Why Early Access?

“The game concept for A Merchant's Promise is centered around finding, buying, and selling goods/items in order to survive and increase your Merchant Status. However they still need expanding upon along with incorporating more cities, game items, transportation types, upgrades, animations, map adjustments and gameplay balancing which are a continuing process. As a Developer my core vision and goals for the game are progressing at what I believe to be a healthy pace, but I also have a responsibility to my customers. By opening up to early access I get the opportunity to see others enjoying the game while also receiving feedback to help further develop and ensure the best gameplay possible for A Merchant's Promise!”

Approximately how long will this game be in Early Access?

“Upon releasing to Early Access it is my goal to leave EA within 10 months at the current game scale, features, and progress.”

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

“There is still much to be added to fully complete the overall atmosphere, scope, and desired detail of gameplay. Some of these things include: Implementing more NPC world actions to immerse the player (player being arrested, fined, pardoned etc), additional Cites and Villages, routes, items, transportation, upgrades, NPCs and their interactions/roles, World Events, and player house options. Along with these things I always strive to improve game performance or at least options to help improve playability for different computer specs.”

What is the current state of the Early Access version?

“Players begin with practically nothing and can begin traveling to the few cities and villages that exist in effort to find and trade items. This in turn helps build their wealth and status in society to earn their way to a more survivable lifestyle. There are Weather elements, item condition, value, seasonal price variations. Players can choose to sell items direct to other traders, or rent a trade stall to sell to traveling customers for higher profits.”

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

“EA Pricing is set to reflect the current state and features of the game and will be updating during Early Access as these features are added to and updated. While a final price has not yet been determined, pricing after Early Access will be increased to reflect the final content and gameplay mechanics.”

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

“This will done both through Steam and Discord. There are clear ways to provide your valued praises, complaints, suggestions, and general feedback. Priority will primarily be given to bugs and performance issues, but with more preference and selective requests and suggestions we can prioritize by feasibility and community desire.”