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DayZ moves 172,000 copies in first 24 hours of early access
The standalone version of Arma II zombie survival mod DayZ, which stealthily went live via Steam's early access program earlier this week, has generated $5.1 million in its first 24 hours of availability. According to Bohemia Interactive's Maruk Spanel, DayZ moved 172,500 copies on launch day and 142,403 players were online at the time of his last update. Creator Dean Hall has been celebrating the successful launch with regular tweets on the game's sales and performance, but he took a moment to remind possible buyers that this version of DayZ is still very much a work in progress: Please do not just buy the game because you heard it was cool. Many streamers are now streaming. Visit this and view the (many) bugs first. Early access to DayZ will run you $29.99.
DayZ hits Steam Early Access right in the head
The zombies are finally here! Hooray! DayZ is now available for PC on Steam Early Access for $30. As always, those who buy the early version will get the final build when it launches – and developer Bohemia Interactive is certain to note that the current release is truly an unfinished version of the game: "DayZ Early Access is your chance to experience DayZ as it evolves throughout its development process. Be aware that our Early Access offer is a representation of our core pillars, and the framework we have created around them. It is a work in progress and therefore contains a variety of bugs. We strongly advise you not to buy and play the game at this stage unless you clearly understand what Early Access means and are interested in participating in the ongoing development cycle." This echoes the sentiment from DayZ creator Dean Hall earlier this month, when he cautioned potential players that the Early Access version would be "barebones." Still, YouTubers are encouraged to show the world what DayZ's bones look like, Hall says on Twitter. DayZ hit Early Access with a launch trailer, but that was pulled from Steam for being too graphic. YouTube has a stronger stomach than Steam (but the video embedded above contains a fairly intense depiction of suicide).
DayZ standalone releases alpha on Steam
DayZ's "true blue" alpha launched on the Steam store today for $29.99. The release is part of Steam's early access program with a caveat posted that players should not purchase it unless they're OK with "serious issues and possible interruptions of game functioning." The launch was accompanied by a trailer which has since been pulled from the Steam store due to its graphic nature. Lead developer Dean Hall bemoaned the move on Twitter: "At the last minute, despite being told of the contents of my trailer for DayZ, Steam pulled my trailer due to censorship." The video is still on YouTube if you're curious, although be aware that it is NSFW and has a scene of a suicide.
Shroud of the Avatar enters first phase of early access testing
Backers of Portalarium's crowd-funded title Shroud of the Avatar are getting their first glimpse at the game today as the title enters the first part of its early access phase. The game is playable as of today, December 12th, and this phase of early access will end Saturday, December 14th. Between now and then, players will be able to delve into the many features included in Release 1 of Shroud of the Avatar. The devs proudly announce that they were able to implement almost every planned Release 1 feature (except for changeable head shapes in character creation), so even in this early stage of the game, players should have plenty to see, do, and -- if they're doing their jobs right -- break. The full list of Release 1 features, plus a guide on how to get the game up and running and a list of known issues, can be found at the game's official site. [Thanks to Don for the tip!]
Get early access to Endless Space developer's roguelike Dungeon of the Endless
Amplitude Studios launched its dungeon defense game Dungeon of the Endless on Steam today. The alpha version of the game is available through Steam Early Access through two packs, both currently 25 percent off. The base-level Pixel Pack version is currently $9.74, whereas the Founder Pack is $14.99 and grants players access to additional ships, heroes and 50 percent off coupons for Endless Space and its Disharmony expansion. Dungeon of the Endless, billed as a roguelike dungeon defense game, is set in the Endless Space universe and has players opening doors, gathering goods and decimating enemies before their equipment is destroyed. Amplitude Studios divulged the game's inception, which occurred during a late-night, drunken brain-storming session, at Gamescom.
Space MMO Entropy hits Steam's Early Access
Norwegian game studio Artplant, responsible for Battlestar Galactica Online, has announced another new space MMO entitled Entropy. The persistant, open-universe game is available through Steam's Early Access program and features dynamic trading and space combat in a sandbox world. The game currently sells for $19.99, but Founders packs ($99.99) are available for those looking to get in on the game early with a little more ooph. All wealth and XP progressions from this early access period will remain through to launch. You can check the game out on its Steam page for more screenshots and an impressive gameplay video. [Source: Artplant press release]
Awesomenauts: Starstorm brings the McPain on December 12
An early version of Ronimo Games' Starstorm expansion for Awesomenauts will be available on Thursday. The developer earned $345,835 in September on Kickstarter to fund the expansion, which will feature five new characters and a map for the arena battler, in addition to a new spectator mode and replay system. Thursday's expansion is the first of many updates for the game, and focuses on one of the five playable Starstorm characters, Ted McPain, "one of the great heroes of the first AI Wars." The pants-less character comes with a transformable weapon, which switches between a shotgun and a rapid-fire machine gun. The developer says that Thursday's early access DLC also includes the first set of custom game settings, including a new deathmatch game mode. The full Starstorm expansion is expected to be be complete by the end of 2014, and Ronimo Games will continue to launch pieces of the DLC in multiple stages over the coming months.
