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Astral Ascension - Release Date Update (Everyone)
🕑 Added 2024-08-18 19:32:27 +0000 UTCHello Fans, PixelFaders, and Patreons,
Today we'll be sharing an updating regarding the release date of Astral Ascension. I think a good majority of people are expecting a release for August 22nd as that has been our historical date for past games:
ACE - August 22, 2016
Crystalline - August 22, 2018
Ethereal Enigma - August 22, 2020
I will confirm that August 22, 2024 was our original targeted release date however we didn't share it for the exact reason of where we are today - it would have been missed.
So what happened? When we finished the writing for the game earlier this year, we felt that the ending was in a decent enough spot however we felt it could really benefit from an "After Story" for each of the waifus. This added another 50k+ word count making Astral Ascension's total word count over 400k+. For comparison, this is significantly more than double the word count of Crystalline and almost Triple that of Ethereal Enigma.
We don't have a publisher forcing deadlines on us or formulating monetization strategies that maximize profits. The reality is if we did, the outcoming would have been:
1) Avoid feature creep to release on time (no "After Story" content)
2) Release the "After Story" as a paid DLC
We aren't going to worry about feature creep because our goal is to make the best game that we can. We are financially able to do so thanks to your generous support in buying our games and our Patreon subscribers.
In terms for releasing it as a paid DLC down the road, yes that would have made a lot of sense both in terms of release date and getting more out of monetization. But the team doesn't want to do that. We'll create the extra content because it fits the vision of what we want for Astral Ascension and it will be a part of Astral Ascension with no additional cost to you.
As it stands, Astral Ascension is fully playable from start to finish (all 400k+ word count) with episode 1 voiced by the main cast so far; It is available here:
https://www.patreon.com/posts/astra-full-game-110312870
What's left for Astral Ascension to be completed is all related to VO work:
1) Recording voice over (90% done)
2) Processing voice over (20% done)
3) Implementing voice over (14% done)
4) UI Overhaul (40% done)
5) Bug fixes/Polish (TBD)
So when is the release date of Astral Ascension? The honest answer is I don't know. It'll be ready when the team can put the stamp of full completion, which is when we are confident it is the best experience it can be for our players. Is that still 2024? I don't know.
We'll continue to work with passion and dedication as we always have, however we won't release a rushed project or force unsustainable overtime/crunch. Ultimately, it is in our best interest to release as soon as possible just as you'd like to play as soon as possible. We aren't withholding a finished game, it is still being actively developed. Please have patience and faith in us, and we promise to deliver an exceptional experience with Astral Ascension for you to best of our ability!
Thank you,
PF Team
Comments
Alpha Maeko
"Are we there yet?" "No." "... ... are we th-" "NO!"
Carlos Gonzalez
The fact that you guys are creating “After Story” content is insanely awesome and appreciated. I can wait as long as it takes for this game to release as the team always envisioned it. And back to the “After Story” bit, I’m still hoping to get a Valerie After Story for ACE Academy someday, or an official sequel announcement!
TyloThorn
This is superb. There cannot be enough Iris from what I can tell without having played too much into the read only. Decided to wait for the whole thing, and I am so glad i decided to support you for the entire duration of AA developement. This here is why. All too many companies today focus on money grabbing n deadlines when they should focus on delivering the best game they possibly can. For the players AND for themselves. I'd stick with you till this project is stampable even if it took another 4 years. You deserve as much.
aaron james
Take you time an keep making these awesome games.
Mochipoke
400k word count is INSANE
Butlee
I see the only possible acceptable solution there - August 22, 2025 release date.
King Tai
Take your time, rather you guys be happy with your product than it being released early
Tony4Ya
Honestly I don’t mind waiting a bit longer if that means that the game will be released with even more content and better polishing. It is defined a good idea to not announce a release date, as that would definitely lead to a rush if something does not go as expected. I’m also really glad that you are thinking about customer satisfaction instead of monetisation- unlike 90% of the industry-.
Chrixai
If we can wait a whole 4 years of release I think we can stand to wait longer. Take your time with release! A rushed imperfect game does not make the game fun! Do your best!
