Dev Team AMA - September 2023

[Eldacar]

Hello there,
here we are with a bunch of answers for questions from our community!
Join us on Discord discord.gg/gamerainteractive.it

POST IS GOING TO BE UPDATED FOR THE NEXT 24 HOURS WITH NEW QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS

PREVIOUS AMA [JUNE 2022] AVAILABLE HERE https://steamcommunity.com/app/919360/discussions/0/3412054783682578112/

Any chance to release this year?
Given the current circumstances, including an ongoing legal battle and a desire to carefully evaluate all aspects, it's uncertain whether Alaloth: Champions of The Four Kingdoms will have a full release this year. While it is technically possible to achieve a 1.0 release in a short timeframe, the decision will be based on a careful consideration of business-related scenarios and legal matters. The priority remains on delivering a high-quality product that aligns with the best interests of the project and the team.

What about the price?
We've maintained our original price point for Alaloth: Champions of The Four Kingdoms, even when Steam suggested heavy adjustments. However, as we've already delivered all the initially scheduled content during the Early Access period, it's important to address the sustainability of continued updates. We're considering a slight increase in the price point before the full release to ensure we can continue providing meaningful content and improvements. Additionally, we're actively exploring different ways for our dedicated community to support the ongoing development of the game.

Your game is inspired to Lord of the Rings ? If not, which was your inspiration, or maybe this game is just your fantasies and rich imagination?
Alaloth draws inspiration from a rich tapestry of sources, including the Lord of the Rings of course. The game is a blend of our team's deep appreciation for classic '80s and '90s RPGs, the iconic Dungeons & Dragons universe [Dragonlance, Forgotten Realms, Mystara], and a wide array of fantasy movies that have left a lasting impact on us [Conan the Barbarian, Willow. LoTR among others]. Same for books and comics [Stormbringer, Orcs] and other videogames obviously [Ultima Online, Baldur’s Gate, Temple of Elemetal Evil, Bethesda games, TSR games and more]. In addition to these external inspirations, a key driving force behind Alaloth's creation is my personal Rolemaster campaign date 1992. This personal connection to tabletop role-playing games has added a unique and personal touch to the game's design. So, the game is a product of our fantasies, it's also a loving tribute to the RPG classics, cinematic masterpieces and all the cool things from the good old times.

This game is kind of a gem and i think it will become popular in future, but now with the present "numbers" are you satisfied?
The Early Access phase has been a pivotal step for us, as it's allowed the game to become sustainable. We're pleased with the progress we've made so far. However, it's important to acknowledge that while we're content with our current numbers, we also recognize the potential for even greater success. In an ideal scenario, our numbers could have been tenfold larger. This perspective is crucial, especially in light of the ongoing legal battle with our former VC, which compelled us to launch during a challenging period of the year, without the expected backup, marketing, or PR support. Despite these obstacles, we're in a good position and remain committed to reinvesting everything we can into the game. Our goal is to meticulously prepare for the 1.0 launch, with the hope that it will be a resounding success and propel Alaloth to greater heights in the future.

Maybe it's a little early to speak about a sequel, but lets imagine Alaloth is done, you have the success you wanted and what's next, will you plan a sequel or maybe another game ? If yes, which genre?
While it might be a bit early to discuss a sequel, we've designed Alaloth: Champions of The Four Kingdoms with a modular and expandable approach, with the intention of growing and evolving the game indefinitely. The direction we take next will largely depend on how things unfold with the 1.0 release and the various business-related factors we've previously mentioned. We're considering a trajectory similar to what Crate Entertainment did with Grim Dawn, where they expanded the world and experience in various ways. This could potentially involve online elements, but nothing is set in stone at this point. Whether it's sequels, additional projects, or exploring other genres, the future is open. One aspiration we've openly shared is our interest in working with a Dungeons & Dragons license at some point, something we explored prior to embarking on Alaloth. However, regardless of what lies ahead, our current focus is on creating isometric RPGs with an old-school foundation but with our unique creative twist. That's where we see our strength and vision as a creative team.

Any plans for mod support after release?
Yes, It’s something under discussion, it would be great. Evaluating.

