We are happy to announce that when [b]Kingshunt[/b] opens for Early Access on November 3rd, it will be free to play for all. Among all the fantastic reactions from our Steam Next Fest demo, we focused our attention on two major takeaways: The game is incredibly fun and engaging. Players who liked strategic and tactical decisions in Arena Brawlers gravitated toward the game and played for long hours. [olist] [*] The game experience was best when players were paired with similar skill sets. To have accurate and positive player-skilled matchmaking, we need to have the maximum number of players possible. [*] We believe the shift to free-to-play will remove barriers to entry for a larger population of players. The change will ensure low queue times and create a more balanced and fair match. [/olist] With that change, we are updating game features to match free-to-play industry standards so those changes can be ready at Early Access. “But, Team Vaki, how will you pay your phenomenal developers and stunning community team?” Well, glad you asked! We are actively implementing an in-game economy of both soft (earned through play) and hard (purchased) currencies that will keep players engaged but will not deviate from our core tenet of a fair experience. We believe in a skill-based ecosystem that can eventually be unlocked simply by playing. The soft currency will be called Shards, and the hard currency will be called Crystals. The economy will behave as follows: These items will be unlockable through either Shards or Crystals: [list] [*] Heroes [*] Runes [*] Summons [/list] These Items will be unlocked by Crystals only [list] [*] Cosmetic Skins [/list] At the beginning of Early Access, nine of our fifteen Summoners will be available to play for free. The six heroes available for purchase will be Laurelai, Grozny, Malakai, Mara, Tulikko, and Crowley. Shortly after the Early Access release, we will offer a Battle Pass, which will offer a much better value than buying items a la carte, including cosmetics and other items. Those details will be forthcoming. We are committed to supporting and improving [b]Kingshunt[/b] to make it the best game experience. This includes new Summoners, game balance patches, summons, game modes, and regular updates. We invite you to help shape the direction of our game. Those of you who choose to join us on this Early Access journey will get to help shape the game's direction, and we can’t wait to start that process with you. We will continue to listen to you, our valued community, and work together to create something truly spectacular. See you in the hunt!