BitCraft Online News

New sandbox MMORPG with one giant, shared world gets surprise early Steam launch

The shared-world experience of MMORPGs such as World of Warcraft, FF14, Runescape, and Guild Wars 2 is what makes them truly special. Even if you're someone who prefers to quest solo, seeing other players going about their daily business and living their lives around you brings a magical spark that can never be replicated by computer-controlled NPCs. Newcomer Bitcraft Online is taking things a step further. Pitched as a 'true single-world MMORPG,' developer Clockwork Laboratories has been playtesting Bitcraft Online since 2022, and has now launched it into early access on Steam even earlier than previously planned.

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BitCraft Online: launched into Early Access!

[p]Hello everyone, [/p][p]We are very excited to announce that BitCraft Online has officially launched into Early Access! We look forward to seeing you all in-game in the world of Starfell. Thank you for joining us on this journey. We hope you'll continue with us on the road to launch.

From everyone at the Clockwork Labs, thank you all.[/p]

BitCraft Online: Will launch Saturday June 21st

[p]Hello everyone,[/p][p]First of all I would like to apologize for the inconvenience related to launch date changes. We are doing our best given the stressful situation. That being said, I have some good news.
[/p][p]Steam just approved our build and we have run our pre-release checklists.
[/p][p]We have decided to launch BitCraft Online on Saturday June 21st 9AM EDT / 3PM CET (NOT June 27th). This is one day after our originally planned date, but hopefully still enough time for players to plan and prep.[/p][p]For context, we were caught between several terrible choices on the BitCraft launch timing and we needed to pick the least bad option. Our options were:[/p]

[p]Launch on June 27th - This was always a horrible date for the launch as it is during the Steam Summer Sale. However we needed to give Steam a week in case there were further issues with the approval. Now that we have our approval, proceeding with this date would essentially be suicide as it would not give us any opportunity to reach the front page of Steam or be picked up in the Steam algorithm. After 7 years of development we don't think this would give BitCraft a fair shot.,[/p]
[p]Move the release to Tuesday June 24th - This is still close to the sale, but it's also in the middle of the work week and many people who requested time off from work to play on launch day (and then subsequently moved their time off to the 27th) would be rightfully furious that they still wouldn't be able to play on launch day.,[/p]
[p]Move the release to Saturday June 21st - In this case, most people will be able to play on launch day as it's a weekend, even the people who requested time off from work on the 27th. The major downside being that we're changing the date yet again, which is understandably frustrating, but at least you'll be able to play BitCraft this weekend.,
[/p]

[p]We believe the last option is clearly the best option for the game.
[/p][p]Thank you for your patience. It's been a very dynamic situation, and at the end of the day we want to do what is best for the long term health of the game and the community.
[/p][p]I hope you all enjoy our game.

Edit CL-Lutra: Time 9AM EDT / 3PM CET [/p]

BitCraft: Delayed Till The 21st Of June

[p]Dear BitCraft fans,[/p][p]We have some unfortunate news to share with all of you. We have to delay the BitCraft Early Access date to June 21st [/p][p]Unfortunately our Early Access build which was initially submitted weeks ago has not yet been approved by Steam and we can’t risk waiting until tomorrow to see if the build will be approved. I sincerely apologize for this issue and to those of you who were looking forward to tomorrow's launch. We recieved a rejection about 5 days ago, and although we addressed the issue immediately, it seems Steam will not be able to process the re-review of the build in time for our original launch date.[/p][p]We have been in contact with and will continue to reach out to Steam for clarification and remain hopeful that the build will be approved very soon.[/p][p]We know this is frustrating, and I really would have liked to have you all back in game tomorrow, but without an approved build we are forced to delay.[/p][p]The date change will be reflected on Steam shortly, but we wanted to give you all a heads up that this is happening.[/p][p]Sincerely,[/p][p]Tyler (3Blave)

Edit CL-Lutra: Dates Changed.[/p]

Steam Next Fest Bonus!

[p]Thank you everyone for enjoying our demo so thoroughly! It's been amazing seeing everyone playing, sharing with others, and helping support the game as we approach early access. So many of you, in fact, we have reached the top 50 most played demos in Steam Next Fest! As a thank you . . . [/p][p][/p][p]The new closing date of the demo will be at June 17, 2025 6:00 PM ET. Hopefully this will give you all a little extra time to finish up any outstanding goals, visit other player settlements, and provide a chance for new players to explore the game. Additionally, we will be having a group photo shoot! We will share more details about the time and place later on. Can't wait to join everybody for a final, final send off to the demo![/p]