Hello,
It has been more than a year since we last updated the Default branch of the game. Some players have asked in the community and forums whether the development team has abandoned this project.
The answer is "No, we haven't."
We have been continuously developing and testing new systems. However, since the new content involves a lot of networking and cross-platform functionality, we've had to invite players to test it through the test branch 'daily_build' while it remains unstable.
We apologize that our Early Access development approach over the past year has prevented most players from experiencing game updates immediately. While this was a necessary measure, we're happy to announce that this phase is coming to an end.
Today, we have some important news to share with you:
- [color]Extremely Realistic Siege Warfare Simulator will receive a major update at 10:00 AM CST on April 17 (6:00 PM PST on April 16) and will become free to download.[/color]
- We have successfully ported the game to mobile devices with cross-platform multiplayer support for PC players. The mobile version will be rolled out globally throughout this year.
While we have much to share with our dedicated players, we've decided to keep this
announcement concise. As a token of our gratitude to all pre-paid players who have supported us throughout the years, we're pleased to present the following Thank You rewards:
[h3]- ‘Prepaid Reward’ Package:[/h3]
- [color]68 Jade[/color] : Can be used to purchase an Elite Commander Pass Bundle, unlocking unit content previously available in the paid version and granting a large number of rewards.
- [color]Sandbox Editor & Map Pack DLC[/color] .
- [color]600 Gem[/color] (approximate value worth $18)；
- [color]A special profile avatar component.[/color]
The above rewards will be distributed via the in-game mail system to all players who purchase the game before April 17, 2025 and have more than 2 hours of gameplay.
[h3] - ‘Supporter Reward’ Package: [/h3]
- [color]30 Jade[/color]
- [color]An additional 680 Gem. [/color]
The Supporter Reward Package will be sent via a separate system mail to all players who purchased the game before January 1, 2025, in support of the development team.
[h3] - ‘Dedicated Supporter Reward’ Package: [/h3]
- [color]30 Jade[/color]
- [color]12 Gratitude Tokens can be used to redeem equipment skins.[/color]
- [color]Dedicated Supporter Avatar Components. [/color]
The Dedicated Supporter Reward Package will be distributed to all early supporters who purchased the game before January 1, 2024.
Developing the online multiplayer features of Extremely Realistic Siege Warfare Simulator has been a very big challenge indeed, and we are very grateful for all the support and companionship that we have been receiving.
We currently have a very large number of tasks to complete for the upcoming update, and we will explain more about the game update through future announcements.
[h2]Q&A on Transitioning to Free-to-Play[/h2]
Q: Why convert the game to free-to-play?
A: Over the two years of Early Access development and testing, the game has gone deeper and deeper into online multiplayer gameplay. We want it to be easier for people to find teammates when playing online, and easier for them to recommend this game to their friends to come and play together. We don't want a pre-paying cost to be a hindrance to that.
Q: Is the sandbox mode available to play for free?
A: The Sandbox Editor will be bundled with some maps and sold separately as a DLC. All players who previously purchased the game to support the development team will receive this DLC as a complimentary gift.
However, given that the development team is currently overwhelmed with work, we are concerned that we might not be able to complete everything by the time the game transitions to free-to-play. But rest assured—once we finish testing and packaging the DLC, we will make it available to everyone immediately.
Q: What paid content will be available in the game?
A: Currently, the in-game purchases mainly include a pass to unlock all units, some unit equipment skins, and profile avatar gacha items. We want to allow players who wish to support the development team to dress their troops in more stylish outfits, but changing equipment will not affect gameplay stats. Spending is entirely optional—please feel free to contribute based on your preference and ability.
Q: Can all units be unlocked without purchasing the pass?
A: No, we recommend that players consider the free-to-play version as a trial edition of the game.All currently developed unit types in the game will be bundled into a permanent Battlepass which called Battle Commander Pass. Before purchasing this pass, players will only be able to use a portion of the units in the game.
However, the free version offers some flexibility when unlocking units—you will be able to choose one of two options in certain unit categories. This design aims to ensure that players who may have difficulty making purchases or those in regions with economic constraints can still select their preferred units and enjoy battling with others.
Q: Can the free version support online multiplayer?
A: Currently, we do not charge for online multiplayer services.
However, server traffic costs are a significant expense. If the financial pressure from server fees becomes too high in the future, we may need to limit the playtime of free players in online multiplayer sessions.
