Why Early Access?

“We have three strong reasons for releasing the game in Early Access.

First, we aim to build a ranking system that requires third-party backend services, a domain we have limited experience with. As we cannot guarantee a stable implementation from the outset, we see Early Access as a valuable testing ground to ensure this feature works smoothly. Additionally, we believe that the ranking system will significantly increase player engagement, so we want the game to remain in Early Access until we have fully and reliably integrated this feature.

Second, the game features a multiplayer prestige system, but the 4th layer of prestige is still in development. We are actively discussing the direction for this feature, but we believe the best approach is to gather feedback directly from our most active players, whose input will help shape the final design.

Third, we plan to implement a flexible, transparent game window that allows players to enjoy the game casually while doing other things, like watching YouTube or playing other games. We envision this as a "windowed mode" that adjusts based on player preferences. This feature’s development will heavily depend on user experience and feedback, making Early Access an ideal time to gather insights and refine it.”

Approximately how long will this game be in Early Access?

“We anticipate that Idle Sphere will remain in Early Access for approximately 3 months. This timeline will depend on the feedback we receive and any necessary adjustments we identify throughout the process.”

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

“In the full version, we plan to enhance several core features based on player feedback during Early Access. For example, we're aiming to expand the ranking system to include additional regions and broader player visibility.

This would enable players to view their relative ranking more easily and potentially introduce exclusive emblems or badges for top players.

We also aim to complete the final prestige layer, which will add a new strategic depth to the progression system. Additionally, we’re working on a flexible, transparent game window mode to offer a more customizable play experience.”

What is the current state of the Early Access version?

“The Early Access version includes a preliminary version of the ranking system. It currently has basic functionality, but some details are still being refined. For example, while players can see the top 100 ranked players, the system does not yet display each player’s specific rank outside of this range. Additionally, we plan to include visual emblems for higher-ranked players, but this feature has not been implemented yet.

The transparent, flexible windowed mode is still under development and is not included in the current Early Access version.

The game currently features three layers of prestige, providing players with significant playtime and progression opportunities. We have already released the game on mobile platforms (iOS and Android), where it has been highly successful in terms of playtime, retention, and revenue. This success gives us confidence that the game can perform well in Early Access, and we believe it will attract a solid player base from whom we can gather valuable feedback.”

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

“We do not intend to set different prices for the Early Access version and the full release.”

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

“We have an official Discord server with approximately 6,000 active users. This server is shared with our other game, *Idle Spiral*, as we believe there’s a strong overlap in the player base for both games. Both games offer beautiful graphics and a solid progression experience, so players who enjoy one game are likely to try the other.

Our development team is highly active on Discord, updating the game almost daily and engaging with players directly. This allows us to gather feedback in real-time and make adjustments based on player input, fostering a collaborative development process that we believe will help us deliver a more polished final product.”