After the release of the first demo version, we received a huge amount of feedback about the game’s visuals. Honestly, some of the comments were quite painful to read, but they helped us understand where we needed to go next.
Over the past few months, we have completely reworked all of the game’s textures, updated many older models, and significantly changed the visual style of Frozen Ship.
The second biggest issue after the graphics turned out to be the ship’s 2D interface. Many players said it felt disconnected from the atmosphere of the game. After long discussions within the team, we made a difficult decision: delay the Early Access release and begin work on a fully 3D ship bridge.
And today, we are finally ready to show the first results.
With Frozen Ship entering Early Access on July 17, the ship control system will be completely redesigned.
The old UI windows are gradually becoming a thing of the past. Instead of navigating through menus, players will be able to move around inside a real ship and interact with its systems directly.
Please note that this version of the bridge interior is not final and is still actively being improved.
Ship management now happens through physical panels and workstations located inside the bridge itself.
Want to check the crew’s status?
Walk up to the command terminal.
Need to start a research project?
Use the engineering station.
Need to craft new modules or items?
That is now part of the environment too, rather than a separate interface window.
We want the ship to feel less like a menu and more like a real place where people live.
In Early Access, players will have access to a fully 3D ship bridge overlooking the frozen world outside the windows.
From here, you will:
control the ship’s movement;
monitor the condition of your settlement;
construct buildings and craft items;
make difficult decisions;
and guide your city in search of a new home.
Will the 3D bridge be available in the demo?
Yes. We are planning to release an updated demo featuring the 3D bridge by the end of June.
However, the story campaign itself will only become available with the Early Access launch on July 17.
Will players be able to customize the bridge and the ship?
Yes, but not immediately. We are planning to release the ship and bridge customization system in early 2027.
What will happen to the text dialogue system?
Honestly, we are not satisfied with the current dialogue format either, and neither are many of you. After the Early Access launch, we will definitely redesign it.
Right now, we still have not found a solution that both looks good and fits within our modest budget, but we are continuing to explore different options.
How long will the game be?
Based on our current estimates, the first chapter of the story will take around 20 hours to complete.
After finishing it, the game will not end — you will still be able to explore the world and continue developing your ship, though without new story missions.
Will there be DLC with additional game modes?
No. We do not plan to sell new game modes separately.
By purchasing the game once, you will receive access to all future modes and the complete story.
As many of you already know, Frozen Ship is being developed by a very small team without a publisher or investors.
We had to significantly reduce our original plans in order to bring the game to release, but your feedback continues to help us understand what truly matters to players.
Thank you to everyone who leaves comments, writes reviews, and shares ideas with us.
We read every single piece of feedback on Steam Community and through our feedback form.
We look forward to seeing you in the captain’s chair on July 17!