Achievement Unlocked - Early Access

By Dave Pottinger

So, Servo went live on Steam Early Access today... Woohoo!

Kudos to the whole BonusXP crew. I've had the fortune to be part of some great teams in my career, but it's been something special to help assemble the team at BonusXP. It's also rewarding to see the team's passion laid bare now that we can finally share one of our new games with everyone. Also, thanks and congrats to our wonderful partner on Servo, Stardock. They've been great to work with and hugely supportive of our efforts.

It's still unbelievably scary to share a game in the state of Servo. It's so early; so many unfinished bits and pieces. The game actually still has placeholder art that *I* have done. That's usually never a good thing.

I say "usually" because we're trying this early access thing out. It's been pretty cool so far. We been playing with the Founders (folks who have the pre-early access build). We've been chatting about design decisions on forums. And, most usefully, we've been getting some great feedback that is helping to shape the game. If we can do that and people can handle the unfinished bits of the game, then I think we'll really enjoy having gone the early access route.

The good thing is that the core of Servo is there for people to see already. I think that's why the early access version is fun; people can seemingly see past the warts when the core game is enjoyable. Anyhow, with the chaotic blend of an RTS game with this huge RPG-like progression, we see people get really jazzed when they roll an awesome loot crate. We see arguments about the best gear to equip to have the best chance for success on Emerald Vale co-op (currently the toughest of the co-op maps). So far, those discussions are a nice augment to the usual RTS strategy planning that goes on.

Like anything with gear, everyone has their favorite piece of gear. As a part time designer/programmer, I tend to favor the stuff that breaks the rules (after all, that's the stuff that takes special time to do). So, I like the riot shields. The best ones come with a couple of powers: Block and Bash. Block is a FANTASTIC way to stop missile barrages, if you are paying attention when you see the animation start for the attacker. Bash is also really good for getting out of a jam. If you have a huge Royal Kraxx beating the snot out of you, you can Bash it away and then run for the hills.

I'm sure I'm wrong on the best piece of gear, though. I'm doubly sure everyone will tell me why;)