Why did you do a Kickstarter when the game is in Early Access on Steam?

Great question! We know running a Kickstarter for a game that’s already in Early Access is not the typical approach, so let’s break it down.

First, we want to emphasize that Alterium Shift is a passion project for us, and we’ve been transparent with our community throughout the development process. Our journey hasn’t been without its challenges, and 2024 was particularly pivotal as we worked through a publisher transition that took time to resolve. We also reevaluated the game’s scope based on Early Access feedback during that process.

That feedback made it clear that players wanted more: more console ports beyond the planned Nintendo Switch release, more localization for different languages, physical editions of the game, and other features that would elevate the experience. While we’ve made incredible progress as a small team, meeting these expanded goals without a publisher’s backing is a significant challenge. That’s where Kickstarter comes in—it’s our way of inviting the community to help us bring these ambitions to life.

At the same time, Early Access has been an invaluable part of our development journey. It allows players to experience the game firsthand, provide feedback, and see the project grow in real-time. In a landscape where some Kickstarter projects face scrutiny over whether they’ll ever deliver, Alterium Shift stands out. The game is real, it’s playable, and you can see the progress for yourself.

Backing our Kickstarter is less about hoping for a product someday and more about helping us expand what’s already here. For example, at certain tiers, backers will get immediate access to the Early Access version on Steam, so you can start playing right away and follow our progress as we drive toward the finish line.

We’re incredibly proud of what we’ve accomplished so far—50% of the game’s core content is already available, with a big update bringing us to 75% planned for Q1 2025. But we also know that, with your support, we can take Alterium Shift to the next level and deliver the game you deserve.

In the end, Early Access isn’t a reason not to run a Kickstarter—it’s a reason you can back this project with confidence. You’re not just supporting an idea; you’re helping a game already here, with a track record of updates, transparency, and community engagement. Together, we can make Alterium Shift the best it can be.