Any DLCs after release? If yes, what ideas you can share with us for now?
We're actively working on a variety of additional content for Alaloth: Champions of The Four Kingdoms. The nature of this content is flexible, and it could range from free updates to potential DLCs, or even significant expansions. The direction we ultimately take will be influenced by ongoing discussions and considerations. One important aspect to note is that the world map as it stands will not undergo drastic changes, but it will be further enriched and filled with exciting new experiences. Beyond the familiar territories, players can look forward to exploring the outer world, which will introduce new kingdoms and uncharted territories for them to discover and conquer. We're excited about the possibilities this expansion will bring to the Alaloth universe

If I'm reading your roadmap right, are you still planning to release 4-5 more content update to the already meaty 100+ hours game? Does it mean that full release is still way off and not coming this year?
I'm glad you've taken a close look at our roadmap. You're correct, we are actively working on several updates, each with a specific direction in mind. The size and scope of these updates will vary based on our plans. While we've shared some details about what we're currently working on, it's important to note that these updates are not entirely finalized. This means they could range from substantial content expansions to more service-oriented updates with smaller additions or adjustments. Regarding the full release, as we mentioned earlier, given our current circumstances and ongoing considerations, it's uncertain whether it will happen this year. We're carefully evaluating various factors to ensure that when we do make the transition to 1.0, it's a well-prepared and impactful release.

Will there be improvements for the local coop?
Yes, we're currently focused on making significant improvements to the local co-op experience, for a more seamless and engaging cooperative gameplay experience, enhancing the overall enjoyment for players who prefer to embark on their adventures together in the same physical space. Our aim is to implement a party handling system reminiscent of the one found in Dragon's Dogma on top of this.

Are there plans to polish up combat mechanics more?
Of course, yes. Lot of new stuff on the way.

What can we expect from Gamera in the future?
The same commitment you saw in the last 2 years, willing to improve the game and expanding the community.

Is Alaloth your main source of income? The questions come into my mind after reading about Mimimi Games disbanding; any thoughts on that?
It's always sad to hear about a studio closing its doors. Mimimi Games was a great studio, known for their innovative approach and quality games. While we may not know the exact reasons behind their closure, it's possible they were seeking a different balance or direction, because for sure it was not about money or the chance of planning the long term. I can say that we are reinvesting 100% of the revenue now, because we are focusing on the full release. A proper one, that we didn’t have the chance to go with, back in 2022, for the reasons we’ve already explained.

What do you and the team think about Revenant? And what do you think about the possibility/potential of a similar melee combat combo system being implemented into Alaloth?
To be honest, I thing I’ve played almost any RPG out there but never had the chance to play Revenant *instabuy*

Are you going to increase the price point with the final release?
As already mentioned, it is an option we are evaluating at the moment.

Any ETA for the retail special edition? Price? Info?
The super limited edition is a 500 pieces-only sale, with handcrafted stuff put together by us directly. We are aiming to open pre-orders with all the details in a while, shipping should be ok by Xmas but it really depends on availability of goods that will be part of this limited edition. Price is still TBD, the game of course will be included in the retail edition [digital only at the mo] and price could change depending on the goodies that will be put in. For sure, no more than 99.99€ which is the highest option at the mo [but we are trying to stay in a way lower tier]

For what i've understood, you are somehow blocked by a legal battle in progress with your former investor, what does it means going practically?
It means that we’ve asked for the missing sales of the game, due to the fact that they didn’t provide the money that they were supposed to pay to us by contract. Which means a lot of money. Which means the chance to plan things wisely, don’t rush and choose carefully about any long term strategy for the company and for Alaloth of course.

Any hint about the next major update? It will be for free?
For sure we are going out with one more free update by the end of the year, yes. Skylight is probably the one but let’s see.

What about stash tabs?
Already listed, low prio at the moment.

What about the old more lordly capes?
We have been forced to switch on shorter capes but we are trying to understand if something is doable for this

How much time is still on the tank?
As already said, this is not completely under our control right now. I would like to release with a proper itemization and we have some work to do with localization as well.

After this game done the team thinks on rest some time, or gonna jump make another game?
There is no rest in game development, we have moments in which you are less stressed and able to take some time to think about next steps. We are focused on Alaloth and there is no way with the actual team [which is super small] to work on different project at the same time but having the chance to scale-up, we can think about pushing a few ideas we have and also, working on something different without leaving Alaloth. Alaloth in my mind will stay as an ever evolving and expanding universe.

Are you planning to add more endgame bosses over Alaloth which expands the main questline? Similar to Diablo, Malthael, Lilith or all the content that you plan to add will be beneath Alaloth main quest?
Both things. The endgame is something that would work great in Alaloth but it’s very complicated to set-up of course and involves strategic thinking on what we would like to work on next. In my mind, endgame could be the moment in which we can think to add online features for a future update. Which is basically like working on a new game on top of this one. Other contents are planned as different campaigns not directly related to Alaloth main quest, sharing [or not] the same setting.

