On Thursday 13th November we’re releasing Oort Online on Steam Early Access.

Ever since we first announced Oort Online and started the goal funding process on playboundless.com, backers and potential-backers have consistently requested a native Steam version of the game. We’ve listened and here it is. But this changes a few things. The purpose of this post is to explain the transition.

Is Oort Online for Steam Early Access for me?

We’ve put a huge amount of work into preparing the Steam native builds for Windows and OS X but it’s still an Early Access game. (We have Linux native builds coming soon.) The game is still in significant development. Some features are prototyped and playable. Many features are still missing and yet to come. Things will change. Things will break. But things will also be awesome.

If you want a finished game – wait.

If you want a beta game – wait.

If you want to be involved in the development process, try out every release and step along the way, comment, nudge, cajole, campaign for changes, be an early adopter, and be part of a really cool, friendly and fun community – then welcome aboard. Come join the creative and discovery fun!

Whilst the game is still in development it is fully playable. The game is a live MMO and we have servers currently in 5 geolocations around the world. We maintain the game to make sure it’s stable and playable. But there will be a few bumps along the way. (Servers will be offline for frequent updates, your inventory might get reset as we develop new systems. Bumps.)

Steam Early Access

In response to community requests, we’ve published 2 versions of Oort Online on Steam.

1. “Oort Online” at $34.99, £26.99, and €31.99.

2. “Oort Online – Collector’s Edition” at $54.99, £39.99, and €50.99.

(Other currencies are available via Steam as usual. We’ve used the default Steam suggested price transitions between currencies.)

We have tried to set these prices carefully. We have reviewed the pricing of many other Early Access games, especially games that offer a fully online experience. We’ve taken feedback and guidance from the Valve developer team who have reviewed the project in surprising detail. We’ve also listened to people who have declined to back the game on playboundless.com.

The initial pricing also attempted to balance the concurrent demand on the Oort Online infrastructure. Better to have a smaller group of happy players, than a big group of disappointed players. But we feel that we’re now ready to take the next step on the way to a full public release.

Steam Early Access launch discount

As a thank you to everyone who help whiz Oort Online through the Steam Greenlight process we’re launching Oort Online for Steam Early Access with a 10% discount for 1 week. So “Thank You” for supporting the game.

What do you get with “Oort Online” for Steam Early Access?

• Instant Access to Oort Online today.
• Access to all Oort Online updates until launch.
• Access to Oort Online playable in a modern browser.
• Windows, Mac OS X and in the future Linux builds of the game.

What do you get with “Oort Online – Collector’s Edition” for Steam Early Access?

• Everything included in the standard Oort Online package.
• Access to the World Builder developer tool. This is the tool we use internally to sculpt all the advanced procedural worlds. The tools is accessible via Steam.
• Ability to craft an exclusive Weapon.
• Ability to craft an exclusive Wearable.
• Access to the Oort Online original soundtrack.

Oort Online Backers

Ok, now what about our current backers? Well we’re announcing the following changes to the tiers. The purpose of these changes is to make sure everyone feels positive and excited to be supporting the game. If you’re not happy about anything – email us.

I’m currently a “Master” backer of Oort Online – what does this mean?

Everything as before, plus:

• 4x Early Access keys for Oort Online – Collectors Edition.
• Access to the Oort Online original soundtrack.
• Upgraded Mega Beacon from +50% range to +100% range.
• Ability to craft an exclusive Tool.

I’m currently a “Pioneer” backer of Oort Online – what does this mean?

Everything as before, plus:

• 2x Early Access keys for Oort Online – Collectors Edition.
• Access to the Oort Online original soundtrack.
• Ability to craft an exclusive Tool.
• Access to the World Builder developer tool.

I’m currently a “Wayfarer” backer of Oort Online – what does this mean?

Everything as before, plus:

• 1x Early Access key for Oort Online – Collectors Edition.
• 2x Launch keys for Oort Online – Collectors Edition.
• Access to the Oort Online original soundtrack.
• Mega Beacon +25% range.
• Ability to craft an exclusive Tool.
• Access to the World Builder developer tool.

I’m currently a Adventurer backer of Oort Online – what does this mean?

Everything as before, plus:

• 1x Early Access key for Oort Online – Collectors Edition – redeemable today.
• Access to the Oort Online original soundtrack.
• Access to the World Builder developer tool.

I’m currently a Explorer backer of Oort Online – what does this mean?

Everything as before, plus:

• 1x Early Access key for Oort Online – redeemable today.

I’m currently a Trailblazer backer of Oort Online – what does this mean?

There are no changes. You will still get access in 2015 at the official launch.

However, we’re guessing that quite a few people who purchased the Trailblazer tier might have happily bought Oort Online on Early Access. So we’re happy to offer upgrades from Trailblazer to the Early Access package on Steam. (Or an upgrade to any other backer tier.) If you want to do this – please email us directly to pay the difference.

If you have any questions, concerns, or issues – please talk to us in the forums, on Twitter, or email us directly.

Thanks for supporting Oort Online.

– The entire Oort Online team.