Wow, it's actually launch week!
I see there's been a lot of confusion about Backer Beta patch bugs, as well as what's going on with the release timing with Steam vs GoG, etc. I should have addressed most of these on the individual threads, but here's a general Launch Week Masterpost while I'm at it.
Kickstarter Backers:
Here is a list of all the digital and physical goods that will be available on launch day, which are upon request, and which are post-launch. (Some behind the scenes screenshots and images of goods included, spoilers!)
Some rewards, such as the talking skulls, lyrical lute, chalice of cabirus, etc are slated to be updated into the game shortly after launch. Other rewards, such as the Custom Theme Art and Custom Music are still being coordinated with backers, and thus we will continue to send those backers updates on how their rewards are progressing. Note that the redemption instructions are also included in the above link.
Launch Issues with the Backer Beta Patch:
While the Backer Beta patch allowed players, such as our Mac and Linux backers, to play the backer build, it has also introduced some bugs that we are doing our best to track internally as we prepare for launch. Many submitted bugs are similar or have been fixed already for launch. We apologize if you are unable to play the Backer Beta as a result of a launch bug, but we're trying the best we can to make sure it's at least eliminated from launch.
Steam vs DRM-Free Key?
As I've mentioned in another thread, we were caught by surprise that GoG could not host Underworld Ascendant at launch. We still need to fulfill our DRM-free promise, but as of right now, we are unclear if UWA will be hosted on GoG after launch as well. To play it safe, we're asking all backers to choose their key assuming that there may not be a GoG launch.
Please also note that the Steam key is actually DRM-free. You can play UWA offline and without launching Steam after you download the game.
...So How's Work?
Dang it's been busy here.
It's been a huge push to the finish line here, and we're about to lock down the final build for our Steam launch this Thursday. I can't believe how far we've come in some areas. Optimization, cleaning up levels, patching holes, fixing some combat interactions, etc, have all really come together. We have major keybinding options, a cleaner UI pass on a lot of icons and inventory slots, and the feel has continued to improve.
That being said, remember that no game is perfect. Especially for a game with no scripted events. We'll be on the lookout for huge game-crashing bugs on launch, and we're excited to see how your adventures into the Abyss progress.
We'll see you all in a few days!