The public test builds have come to an end for now. The feedback I received was very helpful in getting broader opinions on the game. With the Release of Test Build 8 I have gone back to a select few private testers who are helping me to refine a better game.

I estimated a release of October the 28^th 2013 and it looks like I am on track for this release. I do want to say that this is not set in stone as I can foresee certain factors hindering my progress especially work that is getting done on my behalf (of which I cannot control the timescale). I will try to get it released on this time but in the meantime I will be very busy working on the game as much as I can.

Here is an overview of what the next few releases will be;

Test Build 8 (Released, Private):

This was the efficiency update (larger screen and lots of fixes) as well as an update to the story mode of the game (Chapter 3).

Test Build 9 (In Progress, Private):

This update will have the full story mode gameplay, that being Chapters 4 and 5 as well as the ending scenes processed. What I look forward to most with this update is the inclusion of a “New Game+” feature which will provide some re-playability to both the Story & Original Modes of the game. New Game Plus will carry over bonus items for the player as well as extra rewards.

Test Build 10 (Private):

This will be my final test build. The main feature will be the inclusion of the games Survival Mode. I will also be working on the structuring for the Extra Content (DLC) mode as well as some sample DLC to be included. There will be 3 types of content available to the game and they will come with future downloads/releases and will be free of charge. Content 1 is additional areas for Story Mode (I already have a few planned), Content 2 is maps for Survival Mode as well as any New Scenarios for Extra Content Mode (Like Dragon Age Origins ‘Witch Hunt’ type) and Content 3 would be updates to gameplay such as new features or items/weapons.

Beta Build (Undecided):

Assuming my Test Build phase was the “Alpha Build” this type of build would basically bring everything together. Everything here would then be polished up as much as possible and attempts to refine the system would be finalized here. This exists to remove any bugs and make fixes to the game before full release.

The Thing 2 v1.0 (Full Release):

This will be the first full public version of the game with all the benefits of the changes made from the beta build. The game will be freely available for download from ModDB and my website via a mediafire download link. The first game had at least 100 downloads and I am hoping that this one will do at least 200. I understand that not everyone will like the style of gameplay but you cannot please everyone.

Any Questions or comments please post on this article as it is very hard for me to know if I have anything to respond to otherwise.

Thanks for reading and please wait for the v1.0 release.

You can find more information on this game at:
ModDB: http://www.moddb.com/games/the-thing-2
Website: https://macwantsthewhat.com/