Olden Era Devs: 'You Cannot Satisfy Everyone' in Early Access
A new turn-based strategy game is on the horizon, helmed by veteran developers with roots in the legendary *Heroes of Might and Magic* franchise. The upcoming title, *Olden Era*, aims to capture the spirit of the genre's classics while forging its own path. As the game prepares to enter its crucial Early Access phase, its creators are adopting a refreshingly transparent and pragmatic approach, treating the launch as a "full release" for community involvement, while candidly managing player expectations for the journey ahead.
In a frank discussion about their development philosophy, the team emphasized their commitment to the game's foundation while acknowledging the challenges of a public development process. "You cannot satisfy everyone," a lead designer stated, highlighting the delicate balance of honoring a beloved genre's legacy while introducing new ideas. This mindset is at the core of their strategy for Early Access, which they see as the true beginning of the game's life, not just a technical test.
A "Full Release" Mentality
For the team behind *Olden Era*, Early Access is not a pre-release beta; it's the official starting line. They are treating the launch as if it were a "full release" in terms of its importance and the role of the player community. This means that from the moment players get their hands on the game, their feedback will be integral to the ongoing development and shaping of the final product.
This approach ensures that the core gameplay systems will be robust and representative of the intended experience. Players jumping into the Early Access version of *Olden Era* can expect to engage with the primary mechanics that will define the game, including:
- Strategic World Exploration: Traversing a rich world map to discover resources, artifacts, and points of interest.
- Deep Hero Progression: Leveling up powerful heroes, customizing their skills, and equipping them for battle.
- Tactical Turn-Based Combat: Leading diverse armies of fantasy creatures into grid-based battles where positioning and strategy are paramount.
- City and Resource Management: Building up your kingdom's settlements to unlock new units, spells, and economic advantages.
By launching with a solid foundation, the developers aim to foster a collaborative environment where player feedback can be focused on refinement, balance, and the implementation of new features, rather than fixing a fundamentally broken experience.
Managing Expectations for the Road Ahead
While the team is confident in their launch build, they are also deeply realistic about the nature of Early Access. They are making a concerted effort to be transparent with their future player base, stating plainly, "don't expect that everything works like a charm." This honest admission is a call for players to understand that bugs, balance issues, and imperfections are a natural part of the process.
This transparency extends to their acknowledgment of the diverse expectations within the strategy gaming community. The sentiment that "you cannot satisfy everyone" speaks to the challenge of creating a spiritual successor to a franchise as revered as *Heroes of Might and Magic*. Some players may desire a purely nostalgic experience, while others will crave bold innovation. The developers of *Olden Era* are positioning themselves to listen to all feedback, but ultimately steer the ship according to their own creative vision, informed by the community's collective voice.
The Long-Term Vision
The developers have made it clear that the Early Access launch is just the first major milestone on a much longer journey. "There is a long road ahead," they confirm, signaling a long-term commitment to expanding and polishing *Olden Era* for months and potentially years to come.
This long-term plan includes a roadmap that will be heavily influenced by the community. While specific details will be revealed closer to launch, the team has indicated a focus on several key areas for post-launch development:
- New Factions and Heroes: Expanding the roster of playable factions, each with unique units, heroes, and strategic playstyles.
- Expanded Campaigns: Adding more single-player story content and challenging scenarios.
- More Maps and Environments: Introducing new worlds to explore and conquer.
- Quality of Life Improvements: Continuously refining the user interface and overall player experience based on direct feedback.
This dedication to a long-term, player-involved development cycle is a promising sign for fans of the genre. *Olden Era* is not just being released into Early Access; it is being planted as a seed with the intention of cultivating it alongside its community into a truly landmark strategy experience. As it prepares for its public debut, its developers' blend of ambitious design and down-to-earth honesty sets a positive stage for what's to come.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is Olden Era?
*Olden Era* is an upcoming turn-based strategy and 4X game for PC, developed by a team including veterans with experience on the *Heroes of Might and Magic* series. It focuses on hero development, tactical combat, and kingdom management in a classic fantasy setting.
When will Olden Era be released?
The game is scheduled to launch into Early Access on PC. A specific date has not yet been announced, but it is expected to be available for players soon.
What platforms will Olden Era be on?
Initially, *Olden Era* is confirmed for a PC release via Steam Early Access. The developers have not yet announced plans for console or other platform releases.