Atlas Developers Say The Game ‘Isn’t Where They Want It To Be’

atlas swordfight bannerIt looks like developers are finally learning the consequences of claiming that a game is finished even when it isn’t. In their latest Ask a Pirate Day Q&A post, Atlas developers admit that after nearly two years in Early Access, the pirate-themed survival MMO still isn’t where they want it to be.

“Atlas isn't where we want it. The game has a long history already and I don't want to spend time there. Just know that where we are today is not where we want to be. Vision is about destination. When we talk about vision, we're talking about where we want to be, not where we are today. Finally, remember that the game's development is a cooperative experience. We put a bit of something out and then see how you like it and then we adjust to that.”

So, where exactly is the game today?

“We have hit on a theme for the world that is going to give it more cohesion, remove some of the more annoying limitations of the game, and open it to more possibility,” says Conch, the new community manager. “If allowed, we'll be introducing this theme a bit at a time (the way a new idea would be introduced IRL) and then grow it from there.”

He also adds that, “For a period of time last year, we were guided to add a new strategic layer to the game to give companies new tracks to explore. The aesthetic and realism boundaries of this have expanded a bit and we're very excited for what's being planned for 2021.”

He also touched on upcoming features including modular player-built ships and armored docks, as well as the recent changes to the land claim system, which he says is the first step to making the system more dyamic.

Of course, he also emphasized that the game is still in Early Access and any features, changes, and plans might “drastically change” even in the middle of the development process. “Anything discussed is only up to date as of the moment it is posted. Features and changes that ultimately make it to the next patch, as well as timing, may be different from what was previously discussed.”

Atlas launched into Steam Early Access in December 2018 to mixed reviews and has averaged around 2,000 - 3,000 players over the past few months according to Steam Charts.