Last year, I announced that Eldritch Academy was getting a major update for Version 3. After a lot of on-and-off work, that update is nearing completion. In the meantime, I figured it was time to give a better look at the update while the last chunk is implemented. For that reason, I'm planning to make a beta branch for the game here on Steam once I've double-checked the common route for any major bugs or issues.

What's in the Version 3 Beta?

The current plan is to have the full game be available in the beta, though some scenes will not have finalized art implementation and final script checks. In general, this is the breakdown:

• Prologue/Act 1/Act 2/Act 3: Implemented
• Act 4/Epilogue: Art not implemented, script under review
• Aftermath stories (standalone): Implemented
• Bonus Features: Implemented

If there are any major issues in the "implemented" scenes and features in the beta, bug reports would be very helpful in removing these issues from the final v3 build.

How do I access the beta?

When the beta is uploaded, you will be able to switch to the beta by:

• Right-clicking on Eldritch Academy in your library and selecting Properties
• Navigate to the Betas tab
• Select the v3 beta branch and apply your selection

After this, the game will replace the files from v2 with the v3 beta. Once the final version is out, you may need to opt out of the beta build to download it. (Needs comfirmation.) This is the same process, but choosing to not opt into any beta builds.

When will this beta be available?

I'd like to do some final checks on the existing content before uploading the beta, so I'd say the beta will be uploaded within the next week or so. I'll delay the beta if something major comes up, but otherwise I'd like to get it out there so people can pick up on any issues that escaped my notice. I'll post an announcement on the Eldritch Academy page once the beta is available, so keep an eye out if you'd like to try the beta.

What's different about Version 3?

Many of the changes can be found in the original announcement. A quick summary:

• Resolution, UI, and art changes
• New (custom) BGM tracks
• Common route script changes (particularly involving choices)
• Redundant scenes removed or combined

For those who are more visual, I'll leave you with a few new screenshots of the game. I hope everyone looks forward to the update!

[ 2021-09-11 16:59:16 CET ] [ Original post ]