It’s easy to write off crowdfunded games that miss their targets as destined failures, yet Summerfall Studios’ latest project Malys challenges this notion in a refreshing way. The studio, co-founded by Dragon Age veteran David Gaider, first sought Kickstarter funding back in April for Malys—a roguelike deckbuilder featuring a “former priest turned demon-hunter.” Despite a compelling premise and built-in narrative pedigree, the campaign fell short of its goal, traditionally a death knell for indie projects. Yet, rather than fade away, Malys has boldly stepped into early access, inviting players to join its ongoing evolution firsthand.
This pivot to early access came from candid reflections shared by Malys’ project director Liam Esler, who openly admitted that the team had to rethink their roadmap after the Kickstarter stumble. Instead of retreating or shelving the project, they chose to foster a community earlier than planned, recognizing that “games like this live and die on their communities.” This candid approach is far from the polished marketing beats we often see before a game launch; it embraces imperfection and prioritizes collaborative growth over immediate commercial success.
Why Early Access? A Strategic Community-Driven Choice
In an era when early access often implies a near-finished product with only cosmetic or minor tweaks left to be done, Malys’ Early Access iteration explicitly states it is a “work in progress.” This sort of transparency is refreshing and even admirable, considering the usual pressures to present a polished experience to the public. By framing this build as an evolving project, Esler and Summerfall Studios set realistic expectations, effectively filtering for players who are willing to provide meaningful feedback rather than just seek instant gratification.
The early access launch is not a desperate cash grab but appears to be a deliberate step towards shaping the game directly with player input. Updates are planned roughly every three weeks, alternating between new content drops, balance changes, and bug fixes. This development rhythm underscores a genuine commitment to community involvement without rushing the product. It’s a gamble that acknowledges the risk but one that makes sense from a design and engagement perspective.
The Game Inside: A Promising Beginning Despite Rough Edges
What does Malys offer in its current form? Players will find the first region of the game available, along with an introductory portion of the story and a modest deck of cards and curios to experiment with. While it’s just the tip of the iceberg, the currently accessible content already hints at the atmospheric, narrative-driven gameplay that the studio is known for. However, it is important to emphasize that known bugs and rough gameplay elements are part of this early release, which once again highlights the team’s transparent communication style.
Rather than over-promising or obscuring potential flaws, the studio openly shares these caveats with prospective players. This kind of honesty should be seen as a mark of respect towards their community, setting the tone for a cooperative development journey. Even with incomplete polish, the game’s concept and early mechanics appear compelling, and it’s clear the team has a vision they’re passionate about seeing through.
Why You Should Care Despite the Uncertainty
Being critical about this release is necessary, especially when many early access games fail to live up to their promises or disappear halfway through development. Summerfall Studios now asks for player faith—not just as customers but as collaborators in the creation of Malys. The price will rise after early access, so early adopters are asked to weigh their trust in the team’s transparency and responsiveness.
With an experienced narrative team behind it and a willingness to engage players openly, Malys presents an opportunity that’s rare in today’s crowded indie scene: a studio willing to balance ambition with humility. While the risks are evident—unfinished features, bugs, and limited content—embracing this early phase could grant players an immersive peek into a rich world shaped by their own input. This is not a typical “wait for the finished game” scenario, but an invitation to participate in building something special.
Ultimately, Malys is less a finished product and more a promise—one forged in the fires of honest setbacks and genuine commitment to growth. For those intrigued by narrative roguelike deckbuilders willing to embrace imperfection and community-driven evolution, Malys is a title worth watching—and playing—from the ground up.