Frostpunk Devs Delays New Game The Alters to 2025

More Time Needed to Meet Expectations, Developer Explains

The Alters Release Pushed to 2025 by 11 Bit Studios

Sci-Fi Game Faces a Delay

Dear Mr. Dolski,

We regret to inform you that, after thorough review, your upcoming mission in search of Rapidium has been postponed from [REDACTED] to Q1 2025.

While we understand this delay may not be the news you were expecting, rest assured that we are using this extended… pic.twitter.com/ALFaeTxG1G
— The Alters (@altersgame) October 2, 2024

The Alters is an upcoming narrative-driven, survival, sci-fi game from 11 Bit Studios that has been delayed to 2025. Originally expected to release earlier this year, the developers said that they needed more time to perfect and develop the game in order to meet high expectations for this project. In an announcement on X (formerly Twitter) and Steam, 11 Bit Studios reaffirmed their commitment to creating high quality games and that this additional time will allow them to polish each phase of the project, delivering results that surpass their prior projections.

What The Alters Bring to the Table

In The Alters, players take on the role of Jan Dolski, a space engineer, stranded on a hostile planet orbiting a deadly star. What was once a promising job opportunity has turned into a battle for survival.

A key feature to this game is a mobile base that’s designed to be operated by a full crew. However, Jan is the only one aboard. By harnessing the power of a quantum computer onboard and harvesting the planet’s unique substance, Rapidium, Jan will be able to make alternate versions of himself, The Alters.

Cloning Jan is based upon a series of “What If” questions such as, “What if Jan Dolski became a mechanic instead of a space engineer?” or “What if Jan pursued a career in Chemistry instead?” or “What if Jan never left his hometown?”. Each of these questions creates a different version of Jan with different skill sets and knowledge that the original Jan will need in order to mobilize the base and survive.

Cloning and Its Ethical Consequences

11 Bit Studios are well known for games that explore the limits of social boundaries and The Alters is no different. As you try to fill the base with specialists, you create more social and moral dilemmas because each alter is more than just a tool for problem solving. They have their own emotions, ambitions, fears, and insecurities that the original Jan must navigate through dialogue or by creating another version of himself to complement and uplift another.

The choice to delay The Alters may prove to be wise, as this game features very complex mechanics and moral undertones that may require careful development and rushing such an ambitious project may lead to some pitfalls.

The Alters will release on Q1 2025 and will be available for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S and PC via Game Pass and Steam.