Development workflow, open development, and upcoming test scale

The recording repeatedly frames shown material as internal development footage and concept work rather than final game content. This includes prototypes, visual effects previews, environment studies, and temporary implementations used to test systems.

Use of prototypes and placeholders

Shapeshifting footage is explicitly identified as a prototype using a temporary canine form not intended as a final druid form. Reduced graphics settings and unfinished presentation are also noted as normal for internal development captures.

Visual effects clips are described as approval-stage previews shared internally before import into the game. Some may never be used in final form.

Open development and its drawbacks

The project is described as having been shown publicly very early. This transparency is considered valuable, but it also creates problems because outdated footage and images remain visible online. As a result, people searching for the game may encounter several very different-looking versions of Scars of Honor from different years.

The speaker argues that this can distort public understanding of the current state of the game. Early solo-development material, first public test footage, and later studio-era builds all coexist online despite major changes in art and systems.

Studio origins in relation to old builds

Some of the oldest images shown come from a period when the game was being built by one person before the studio existed. Those assets and scenes are described as fully discarded once the studio was formed. Their continued visibility online is presented as an example of why public-facing presentation now needs more control.

Test progression and next public test

The next public test is described as the biggest one yet by a large margin. It is expected to be substantially different from previous tests because of the ongoing character redesign and broader game changes.

A rough timing is given for the end of the year rather than a fixed date. The upcoming test is positioned as a major step forward compared with earlier battleground-focused or class-limited tests.

Release planning and post-launch development

The game is described as continuing to develop after release rather than being considered finished at version 1.0. This applies both to class additions and to larger systems that may not be ready for the initial launch.

The same philosophy is applied to early access planning: the initial live version should contain enough content to sustain players until the next major release stage.

Marketing philosophy

A clear marketing principle is stated: promotional material should reflect the actual game rather than present a polished but misleading version. The preferred approach is to show real parts of the game, hold back some discoveries, and let players find additional content after entering the game.

This is contrasted with trailers that create expectations the live game cannot meet. The desired outcome is to promise less and deliver more, rather than the reverse.

Source

• Recording: Full Stream | Scars of Honor Spoilers, Giveaways & PoE 2 Gameplay
• YouTube: Watch on YouTube
• Published: Friday, July 11, 2025 at 9:08 AM UTC