![[logo_v2-B.png]] ## Current Status > [!abstract] Game Status > [[Journey Express FAQ|Journey Express]] is currently in a **Closed Beta**! > > My current plan is to release the game into **Steam Early Access this year** and into full release in **early 2026**, but stay tuned for updates! > > The **Open Playtest** concluded in early September of 2025. > Thank you to everyone who participated! ## In Development - **Testing:** Playtesting of all game mechanics ahead of **Early Access Release** > [!warning] > Verify that the highlands assets are added into the project ## Required For Early Access - **Feature:** Add some kind of item pickups while traveling (or other interactivity) - **Feature:** Show boons and banes that are in effect via the journal or some other UI - **Feature:** Exploration scenes should have more content. E.g. collectable vegetation, see the following: `VegetationStudioManager.RemoveVegetationItemInstance` ## Backlog Items > [!bug] Bugs > **Bug Report:** River crossing logic selected a point too far to the west > **Bug Report:** Was able to use bandage multiple times for a sprained ankle > **Bug Report:** Fishing minigame feedback: > *"I didn’t get the Fishing minigame - I tried it once and the ball jumped away and never came back"*. Verify that the max power is actually capped once the spring is fully compressed (or otherwise). Add safety catch — if the ball gets outside the play area or falls too far, reset the game > **Bug Report:** Registration feedback: "*Can’t change my family name on the registration screen*." Maybe specific to Steam Deck and/or touch input? > **Bug:** Grassland exploration scene has no collision on trees > **Bug:** Some of the travel elements (e.g. yeti) overlap the party sprites > **Bug:** Fix spawn point selection not working in exploration scenes > [!question] Accessibility & Quality of Life > **Feature:** Configurable key bindings > **Feature:** Add basic settings for audio > **Change:** Increase size of smaller fonts for readability > **Change:** Add map legend for the various icons > **Change:** Add zoom in/out feature to map > [!tip] Features & Enhancements > **Feature:** Replace character controller for exploration > **Feature:** Add next expected severity change of health effects to UI > **Feature:** Shader or messaging to show OOB in exploration scenes > **Feature:** Footstep sound effects in exploration > **Feature:** Add some kind of breadcrumb trail on map > **Feature:** HUD element to give a high-level view of party status > **Enhancement:** Random events that are based on time of day or season > **Enhancement:** Add herbs/plants item (+ sprite for it) > **Enhancement:** Add flavor text, rarity, and biome to each POI scriptable > **Enhancement:** Look into underwater shader. E.g. *Staggart Creations* > **Enhancement:** Change Enviro soundscape depending on biome (namely desert) > [!example] Miscellaneous > **Testing:** Verify behavior of taking interactive world object (full pack, etc.) > **Other:** Polish splash screens during startup ## Past Releases > [!important] Release 🥳 > Coming soon! > [!important] Early Access 😎 > Coming sooner! > [!done] Beta-2064 🔨 > **November 14, 2025**: Release notes [available on Steam!](https://store.steampowered.com/news/app/2127350/view/807960799362416678?l=english) > [!done] Beta-2062 🔨 > **November 10, 2025**: Release notes [available on Steam!](https://store.steampowered.com/news/app/2127350/view/594038931768477660) > [!done] Beta-2061 🔨 > **November 04, 2025**: Release notes [available on Steam!](https://store.steampowered.com/news/app/2127350/view/517476466977409576?l=english) > [!done] Beta-2058 🔨 > **October 21, 2025**: Release notes [available on Steam!](https://store.steampowered.com/news/app/2127350/view/539993196499829238) > [!done] Beta-2057 🔨 > **October 11, 2025**: Release notes [available on Steam!](https://store.steampowered.com/news/app/2127350/view/539993196499829111) > [!done] Beta-2056 🔨 > **October 3, 2025**: Release notes [available on Steam!](https://store.steampowered.com/news/app/2127350/view/510716627073894194) ### Prior To 10/03/2025 > [!example] Past Releases > All features and content included up until [Dev Diary #30](https://store.steampowered.com/news/app/2127350/view/510716627073894159)! #journey_express