As of yesterday, if you're a Baker (and Deckhand, Quartermaster, Engineer, or Officer), you now have access to early Alpha builds! However, the content of the lower-tier access levels is currently limited to the gantry, ship structure, and one shed, while the rest is open to higher tiers. This will change as we get closer to a wider release. Please look HERE for the download, or see the pinned posts in the "early-alpha-testing" channel on the Patrons' Lounge Discord server. To join that server, please link or re-link your Discord account (if you have one) to your Patreon account.
Starting Monday, the Alpha will open up to Stokers at the content level shown above. We've also settled on how to deal with early backer access: We've set up an automated system to distribute codes, thanks to the talents of our web developer, Andy. If you're an early backer of $15 or more (either single or total contributions), you will need to go to the site we set up and enter the email address you used to contribute, and you will be emailed a code. Since it's been so long, some of you may not have access to those emails, so you'll need to contact us to verify other ways. We will open up early backer access a couple of days into April.
As stated before, this is a VERY early alpha build. Even at public release, there will be plenty of work left to do on features, tons on the ship (after all, it's barely a steel frame yet), and even odds and ends of the Belfast aspect. But now, instead of merely sitting back and occasionally hearing about updates in posts, you'll be able to see them for yourself in-game!
Again, please head over to the Patrons' Lounge server OR check out this post to grab the download: https://www.patreon.com/posts/bakers-grab-here-154105504
A few notes:
Press Escape for the menu and options including settings for graphics and settings for weather and time.
Press P to toggle freecam mode, and press Escape while in freecam to toggle a list of controls.
You should be able to walk the ship, but you'll need to crouch (Left Ctrl) to go through WTD openings (crouch "works" for getting under stuff, it just doesn't move the camera or have an animation yet).
Don't forget to log into your Patreon via the in-game menu and button for doing so, or else you won't see anything in-game. Upon starting the Alpha, you'll need to click the "Patreon Tier" button at bottom-left of the menu. Another window will pop up, and you'll need to click "LOGIN TO PATREON", which will take you to an external browser window to log in. You'll then be able to go back to the Alpha and see that you're logged in.
There's plenty that's unfinished, and some known issues including fog inside of buildings. We also still need to get the NPCs working in packaged builds, so those will hopefully be coming soon.
You're allowed to post screenshots and videos and discuss the Alpha publicly! There is no embargo. Just keep in mind that it's still VERY rough and won't be pretty from all angles.
Have fun!