Why Early Access?

“AGP::Epica has been designed as a solid platform to house a robust character creation system, open skill system and dynamic quest system - all in an open world for the players to explore while facing an onslaught of enemies and challenges.

While that underlying system has been mostly established [armour is missing], the content to fill that foundation still requires development, testing and optimization.

At this point of the development process, multiplayer testing of the existing features is required as as well as community feedback as each new quest, skill, weapon, world and vehicle gets added.”

Approximately how long will this game be in Early Access?

“2 years total. As of June 2017: 6 months in and development is on track, 18 months remaining.

This is to provide the most polished game upon release possible, with the most amount of development and provide players with a product which is feature complete (again, armour missing currently), and a fully flushed out skill tree.”

How is the full version planned to differ from the Early Access version?

“Once the game is release:

• Alpha and beta exclusive items and customization options will no longer be available for players who don't already have them, however they will persist for players who already attained them
  
• Skill trees which encompass dual wield pistols, melee combat, turrets
  
• Additional Weapon slots for two hip mounted weapons and a thigh mounted weapon
  
• Modular armour (Helmet, Gloves, Arms, Torso, Legs, Boots)
  
• Dedicated servers will be made accessible
  
• The skill tree will be organized in a single progressive map for players to unlock and bind to their character
  
• A variety of capital ships will be available for players to attain
  
• Fully integrated drop in/drop out multiplayer and dedicated servers
  
• The game will transition into a free-to-play model, with no play-to-win mechanics.

”

What is the current state of the Early Access version?

“Closed testing of core features have been completed and are now up for open alpha testing. Below are a set of features which are in the current build of the game.
Alpha 1.0

• Skill binding system allowing for up to 216 skill bindings
  
• Weapon system allowing two weapons slotted on the back (30+ weapons currently available, skills for pistols and 100mm cannons are not, but you can collect the items and use them later)
  
• Common skill bindings (menus, world interactions)
  
• Assault skills (rifle, shotgun, sniper rifle, and grenade skills, cover and stealth abilities)
  
• Commander skills (player orders, command transport ship, cargo tranports)
  
• Cybermage skills (Hack cameras, orbital strike)
  
• Engineer skills (summon drone, transport ship, airmech), craft building,)
  
• Pilotable airmech, transport ship. (1 transport and 1 airmech currently available)
  
• Random quest generator with Move To, Assassination missions.
  
• Quest rewards which pay either in credits or weapons
  
• Barter & haggle trading systems
  
• Planets Pulverem [Medium difficulty]

”

Will the game be priced differently during and after Early Access?

“The game will transition to a free to play model.

Support packs will be available for players to purchase in game customizations, however the core game will be open for players to play without restriction.

What am I paying for in the alpha/beta?
You'll be given access to content exclusive to those who support this game early, such as weapon & armour, customization skins and in game achievements.”

How are you planning on involving the Community in your development process?

“By listening to community feedback and developing alongside the player base I believe is the only acceptable way to develop a game in this modern age. Allowing players Early Access allows a WYSIWYG experience - but with the ability for players to provide feedback to enhance the gaming experience.

Primarily desired feedback:

• Interruptions to game play flow
  
• Multiplayer bugs/finalization
  
• Skill balance issues
  
• Feature requests
  

”