Hello, Time Travelers!
This is David, the head of 21st century Ducks.
It's already August, time's flying so fast.
I was busy with BitSummit, and there was many changes in the game and in the team.
BitSummit
This was the 2nd exhibition with Chrono Sword at BitSummit. I thought that it could be a great chance to confirm if players notice and like our hard work on improving the play.
It is not a smart to give players a 1~3hours demo in a game show since most boothes prepare 5~10 min session. But I let players can play the demo as much as they want, in that way, I could catch how players feel through the whole demo. Everyday I fixed the demo with team again and again so that players could enjoy the game smoother next day.
I wish I could post the review of the show soon.
The Team
I discussed with the team about our productivity and the release window several times, and decided to make the team a bit larger. I'm already working with a new concept artist to improve the visual of the game. And though it will take time, there will be more hiring to help building the environments and so on.
The Game
Chrono Sword is clearly very fun game. I can say it, not only to soulslike fans but also to more light players.
But through the open on Steam and two exhibitions at PAX and BitSummit, I found a critical weakness of Chrono Sword. I focused on creating a unique experience of authentic action and time-travel in Chrono Sword meantime, but you can never feel it through screenshots, since it is rely on the move of characters and changing of the environment.
I wanted Chrono Sword to stand out more than other games even just from screenshots. So after many discussion and trying, I built a new settings. The visual moved closer to intensity, darkness and uniqueness away from typical fantasy. Of course this change causes more works, but I think it won't make a delay.
I hope I can share the updated visual soon.
The Test
I'm discussing with the team about Early Access in this year. Current plan is to start with 40% of contents, about 10 hours of playtime and to update remaining contents further.
Before it, I'm preparing a closed test to listen your opinion. It is with 1~3 hours demo for who have applied for participation only. I'll open a application form soon.
I know that there could be questions since I don't share the exact release date, but it is to not give you unnecessary confusion. I hope you understand that my team is working with passion everyday, to give you the best game.
Thank you for reading.
I'll see you with an invitation for closed test soon!