Ephemeral Tale News

Beautiful pixel art. Blazing fast battles. An epic mountain of loot. After over a year in Early Access and now 8 major content updates (plus who KNOWS how many smaller ones), Ephemeral Tale is finally leaving Early Access and considered a "finished," "complete" game! To anyone who has been on this ride with me for a while, you'll know how odd a statement that is.

Wow, how time flies. The patch is here today (a few days late, thanks to some last-minute bugs that crept up), but we will be OFFICIALLY celebrating release on Tuesday!

When the game originally launched (into EA), we launched with a beginning, middle and end. I didn't want you to get a quarter, or half of a product-- I wanted you to get a full product that would continue to grow over time. I think that I've managed to deliver on that promise and so many others I've made since we started this path.

I'm so incredibly proud of what you guys have helped me make here, and it wouldn't be the same game without your feedback, support and time. From bug fixes, forum posts, reviews (positive OR negative!), to YouTube videos and even fan art! You guys have made this the best part of my life, bar none.

Real quick, let's go over the patch notes:

[h2]Ephemeral Tale 1.45.x Changelog (Major Update #8)[/h2]

• Added some new chests to the main hub
  
• The Lost Caverns and Time-Lost Caverns have been given an overhaul
  
• Lowered the hit rate of Bibbity by 10%
  
• Lowered the Magic Attack of Bibbity by 10%
  
• Lowered the hit rate of various bosses by 10%
  
• Adjusted text in Lost Caverns to further emphasize importance on swapping gear
  
• Increased default durability values by 10-20% across the rarity spectrum
  
• Sped up “Game over” monologue by ~30%
  
• Removed “Win Streak” scaling from the game

Soon, we'll start a conversation about the next game I'll be making (the work on it has already begun!), and I've got plans for some further balance fixes coming relatively soon, and we still have a couple major updates in the pipes as well! But for now... Enjoy Ephemeral Tale. It's (in my opinion) an awesome game that has only become what it has because of all of you.

Thank you!

As always, if you have issues feel free to post in the Steam forums or join the Discord! I try to keep a close eye on things, but the day job can mean delays from time to time.

We'll talk again soon,
-- Ryan
Join our Discord: https://discord.gg/jpStbUf

Today's patch has some minor improvements and bug fixes for you guys. We've got some stuff to discuss about the release strategy for Ephemeral Tale, so let's hop into the patch notes and then get to talking!

[h2]Ephemeral Tale 1.44.x Changelog[/h2]

• Fixed an issue with a number of equipments where they had no “break” effect
  
• Fixed an issue with a number of equipments where they were dropping without random rolls
  
• Gave Florence and Ronaldo’s area a little bit of a visual makeover (Thanks, FBB!)
  
• Increased the default open/close speed of the main menu
  
• NOTE: The open/close speed is tied to the current framerate, and so this is something that slipped over my head for a long while as I have a 144Hz (well, 240Hz now) monitor. I adjusted the default speed based on 60Hz displays (lowest common denominator)

[h2]All Part of the Plan[/h2]

As we've discussed several times recently, the time has come for Ephemeral Tale to leave Early Access! However, there's also the element of business strategy to consider. So, let's talk about my plan for release and I'll explain the reasoning for my approach.

To start: Ephemeral Tale will officially launch on January 11th, 2022 (on Steam and Itch, more platforms later)! In addition to that, it will coincide with the release of Major Update #8, which will be overhauling two areas that players have expressed discontent with.

By the time you're reading this post, Ephemeral Tale will have had it's final price increase occur as well! Doing a release on Steam typically does mean having some form of launch discount, however due to the price going up on Ephemeral Tale, there's added complications. So, the plan is to increase the price now so that we'll be eligible for our launch discount when the time comes. Granted, if you're reading this you probably already own the game, so... You got a good deal!

If you haven't already, feel free to check out the new and improved Steam store page for the game. I spent some time this weekend working on it, so I hope you guys like the changes! For now, here's the new trailer!

[previewyoutube][/previewyoutube]

[h2]Community Outreach[/h2]

Thought I'd do something a little special this week and showcase some of the awesome stuff happening in (or around) the Ephemeral Tale community!

Our friend Finalbossblues released a precision platformer this week called Jubilee! Check out some gameplay:
[previewyoutube][/previewyoutube]

Over on Youtube, Stingray Gaming has begun another series on Ephemeral Tale!
[previewyoutube][/previewyoutube]

This marks the third series they've done on Ephemeral Tale, and I couldn't be any more honored. His reaction to the new hub area was exactly what we were aiming for when we decided to give it a facelift!

That's all for this Pupdate, so until next time stay safe and have fun!
-- Ryan
Join our Discord: https://discord.gg/jpStbUf

[h2]Ephemeral Tale 1.43.1 Changelog[/h2]

• Fixed a bug where Curtis would not properly swap out of the party when hiring another companion
  
• Fixed a bug where Curtis would not properly scale to the players level when re-hiring him
  
• Fixed a rounding error related to enemy level scaling

How does it do, my puppers? I told you guys this update would be comin' quick! Here it is, the seventh Major Update for Ephemeral Tale! This update has one central theme: crossover episode.

To start, I want to talk about Something Classic. They're a small indie team that specializes in JRPGs, and they just absolutely love the genre. Whenever I've had issues or roadblocks with the development of the game, they've always been quick to speak up about their opinions on the problem at hand in a clear, constructive manner. From balancing problems, performance issues, even to art direction-- they've always been happy to be honest about what was up to snuff and what wasn't.