4X strategy game Star Lords available now on Early Access
Iceberg Interactive launched its 4X strategy game Star Lords on Steam via Early Access. Star Lords promises "deep and complex gameplay" set in a large universe, in which players take part in turn-based space battles involving eight separate races. The studio behind Star Lords is Portuguese developer Arkavi Studios, who created diplomacy, trade and intelligence tools that players use to weaken enemies and build an empire. Players can colonize worlds in the game, which includes a "randomly generated universe, tech tree and units." The alpha version of Star Lords costs $19.99 for PC players to check out, and does not include features like "multiplayer, huge galaxies and domestic policies" at the moment.
DayZ alpha will be an actual alpha
Early adopters are in for a rough ride when the standalone version of DayZ first enters Steam's early access program. According to a post made by Dean "Rocket" Hall on the game's official forums, DayZ's initial limited launch will be "a true-blue alpha." Hall noted that because the team is rebuilding "massive areas of the engine," many of DayZ's core features will not be seen for months. Buying early will be a recipe for disappointment. It's a chance for those who want to be part of that whole process. For them, the process is as much a part of the game as the whole experience. For many, this is the opposite of what they want. To enable a smooth launch, we're really targeting it at a core audience who want to get deeply involved in a very barebones experience that is a platform for future development. In other words, it's an alpha. Dean did not provide a release date, so we'll continue to keep this filed under Soon TM.
Star Wars: The Old Republic launches Galactic Starfighter for subscribers
Subscribers to Star Wars: The Old Republic don't have to wait another day to start fighting across the stars. Galactic Starfighter early access is now live for subscribers, with Preferred players getting access on January 14th, 2014, and free players allowed in on February 4th, 2014. Yes, if you want to blow up other ships today, subscribing right now will still let you start blasting away, and you won't even have to hit a certain level to be eligible. The goal with Galactic Starfighter as explained in one of two new development blogs was to allow all players access to the content even if they're not as interested in the story. Progressing through the leveling game will unlock companions, though, and the other development blog details how your crew members can help your overall performance. There's also a new trailer just past the cut showing off how you can customize your ship, perfect if you're deciding whether you want to subscribe or if you prefer to wait to start playing.
Next Car Game's Kickstarter in the ditch, early access program offers playable tech sneak peek
Bugbear Inc. has canceled its Kickstarter campaign for Next Car Game, but financial obstacles aren't enough to keep the project off the road of game development. The canceled campaign's most recent update notes the studio is "hell-bent to keep on developing the game with our supporters" through the pre-order program hosted on the game's site. If you can get behind the concept, Bugbear is offering a "playable technology sneak peek" to anyone that places a pre-order for Next Car Game. This sneak peek lets players run one of 24 cars through a "playground" Bugbear has been using to test Next Car Game's vehicle and environmental damage mechanics. That's not meant to replace the full game, of course, which the Kickstarter update states will include "a number of race tracks and derby arenas." This testing ground of sorts is offered in exchange for a $25 pre-order, which will eventually grant backers a Steam token for the finished version of Next Car Game. The game's site notes that the final version will "cost more than pre-ordering," so if you're the type to smash up pretty cars for some kind of sick game, it might be beneficial to you to commit now rather than later.
Double Fine's Spacebase DF-9 makes up $400K Indie Fund investment in 2 weeks
Double Fine's sci-fi social sim Spacebase DF-9 has recouped its initial Indie Fund investment, earning over $400,000 within two weeks of joining Steam's Early Access program. The investment marks Indie Fund's most expensive venture to date, requiring assistance from Humble Bundle, The Behemoth, and other outside sources. "A typical project for us has been in the range of $50k - $150k," organizers note. "We've also funded a few projects for smaller amounts, but never a project the size of Spacebase DF-9." Headed up by indie luminaries like Jonathan Blow and Ron Carmel, Indie Fund supplies promising game projects with flexible-budget funding, helping developers stay financially independent without seeking the aid of publishers. Other recent Indie Fund success stories include Pocketwatch Games' Monaco and The Swapper, both of which earned back their investment within days of their initial release.
The Mighty Quest for Epic Loot raids Steam Early Access
Ubisoft's free-to-play RPG The Mighty Quest for Epic Loot is now available on Steam, expanding its grind-happy adventure beyond the browser realm. Combining elements from brawlers and tower defense games, The Mighty Quest for Epic Loot divides gameplay up into brief looting sessions in which you'll raid castles belonging to other players for equipment and treasure. The game joins Steam as part of the Early Access program as it wraps up its closed beta. Following its release earlier this year, The Mighty Quest for Epic Loot was updated to address fan feedback regarding the implementation of "pay to win" items, which have since been removed to promote gameplay balance.
