!
Regarding Steam Deck
For early access, we recommend playing the build with Proton Experimental settings ON to be able to play. It should run decently on the platform. We hope to have more consistent requirements of Steam Deck before the official release.
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Thanks for your continued support! Be sure to follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Twitch, and join our Discord!
Grover Wimberly IV
Producer of Spellbearers