Edit 3/8/2017: Development on Vanishing Realms continues, with new content and support for new hardware in the works. To keep the following post relevant, I've removed the original reference to a fixed, near term shipping schedule, however. As it required over 2500 hours of dev time to create ch1 & ch2, I've concluded it's quite beyond me to accurately estimate a delivery date for new chapters! When posts about playtesting start to appear in the community hub, we'll be getting close though. Following is the ongoing work plan:
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The next large update will launch the first two chapters of Vanishing Realms out of Early Access. This major update will mark the completion of all the technical work I had envisioned for the base game, as well as all the content I'd hoped to deliver in the first 2 chapters. Integrating community feedback and adding the Warrior's Challenge, the 2 handed weapon mechanism, throw/break/burn interactions and the newly expanded environments has very much helped to fill out the duration and quality of the game. Around 5 months of additional full time dev work have been integrated and shipped since the initial Early Access release, and I feel pretty happy with the overall state of the game.
Post launch, I'll continue to support ch 1 & ch 2 as needed with fixes/technical updates, while the majority of my dev time will be spent creating completely new content for ch 3 and beyond.
The new content for ch 3 will likely be delivered as DLC, unless the new chapters(s) become too large, or require significant new technology. The alternative would then be a separate expansion, however I'll know more only when the new work is closer to playtest. I don't have a clear idea on pricing yet, and I've historically been overly optimistic on delivery dates, so I'll exercise some restraint and hold off until I know a bit more. After launch, I very much look forward to focusing on new weapons, magic, creatures and environments for ch 3! Feedback on the Community Hub has been extremely important in improving the game, and I hope the thoughtful ideas and contributions presented there will continue.