Physical Release

[Gigfiz]

I wasn't sure where to post this, but I decided that suggestions made more sense than general, even if the suggestion isn't about development, per se. Anyhow:

Now, I know this is a bit of a cart before the space horse of an idea...

but, with all the Sony BS going on and everything making it a major a topic of discussion in the air for games right now, it got me thinking: I don't know what the plan is (or if there is a plan yet or if it's a discussion that's even come up yet, this early in the process), but it would be really neat, I think, once a 1.0 type situation happens, to do some form of physical release. Even something small could be really fun and, even if the game is still free, give people something to buy and get a cool bit of memorabilia; I feel like it also symbolically jives well with Dean's commitment to the game being open and available always, no matter what, and be playable, and able to be acquired, no what may happen to the company in the future.

I'm sure the team could come up with lots of cool (and probably better) ideas, but the first thought that I had was to maybe make a custom little thumb drive (RAM/storage crisis notwithstanding) in the shape of one of the catstronauts. Either have a few to choose from or, if we end up with a starting character in the general Jeb sort of archetype, have it be them (I remember seeing someone somewhere suggest naming one of the starters Félicette, after the first cat in space, which I think is a great suggestion). I certainly wouldn't object to something grander and more ambitious, but I would also be completely happy with something small like that, and would buy a bunch and start (metaphorically) throwing them at people. Wouldn't be surprised if I wasn't the only one who would totally want to do that, either.

So that's my 2¢ for the day.

Thank you for all the hard work, and great communication.

Edit: looks like this got moved to general discussion (unless I totally spaced where I was posting, but pretty sure it was suggestions). Works for me, and answers my question about where it should be. Kinda figured it'd be moved if I got it wrong. Thank you, and sorry for putting it in the wrong spot.

 

[Kiwi Shark]

Dean has mentioned a few times wanting to do something of this nature. At least as a "quick start to space exploration" kit of sorts for kids.

I do want to make a "box" for students. It will be a pretty box, inside it, a USB with the game on it. And two booklets. One a science one, one a story one written by a famous sci-fi author as a "scene setter" for the game. And then make these boxed sets free (via donations) for delivery to schools

- Dean on 4/4/25

Now if there might also be a more commercial option remains to be seen, but I can see it being a thing. Maybe included with a merch bundle.