Announcement about Beta for Upcoming Release

[p]Hi everyone! As you may know, I have been planning for a possible Early Access or Beta release for the very end of March.[/p][p]I have decided it will be a Beta. [/p][p]What’s the difference?[/p][p]Both Early Access and Beta are incomplete versions of the game. For me, a Beta is more about testing the core systems and technical aspects, and Early Access is for testing content, balance and bugs. The main difference here is that it will not be available for sale yet as Early Access on Steam.  [/p][p]I only have two computers for testing, so I can’t ignore the wisdom of going through a Beta process first. [/p][p]Who gets access?[/p][p]All crowdfunders will get access to the Beta, including everyone who pledged at the level of receiving a copy of the game (35 USD) on Kickstarter, and all Patreons with a lifetime support of the same. This was not a listed benefit of your pledge tiers, but I am deeply grateful to my backers and this seems like common sense. [/p][p]If you are not a backer I am considering ways to open up the Beta, possibly through Patreon like I did with Memoirs. I would certainly welcome more people testing and playing the game. Your support, whether financially, through feedback or just general enthusiasm, is very vital to development. And to me. [/p][p]Is Early Access still planned?[/p][p]Yes! [/p][p]I’m aware that some of you are concerned about the erotic/adult nature of this game and whether it will be allowed into Early Access. I should say I have not run into any problems, and I don’t expect to under the current listed policies, and will be submitting it for Steam's approval.[/p][p]I am still planning for an Early Access launch after the Beta. How long this takes will depend on feedback and whether the game is ready. If all goes well, this can be as little as the time it needs to pass the approval process. [/p][p]Bad launches can kill games. I want Vampire Syndicate to be the best it can be, and this means taking care not to eject… er, release it prematurely. [/p][p]Is it still planned for the end of March?[/p][p]Also yes! I am currently doing a lot of content work and it looks on-track. Unfortunately, the speed of development means I can’t tell until the month of its release. If it slips, I will of course let you know.  [/p][p]Thank you! I’ll have more news about how the Beta will work soon, as well as a look at the new, more polished combat system.[/p][p]- ManlyMouseDan

A sneak peek at a combat map in development[/p][p][/p]