Phoenix Point Christmas Update

The latest development update for Snapshot Games’ Phoenix Point informs us that the game will be showcased during the PC Gamer Weekender in February, and that it will also get a backer-exclusive pre-alpha sometime in Q1 2018. The update outlines the differences between the playable Weekender demo and the pre-alpha, with the former being a reasonably polished singe mission and the latter offering an ongoing, constantly evolving experience.

The update also offers a special Christmas gift from Snapshot Games – The Briefing #2, an ebook containing new Phoenix Point short stories written by Allen Stroud and Jonas Kyratzes. Read on to find out more about the preview versions of Phoenix Point and learn how to get the ebook:

So here we are, fast approaching the end of 2017. As promised, one final development update as the studio and development team take a few well deserved days of rest over the holiday. Be sure to keep reading through to the end for a special Christmas gift from the team at Snapshot Games.

Phoenix Point Demo

If you have been keeping your eye on any of our social media channels, you will have probably seen mention of a Phoenix Point demo being presented at PC Gamer Weekender in February. Over the last two months, the development team have been working even harder than usual to put together a demo which we can showcase at expos and events.

One question which has been asked a lot; “Is the demo going to be the same as the backer pre-alpha build?”. The short answer to that is no. As this demo is designed to show what the end product is expected to be like, we’re creating a small section of gameplay, a single mission. This mission is designed to be completed in a short amount of time (after all, it is going to be playable by the visitors to these events, and we would love everyone to get their turn!)

The big difference between the demo and the pre-alpha is the level of polish. All of the fine details, refinement, optimisation and general “polish” are normally completed towards the end of development (we want to make sure we’re completely happy with how everything works before we spend lots of time to make it shiny). For the demo, the team have started to polish the assets which will be included. It still won’t quite be on the same level of the completed game, but we want to have this showcase looking as good as possible. As always, the demo is still an in development build and the quality may not be that of the final product.

The backer and pre-order pre-alpha version will be an ongoing, constantly updated build. It will have more content than a single mission, but it will lack the initial polish of the demo. The pre-alpha and the demo are being developed simultaneously as the assets, user interface, sound effects and gameplay programming are all core elements of the game which will be used in both places.

The pre-alpha access is available to all of our Fig backers and pre-order customers who chose the Digital Extras Edition and above. If you haven’t pre-ordered Phoenix Point, you can still do so at our store and select a package with pre-alpha access, currently due in Q1 of 2018.

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A Christmas Gift

The exchange of gifts has long been a Christmas tradition. Our gift for your this year is Volume #2 of The Briefing: our latest ebook containing a selection of Phoenix Point short stories written by Allen Stroud and Jonas Kyratzes.

This edition contains many new, never seen before pieces. We really hope that you enjoy them, and that they sustain your excitement over the holiday. You will receive The Briefing 2 very soon if you’re subscribed to our newsletter. If you haven’t already done so, you can sign up here.