Shroud of the Avatar's Release 1 due this December
If you're chomping at the bit to play an early version of Richard Garriott's new Shroud of the Avatar opus, you won't have to wait much longer. Executive producer Starr Long posted a schedule of sorts on the game's forum earlier today, and the initial testing phase -- dubbed Release 1 -- begins on December 12th. Like fellow crowdfunding project Star Citizen, Shroud of the Avatar is rolling out in stages rather than sticking with a more traditional "it's done" launch date. Long's post outlines the tentative schedule through March of 2014, and there's a good amount of detail in terms of what playable features are expected. Hit up the links below to learn more.
Double Fine plants sci-fi seed in Spacebase DF-9 management sim
Double Fine launched its sci-fi management sim, Spacebase DF-9, on Steam Early Access today. The game, compatible with PC, Mac and Linux, is available for $25, or $30 with the soundtrack. In Spacebase DF-9, players construct a space station and nurture its growth. Spacebase DF-9 is played from a three-quarters top-down perspective and challenges players with finding and collecting resources, dispatching enemy invaders, keeping citizens happy and providing for them, and handling any malfunctions that may pop up. As with other Early Access games, buying into this Alpha version of Spacebase DF-9 contributes to its continued development. Double Fine has opened up an area on the official game's website, as well as the requisite Steam community section, where players can leave feedback. Head past the break for a Double Fine tutorial video that provides some tips for new players as well as an overview of the mechanics.
Sign up for Magicka: Wizard Wars, help shape the game
Starting today, October 15, Steam users can jump into an Early Access version of Magicka: Wizard Wars. Interested parties simply need to sign up for a Paradox account through the game and should be able to dive right into the tutorial match afterward. Expect Magicka: Wizard Wars to change over the course of development as Paradox North looks to incorporate fan feedback during the Early Access run. Magicka: Wizard Wars is a free-to-play multiplayer-based affair where two teams of four battle over spawn points within an environment, though you do need to pay to get into the Steam Early Access version. The game is anchored by the original Magicka's unique DIY spell-casting system where players queue up an assortment of elements in a specific order, which then produces a spell. Once a team has captured all three spawn points and killed the other team, it's game over – or as soon as one team has burned through their 75 spawn tickets, and can no longer respawn onto the battlefield. We were able to sample Magicka: Wizard Wars back in July and found it to be an inventive and highly-competitive romp.
Godus v1.3 update adds bronze age, agriculture, weather system
Peter Molyneux's god game Godus has received a sizable update on Steam, where the game has been available as an Early Access product since last month. In addition to a multitude of bug fixes, the version 1.3 update adds bronze age amenities and agricultural advances, as well as tweaks to Follower behavior and some modified tents. Amongst the 12 new bronze age additions are politics, farming and cartography, according to the update's patch notes. New Farmer Followers can grow crops outside of settlements, which can then be harvested to feed the population. A new weather system will also affect your tiny virtual folk, with lightning storms that damage Abodes located outside of settlements. Meanwhile, felt tents now house and produce Followers, rather than generate Belief. Followers can now also communicate with the player through Prayers, which we assume are delivered via Post-It Note like in Bruce Almighty. Okay, probably not. Molyneux recently told us that Godus' evolution is an ongoing process, and that it can take anywhere from "a day to two weeks" for him and his team at 22 Cans to crank out a new build. "That's an amazing, incredible way to develop a game," he said. "I'm not a designer, I'm a design curator."
God game Maia lands on Steam Early Access in December
Colony management simulator Maia will launch on Steam on December 3 via Early Access. The game earned £140,481 ($225,219) on Kickstarter in late November 2012. The god game has players building an underground colony to avoid hostile creatures on the surface of a planet. Maia's world is procedurally-generated and features both top-down and first-person game modes. Simon Roth, the game's developer, noted that direct pre-orders have already totaled a tidy £12,000 ($19,238).
Exclusive: March of War heads for the jungle in Episode II Tropical Thunder
March of War might be set in World War II, but it's an alternate version of the war that provides a different take on the conflict with six worldwide factions fighting a much more expansive battle for the globe. After the release in late July, the team behind the game has been hard at work developing the next piece of content for the game. Tomorrow, you can start playing the second episode, but today you can watch the trailer. In Tropical Thunder players head into the depths of South America to hunt down Che Guevara, leading to a large-scale conflict between both the United Republic and the Latin Junta as both factions seek the same man. And the jungle isn't exactly welcoming, with a variety of carnivorous plants and animals to complicate otherwise simple engagements. New units and new skins are available as well. Take a look at the exclusive trailer and screenshots past the break for a better idea of what Guevara did and what both sides of the conflict will face in the jungle landscape. [Source: ISOTX press release]
Pounding beats and dragons in Crypt of the NecroDancer
I'm all alone in this dark dungeon. I've only got a dagger and I'm on my last heart of health. The thumping beats and pulsating sounds of Danny Baranowsky's energetic soundtrack keep pushing me forward. From out of the shadows, a dragon emerges. I'm ill-equipped to fell this beast, so I use my freeze spell to stop the enemy. Then I charge in time to the beat and strike. This is Crypt of the NecroDancer, a charming and wholly original hybrid roguelike/rhythm-based experience from seven-man studio Brace Yourself Games. It's unlike anything I've played before and represents everything that I treasure about the indie games scene.