I gave feedback about crafting back in the day. Mainly asking for collecting crafting materials from different places in the map for a more unique output. What's your plan on crafting recipes for weapons/armors. Are you planning to add more ingredients than ores?
We have reworked crafting with Dragonhold but we are improving it for sure in the future. Loot tables will be reworked so crafting materials will be available around in a more meaningful way as any other loot. Dragon scales are ready since a while, also, we are thinking about simplifying crafting Ultima Online-like. More to come.

New game+ when?
No plans at the mo. We are happy about the Hardcore Mode and Permadeath options at the mo.

Do you have a specific plan for how you want to introduce to the player, what all the possibilities in the world are and how they should prioritize them? To help the player understand, at what point in the game they should seek out which bit of content?
We have a tutorial popping-up the first time a player performs a new action. We can improve it making it more visual probably [small clips] but by its nature, the game is not on rails so it’s quiet impossible to prioritize a gameplay style, considering that everyone can approach the game in a very unique way.

Do you have a mechanism in mind by which to instruct the player on the value of money vs choice? Should I spend money on X or Y at moment Z? How much gold should I put away to make sure I can pay for repairs? What are some things that I can look forward to saving up for?
We have a rework of the whole economy scheduled, comin’ up with itemization and new loot tables.

What about Kickstarter to go on with the development?
Managing a Kickstarter campaign is no small feat, often carrying its fair share of risks and complexities. However, we've been working on something that, while not directly tied to the game, could bring a pleasant surprise soon. Stay tuned for updates.

[Blowfeld]

Good read!

[texhnolyze]

Best of luck on your full release, especially the legal matters!

[valkirion]

Greetings from Colombia, good luck with the game.

[CRAZZY]

I just want to say this is truely a gem of a game i found out about it just a couple days ago and i love how unuqie it is the fact that you can choose your faction start out on different parts of the map combining aspects from mount and blade banner lord and baldurs gate while having an action rpg combat! which is my favorite part by the way i love the combat :D Also i am glad to hear coop will be improved as there is literaly no other game on the market that would provide the couch coop experience this would provide when it is implemented fully. One thing i would love to see is just a personal thing i wish there was a bit more gore maybe dismemberment but then again thats hard to model all the limbs and such for all the varied enemies but since its on unity engine its allready got ragdolls so maybe could add some points of dismemberment or skeletons crumbling when killed could add that extra oomph to combat of course dismemberment will not allways happen but when using a greatsword and you get a critical hit for example could decapatiate a head or so.

Also it is incredible that despite all the legal stuff and bruocracy you guys are goin through the game is still here and it is truely a unuqie full of content and fun experience!

Just wanted to say thank you for making this game and i wish you all luck!

[Eldacar]

Originally posted by CRAZZY:

I just want to say this is truely a gem of a game i found out about it just a couple days ago and i love how unuqie it is the fact that you can choose your faction start out on different parts of the map combining aspects from mount and blade banner lord and baldurs gate while having an action rpg combat! which is my favorite part by the way i love the combat :D Also i am glad to hear coop will be improved as there is literaly no other game on the market that would provide the couch coop experience this would provide when it is implemented fully. One thing i would love to see is just a personal thing i wish there was a bit more gore maybe dismemberment but then again thats hard to model all the limbs and such for all the varied enemies but since its on unity engine its allready got ragdolls so maybe could add some points of dismemberment or skeletons crumbling when killed could add that extra oomph to combat of course dismemberment will not allways happen but when using a greatsword and you get a critical hit for example could decapatiate a head or so.

Also it is incredible that despite all the legal stuff and bruocracy you guys are goin through the game is still here and it is truely a unuqie full of content and fun experience!

Just wanted to say thank you for making this game and i wish you all luck!

Hey! Thank you so much! Dismemberment... ;)

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[CRAZZY]

just bought the supporter edition going to put my essay writing skills to work for the review man this game really needs to be more popular i dont understand again there is nothing quite like it. Its just such a perfect combination of my favorite games i cant fathom how its not talked about uh iron pineapple does videos on soulslike games i will comment on his video maybe he will have it featured in one of the steam souls like games series that would get it some traction!

[Eldacar]

Originally posted by CRAZZY:

just bought the supporter edition going to put my essay writing skills to work for the review man this game really needs to be more popular i dont understand again there is nothing quite like it. Its just such a perfect combination of my favorite games i cant fathom how its not talked about uh iron pineapple does videos on soulslike games i will comment on his video maybe he will have it featured in one of the steam souls like games series that would get it some traction!

Share the love :) That's the best thing for us. Working hard to get a glorious 1.0 launch :)