this is Riccardo (RiciRick). I want to finally give you an honest and complete update about Vorax, because you deserve clarity.[/p][p]First of all, I owe you an apology for the long silence. Many of you bought Vorax in Early Access expecting regular updates, fixes and communication. [/p]
What really happened
[p]Vorax was developed over more than three years. During most of that time, I was also managing a completely separate real-world project: the full renovation and setup of our new company offices, partly rented to third parties.This meant extremely heavy work weeks (often 60–70 hours) throughout 2023–2024.
The combination of both responsibilities eventually led to full burnout.[/p][p]At the same time, the original team behind Vorax was far larger than what we can sustain today. Over the last two years the studio had to downsize significantly, and IndieGala development studio is currently a much smaller team. [/p][p]That made it impossible to continue updating and patching Vorax at the scale it required.[/p][p]Just to clarify a point that often comes up:[/p][p]Vorax has currently covered just a tiny fraction of its development costs.[/p][p]Continuing as if everything were fine — pushing rushed patches on top of a shaky base — would have only caused more problems and frustration for everyone.[/p]
A different approach was needed
[p]Instead of pretending everything was fine, I made the decision to restart from something smaller, realistic and sustainable.That smaller project is the new game I’m working on — codename: The Apartment.[/p][p]It is a contained project that I can handle almost entirely on my own, with limited external help.[/p][p]And I want to say this clearly:[/p][p]Working on it has helped me regain energy, motivation, and even the joy of being a game developer again.
It has also given me new ideas and technical solutions I wish I had already had during Vorax.[/p][p]This doesn’t erase the issues, but it has allowed me to rebuild my ability to create games in a healthy way.[/p]
So what does this mean for Vorax?
- [p]Updates and bugfixes are currently paused.[/p][/*]
- [p]The project is not forgotten — I still care deeply about it.[/p][/*]
- [p]I would like to return to Vorax when there is a realistic chance to do things properly, instead of adding temporary fixes.[/p][/*]
- [p]I cannot give dates or promises yet. Giving a roadmap now would be unfair and unreliable.[/p][/*]
About the new project (codename: The Apartment)
- [p]Early alpha builds on IndieGala and itch.io will be free.[/p][/*]
- [p]Anyone from the Vorax community is welcome to try them.[/p][/*]
- [p]Feedback from players will directly influence both this new project and the eventual future of Vorax.[/p][/*]
For Vorax owners on Steam
[p]My intention (if Valve approves it) is that every Vorax owner will receive the new game for free on Steam once it is released there.This depends on Steam’s approval, so I cannot promise it 100% yet — but it is what I am actively working toward.[/p]
About community criticism
[p]I’m not asking moderators to remove negative posts.Players have every right to feel disappointed or frustrated.[/p][p]All I ask is that discussion remains civil and respectful toward each other.[/p]
