Why closed beta instead of starting Early Access?
Development has reached a state where I feel there's still too little content to feel comfortable releasing it as Early Access. At the same time it has also reached a state where the content will benefit from player feedback. For this reason, it made sense to move into Beta. The Beta initially features the first three chapters (roughly 6.5 times as much content as the Demo), but will be extended throughout the Beta period.
How long will the game be in closed Beta?
At least four weeks. The exact length of the Beta will be subject to how much balance adjustments and other changes will be made. The Beta will remain available until at least two weeks after the last invite wave has been sent out. I'll announce the Beta end date once that feels more predictable, most likely combined with the Early Access release date announcement.
Does joining the Beta provide a free key for Early Access?
No. The Closed Beta is provided through the Steam Playtest feature, which provides (free) limited time access to Beta content. Access will close once the Beta ends. Your save will, similar to the Demo, carry over to the Early Access version.
Are you the kind of player that should sign up for the Beta?
I'm looking for enthusiastic players that finished the demo and are looking forward to play more content, but are OK with that content being less than Early Access will contain. The Beta comes with no requirements. It is a tool to gather community feedback, but if you're not the kind of player that gives a ton of feedback, that's ok. Simple things like how much the Beta is played on average (behind the scenes information) already provides me with valuable information! Being a part of the Beta also comes with no "secrecy", you are absolutely allowed to share your experience with others. However, please be courteous and warn others for spoilers as they might not have access yet.
So how to sign up?
Head over to the Steam page right away and click "Request Access" for the closed beta at the top of the page (right below the demo download button). Invites go out randomly, but the earlier you sign up, the more drafts you're in! The exact amount of players receiving access will depend a little on how many players have signed up, but I'm hoping to invite quite a lot of you, so that everyone has a good chance of getting into the Beta. Not going open beta allows me to do a few "first impression rounds" when balance adjustments are made.
So if you're interested in joining the Closed Beta, don't hesitate and sign up right away! I'd be glad to have you! Here's a link to the Steam page where you can sign up:
https://store.steampowered.com/app/1593350/Increlution/
Cheers,
Gniller