Why Early Access?

“sfäre is a very experimental toy. No one really knows what it is and who it will appeal to. I've noticed that the mobile version is pretty chill to use before going to sleep. I'm not sure if this experience can be extended to the PC version or if it could go down a different alley entirely. I would like to find out.

I have started going down the experimental road for desktop by integrating an editor that exposes parameters directly. It is a lot more complex and complicated to use, but has far less limitations than the playful main mode. The editor is incomplete and will be finished during Early Access.

I want to make sfäre as accessible as possible, for that I will need to determine what controls are even used and how they are used. I have made some experimental controls to work with gamepad or only keyboard, but I believe I can do better.

Early Access is also important to me, as I want to find out if anyone is interesting in what I have created and if it is worth investing a lot more time.”

Approximately how long will this game be in Early Access?

“I'm estimating it will be about one year of Early Access. That being said, as long as there is progress being made during Early Access I don't see any reason to rush release.”

How is the full version planned to differ from the Early Access version?

“The play mode of sfäre is fully functional, depending on feedback I will of course make improvements and fixes if required.

I'm working on a complex editor that exposes a large variety of parameters. I want to focus on usability/user experience and user feedback is critical.
If players have interesting ideas, I am quickly convinced to experiment.

I've already received some streamer feedback and many seem to think sfäre would be a very suitable tool for them to use between streams and still interact with their users.

specific things I want to add

General:
- Localizations

Editor:
- better control over fractal generation
- I have an idea to integrate painting, to add more control over dot size
- mooore parameters, shapes & cool ideas

Audio:
- custom playlists
- if Unity fixes a bug, stream Audio through sfäre

For Streamers
- custom logo & image placement
- twitch API integration to react to user input (I'm open to ideas)
- open to any suggestions”

What is the current state of the Early Access version?

“I could release sfäre as it is now as a completed toy. It also works great on auto-play.
The editor is still in an alpha stage with some questionable parameter names/descriptions.
I have not added twitch integration, might manage to get something alpha going before release.”

Will the game be priced differently during and after Early Access?

“Currently no change is planned.”

How are you planning on involving the Community in your development process?

“I'm always open to feedback and suggestions. Anyone who wants to get involved will be listened to. The more feedback I get, the more enthusiastic I will be to develop additions and improvements. I have a Discord channel where I am frequently available and happy to chat about development.
https://discord.gg/hMdgyrWwbu

sfäre is a big experiment, I want as many people as possible to take part.”