After having spent over a couple of years in early access, Core Keeper has now launched in full and become available for console players, too, and it’s fair to say that what was already a dangerously addictive game has become even more so following its 1.0 release. From new areas to explore and new enemies to fight to entirely new mechanics to dive into, Core Keeper has added quite a bit upon exiting early access, and to learn more about that and what the future holds for the game, we recently reached out to its developer. Below, you can read our interview with Fredrik Präntare, CEO and game director at Pugstorm.
NOTE: This interview was conducted prior to the game’s 1.0 release.
"The Early Access period was crucial in shaping Core Keeper. Community feedback directly influenced key design decisions, guiding us in refining mechanics and expanding the game’s content."
How has the Early Access period benefited the development of Core Keeper? Has the dialogue and feedback from the community influenced the direction the game took in a major way?
The Early Access period was crucial in shaping Core Keeper. Community feedback directly influenced key design decisions, guiding us in refining mechanics and expanding the game’s content. The game’s success also allowed us to broaden its scope significantly. Players’ interactions with the game provided invaluable insights, particularly in balancing and setting priorities for updates.
As we approached 1.0, our focus naturally shifted to finalising the core progression, but we also made sure to enhance the entire gameplay experience—from early game to late game. This includes adding more varied items and tools, as well as introducing new areas to explore. Our goal has been to keep the journey through Core Keeper fresh and engaging throughout. We believe the improvements in 1.0 significantly enhance the depth and diversity of the experience, making progression more rewarding at every stage.
What new content and features can players expect in the 1.0 release compared to Early Access?
The 1.0 release is packed with new content and features that expand the game in exciting ways. Players can look forward to exploring new areas, including The Passage, a biome that introduces some experimental elements. We’ve also added new tools, materials, and crafting options that encourage more creativity and strategic play, such as magic and new playstyles. Additionally, there are new enemies and bosses to challenge players, along with fresh narrative elements that further enrich the lore of the game.
Will players’ progress from Early Access carry over into the 1.0 release?
At the 1.0 launch, all Early Access worlds will transition over to what we are calling ‘Classic Worlds’. While Early Access players will still be able to access their Classic Worlds after the 1.0 update, we strongly recommend starting a new game, as much of the 1.0 content will not be accessible in Classic Worlds.
"The 1.0 release is packed with new content and features that expand the game in exciting ways."
This 1.0 release also marks your launch on consoles. How was the experience of developing for consoles different from PC development for a game like this?
Developing Core Keeper for consoles brought its own set of challenges and opportunities. One of the key differences was optimising the game to maintain a stable and high frame rate across various hardware specs, ensuring a smooth experience on all platforms. These challenges also presented opportunities to refine and optimise the game, which has positively impacted the PC version as well. We’ve enhanced the visuals with improved graphics and lighting, including the use of path tracing without requiring an RTX graphics card, while increasing frame rates for all players.
What kinds of things do you have planned for the game’s future? Should players expect a continued rollout of new content for the game following its 1.0 release as well?
While our focus is on delivering the best possible 1.0 launch, we’re committed to supporting Core Keeper well beyond its release. We see 1.0 not as the end, but as an important milestone. The community’s creativity and enthusiasm continue to inspire us, and we plan to build on the game’s foundation. The adventure in Core Keeper is far from over—we’re excited to see where it takes us next.