[p]Greetings friends ![/p][p][/p][p]Welcome to this very first news update for "VIKING - Sagas of the Norse Lands", and thank you for being here from the very beginning of this adventure![/p][p]This project is the culmination of several years of work, which I hope you will enjoy as much as I do. As you've probably guessed, I'm working on this project alone, so please be patient![/p][p][/p][hr][/hr][p][/p][h2]What is VIKING - Sagas of the Norse Lands?[/h2][p][/p][p]VIKING - Sagas of the Norse Lands is a 2D isometric city-builder where you take on the role of a Jarl whose goal is to build a prosperous city. You will have to manage your inhabitants, construct buildings, plan your roads, ensure the well-being of your population, trade, and face the challenges imposed by the gods and history itself.[/p][p]The game is currently in Early Access. This means it's playable and stable, but it will continue to evolve (a lot) over time based on your feedback.[/p][p][/p][h2]My Vision[/h2][p][/p][p]This game was designed to be, in a way, a tribute to the first city-builders released in the late 90s. I wanted to create a little time capsule for veteran players and, at the same time, allow new players to discover a very accessible city-builder.[/p][p][/p][h2]Early Access[/h2][p][/p][p]Today's Early Access version is:[/p][list][*][p][b]Fully playable and stable[/b][/p][/*][*][p]Includes building construction, resource gathering and processing, and a complete transport system.[/p][/*][/list][p][/p][h2]What's next:[/h2][p][/p][list][*][p]New game modes: historical campaign and sandbox[/p][/*][*][p]Features: inter-city trade, Viking raids, Norse gods, citizen opinion system, and more![/p][/*][*][p]More maps and balance adjustments coming soon[/p][/*][/list][p][u][b]Target release date:[/b][/u][/p][list][*][p]Demo release for the "Medieval" festival.[/p][/*][*][p]Early Access release in late 2026 or early 2027.[/p][/*][/list][p][/p][h2]Your Role in Development[/h2][p][/p][p]Your feedback, suggestions, and comments will be invaluable in helping me deliver the best possible game. You can participate directly through the Steam Community Hub:[/p][list][*][p]Post ideas[/p][/*][*][p]Report bugs[/p][/*][*][p]Discuss desired improvements[/p][/*][/list][p]I make it a point to read and respond to all your messages, so please don't hesitate to join the conversation. Every opinion counts, whether positive or critical.[/p][p][/p][h2]Localization and Translations[/h2][p][/p][p]The game will be translated into as many languages ​​as possible. If you don't see your language on the list of languages ​​to be translated, please request it in the dedicated forum.[/p][p]To be completely transparent, given the high cost of a full translation, I will implement a community translation system where you can help me localize the hundreds of lines of text. Initially, the translations will be pre-generated using translation software, and the results will be checked to ensure a minimum level of quality and, most importantly, context.[/p][p][/p][h2]Playtest[/h2][p][/p][p]The playtest is currently unavailable, but registration is open, so don't hesitate to sign up to be among the first to test the game![/p][p]I'm counting on you to give me your feedback on your gameplay sessions. What you liked or disliked, what needs improvement, or what should simply be removed. VIKING – Sagas of the Norse Lands is my project, but above all, it's YOUR game.[/p][p][/p][h2]So what's next?[/h2][p][/p][p]As for me, I'm getting right back to work, but in the meantime, you can:[/p][list][*][p]Add VIKING – Sagas of the Norse Lands to your wishlist![/p][/*][*][p]Follow the page to stay up-to-date on all the latest news and updates![/p][/*][*][p]Register for the playtest![/p][/*][*][p]Join the community and share your thoughts![/p][/*][/list][p][/p][hr][/hr][p][/p][p]After this lengthy initial update, thank you for taking the time to read it, and I'll be back soon with more information![/p][p]In the meantime, take care and have a wonderful holiday season![/p][p][/p][p]See you soon![/p][p][/p][p]Florian aka Keliosis[/p]