After having spent over a few years in early entry, Core Keeper has now launched in full and change into out there for console gamers, too, and it’s truthful to say that what was already a dangerously addictive recreation has change into much more so following its 1.0 launch. From new areas to discover and new enemies to combat to completely new mechanics to dive into, Core Keeper has added fairly a bit upon exiting early entry, and to be taught extra about that and what the longer term holds for the sport, we not too long ago reached out to its developer. Under, you’ll be able to learn our interview with Fredrik Präntare, CEO and recreation director at Pugstorm.
NOTE: This interview was carried out previous to the sport’s 1.0 launch.
“The Early Entry interval was essential in shaping Core Keeper. Neighborhood suggestions immediately influenced key design choices, guiding us in refining mechanics and increasing the sport’s content material.”
How has the Early Entry interval benefited the event of Core Keeper? Has the dialogue and suggestions from the group influenced the course the sport took in a serious means?
The Early Entry interval was essential in shaping Core Keeper. Neighborhood suggestions immediately influenced key design choices, guiding us in refining mechanics and increasing the sport’s content material. The sport’s success additionally allowed us to broaden its scope considerably. Gamers’ interactions with the sport supplied invaluable insights, significantly in balancing and setting priorities for updates.
As we approached 1.0, our focus naturally shifted to finalising the core development, however we additionally made certain to reinforce the whole gameplay expertise—from early recreation to late recreation. This consists of including extra diverse gadgets and instruments, in addition to introducing new areas to discover. Our objective has been to maintain the journey via Core Keeper recent and interesting all through. We consider the enhancements in 1.0 considerably improve the depth and variety of the expertise, making development extra rewarding at each stage.
What new content material and options can gamers anticipate within the 1.0 launch in comparison with Early Entry?
The 1.0 launch is filled with new content material and options that increase the sport in thrilling methods. Gamers can sit up for exploring new areas, together with The Passage, a biome that introduces some experimental components. We’ve additionally added new instruments, supplies, and crafting choices that encourage extra creativity and strategic play, comparable to magic and new playstyles. Moreover, there are new enemies and executives to problem gamers, together with recent narrative components that additional enrich the lore of the sport.
Will gamers’ progress from Early Entry carry over into the 1.0 launch?
On the 1.0 launch, all Early Entry worlds will transition over to what we’re calling ‘Traditional Worlds’. Whereas Early Entry gamers will nonetheless be capable of entry their Traditional Worlds after the 1.0 replace, we strongly suggest beginning a brand new recreation, as a lot of the 1.0 content material won’t be accessible in Traditional Worlds.
“The 1.0 launch is filled with new content material and options that increase the sport in thrilling methods.”
This 1.0 launch additionally marks your launch on consoles. How was the expertise of growing for consoles totally different from PC improvement for a recreation like this?
Growing Core Keeper for consoles introduced its personal set of challenges and alternatives. One of many key variations was optimising the sport to take care of a secure and excessive body charge throughout numerous {hardware} specs, guaranteeing a clean expertise on all platforms. These challenges additionally introduced alternatives to refine and optimise the sport, which has positively impacted the PC model as effectively. We’ve enhanced the visuals with improved graphics and lighting, together with using path tracing with out requiring an RTX graphics card, whereas rising body charges for all gamers.
What sorts of issues do you’ve gotten deliberate for the sport’s future? Ought to gamers anticipate a continued rollout of recent content material for the sport following its 1.0 launch as effectively?
Whereas our focus is on delivering the very best 1.0 launch, we’re dedicated to supporting Core Keeper effectively past its launch. We see 1.0 not as the tip, however as an necessary milestone. The group’s creativity and enthusiasm proceed to encourage us, and we plan to construct on the sport’s basis. The journey in Core Keeper is way from over—we’re excited to see the place it takes us subsequent.
