Battle Academy 2 Early Access Program is now available

[admin]

Help us conquer the Eastern Front!

Here’s a BIG surprise for you all. The long anticipated sequel to Battle Academy is now available to download from the site as an Early Access Program. We’ve been developing the game for quite a while now, adding features and putting all the fans' requests to the test, but now it’s your turn to take this project to perfection!

By opting in the Battle Academy 2 Early Access Program, you will be able to see and play the game as it is being developed and you will get a chance to contribute to the game directly. Through your feedback we hope to make the game even better and bring Battle Academy 2 closer to release.                                      

When you buy Battle Academy 2 Early Access, you will receive a digital copy of the game in its current in-development for, including all future updates and patches leading up to the official release. Watch out! The game is still in the midst of its development process, so you are likely to find bugs and imperfections.

You can find out more information on content and features on the product page. http://www.slitherine.com/games/ba2_pc

The full list of perks from Early Access is:

+ Ongoing access to the game during development.
+ A digital copy of the full game at release.
+ Special title shown on multiplayer game listings after release.
+ Exclusive unit markings shown on your units in both single and multiplayer games after release.

Full Feature List

The first Early Access release will include the following features:

+ Skirmish mode - by popular demand! Playable in both single and multiplayer.
+ 2 single player missions
+ New look UI and new unit orders
+ New Eastern Front units and map objects
+ Improved AI
+ Smoke, terrain effects, time of day, and more!

The full game will include the following features, added in regular updates to the EAP version:

+ 4 full single player campaigns, playing as both Russian and Axis
+ 4 multiplayer mission sets
+ Coop multiplayer
+ Easy to use Editor for building your own campaigns and missions

[LandMarine47]

Is this only for PC users?

[pipfromslitherine]

Yes - the EAP is only available for PC users. Due to the expected frequency of updates, it's not practical to go through the build and test cycles required on multiple platforms.

Sorry!

Cheers

Pip

[MartyWard]

Do you need to register as some sort of tester?

[pipfromslitherine]

No special registration is necessary - you simply purchase the EAP as you would any other product.

Cheers

Pip

[MartyWard]

No special registration is necessary - you simply purchase the EAP as you would any other product.

Cheers

Pip

Cool. Sold!

[LandMarine47]

So this is gonna replace the private beta testing in a way? Shame. Hope it comes out on March!

[Amaris]

Where is the documentation for modders?

[pipfromslitherine]

Where is the documentation for modders?

All the documentation is on the BA2 wiki - it's the same docs as the developers use

viewtopic.php?f=221&t=45000

Cheers

Pip

[pipfromslitherine]

So this is gonna replace the private beta testing in a way? Shame. Hope it comes out on March!

We are far further away from release than that - the whole idea of an EAP is to allow time to really listen to feedback from the participants.

Cheers

Pip

[MartyWard]

Will there be a place to let you know what issues crop up?

[pipfromslitherine]

Will there be a place to let you know what issues crop up?

The current BA2 forums are the place to report any issues, suggestions, or other thoughts.

Cheers

Pip

[random27]

If we buy early access do we get at the end a final version of the game ?
Or must we pay after the early access the final version?

[pipfromslitherine]

If we buy early access do we get at the end a final version of the game ?
Or must we pay after the early access the final version?

The EAP purchase also includes a full release version once the game is finished, absolutely!

Looking, that isn't make explicit on the product page, so we will update it. You also get a number of other special bonuses that aren't enumerated there, but will be!

Cheers

Pip

[LandMarine47]

So this is gonna replace the private beta testing in a way? Shame. Hope it comes out on March!

We are far further away from release than that - the whole idea of an EAP is to allow time to really listen to feedback from the participants.

Cheers

Pip

A shame! But I doubt Apple would allow an EAP on anything knowing their business tactics

Can you guys show us some new features and gameplay on your YT channel?

[LandMarine47]

And if I can add my two cents, are you guys releasing on all platforms at once? If so I suggest atleast a one month beta for Mac and iPad users (unless of course your own personal team is testing on these playforms)

[best75]

What is the released date for the iPad version and will it have all the the features of the PC version

[collier4]

Looks like a good idea. I'm in. Presumably the early release has a multiplayer option?

[morge4]

Looks like a good idea. I'm in. Presumably the early release has a multiplayer option?

Yes, it does, MP skirmish only right now, but it is experiencing a issue at the moment...

viewtopic.php?f=221&t=48209

[pipfromslitherine]

To try and answer all the Qs in a single post

+ we are aiming to release all the platforms at the same time.
+ as with BA1 the iPad version will be the same (and cross-playable with) the PC and OSX versions other than no editor.
+ it is likely we will do OSX and iPad Beta testing, but this (and any details) has not been decided as yet.
+ the EAP has multiplayer skirmish currently, and of course more MP options will be coming as updates release.

Cheers

Pip