Those guys have been huge supporters of me as a developer, and have championed Ephemeral Tale to a degree that I can never repay. What started as a joke over at the Something Classic discord eventually grew into this update, and when I decided to take it on for-realsies I was terrified that I wouldn't be able to live up to the bar that their two games, Shadows of Adam and Quartet, have set. Somehow, they were kind enough to lend me the toys from their sandbox and Major Update #7 is the result! It's an AWESOME update, and has a been an absolute honor to bring to life.

I won't say anymore than I need to, as the trailer below will do plenty of that for anyone familiar with their games!

[previewyoutube][/previewyoutube]

[h2]Ephemeral Tale 1.42.10 Changelog: Major Update #7[/h2]

• Fixed a number of issues with tile passability in the Corrupted Castle
  
• Fixed a bug in the Royal Rosegarden where players could get infinite Cleansed Blessings
  
• Fixed a bug in the character select screen where players couldn’t select a new character, and it would cause a blank screen
  
• Fixed a bug where the selection cursor would not be visible for the character customization screen
  
• Fixed a number of instances where items could be unintentionally taken with the player into New Game+
  
• Enemy level scaling has adjusted to be more forgiving
  
• Adjusted the boss text in the Sunken Summit to better guide players towards the goal
  
• The areas surrounding the Traveller’s Respite have seen themselves rewritten by forces unknown
  
• To those who have completed the Sunken Summit, a strange crystal has appeared deep below the water’s surface
  
• Solving the mystery of the crystals will lead players to a new dungeon with a special guest appearance at the end

A new quest, new equipments, enemies, a new dungeon, and a new companion. Something Classic has been kind enough to let me re-envision one of the coolest areas from their title, Shadows of Adam, the Magma Sanctum inside of Ephemeral Tale! It also brings a new remix of the killer dungeon tune by the original composer, Tyler Mire, and a number of new equipments based on items from Shadows of Adam as well, as well as an entire GUEST CHARACTER in Curtis! If you've ever felt the need to suplex a giant enemy crab into pieces...

This update has been a huge undertaking, and hopefully it lives up to their expectations and yours as well! We've got one more topic to talk about before you take off to play, so let's do that real quick!

[h2]LET'S GET THIS PARTY STARTED[/h2]

Almost two years ago, Ephemeral Tale released into Early Access. Since then, we've had over 50 updates, and have added new systems, refined existing ones, and added more content to the game than I ever imagined we would have. While we haven't caught the world on fire, I am so incredibly proud of Ephemeral Tale and the amazing community that has grown around the game. Now, almost two years after entering the program, it's time for Ephemeral Tale to leave Early Access!

If you would have told me when the game entered the program that when we released, we would have 10 dungeons in the game, countless pieces of equipment, and a guest character from one of the games that inspired me to pursue the project seriously? This has been a huge blessing for me, and I can't wait to share what's next with you guys.

When Ephemeral Tale leaves Early Access (likely in late November, early December), the price of the game will rise one last time. Fret not, however! Just because we're releasing... doesn't mean that I'm done. Like I said in the most recent Pupdate, I have a number of things that I still want to do for Ephemeral Tale; they're just going to be free content updates for the game! This update is about the size that you can expect for those upcoming Major Updates, so they're definitely a good size and I think you'll love the surprises we have in store for all of you.

Okay, that's it from me today. As always, I hope you guys have fun with this patch and stay safe! I'll be keeping an eye on the forums and Discord for any feedback you guys may have about this patch or anything else relating to the game, so always feel free to reach out!

-- Ryan
Join our Discord: https://discord.gg/jpStbUf

Let’s start off this Pupdate with an apology: Ephemeral Tale development has not been as transparent as I’d like as of late. On the outside, it may appear like development has ceased entirely-- this couldn’t be further from the truth! You see, changes in my personal life lead to me needing more funds than Ephemeral Tale alone could provide. In short, I got a full-time position at a local non-profit that has been eating up a ton of my spare time, and that led to development stalling for a period of time. However, for every door that closes… another one opens.

Working on Ephemeral Tale is something that I love doing. I never want to compromise on making cool, exciting things for you guys to do and see, but at several points in the development process I’ve had to do just that; compromise. Between quality and speed, or even my own skills! Having financial freedom from relying solely on the game means that I am free to ensure things get done in the way that I feel is ideal. What does this mean for you, the player? It means I can hire the help I need in the areas that I’m weakest, and bring you cooler, higher quality, exciting content.



While I had previously said that there would be no more Major Pupdates remaining before the final release of Ephemeral Tale, that plan has now changed. The next Major Pupdate will be here before you know it. What does this mean going forward? Patches will be further apart than I'd like. I'm always active over on the Discord server, so feel free to hang out with us if you have any questions, feedback, or things you'd like to see and want a faster response! Sorry for the wait.

Until next time, stay safe and have fun!



[h2]Ephemeral Tale 1.41.1 Changelog[/h2]

• Sassy’s Murder Mitts now properly lower the players ATK to compensate for the additional burst damage provided by the effect
  
• Updated passability guidelines for various tilesets
  
• Updated the in-game graphic used for treasure chests
  
• NOTE: If you find any wonky ones, please let me know!