RollerCoaster Tycoon World heading to Steam Early Access on March 30

RollerCoaster Tycoon World will be available to purchase on Steam Early Access from March 30, publisher Atari has announced. There will be a standard edition and a deluxe edition available to purchase, costing $49.99 and $59.99 respectively.

The game had originally been set to release at the end of 2015 but was delayed until 2016 following feedback the developers received on the game following beta tests. It seems that the feedback they received has led to an Early Access version of the game being released rather than a full release as the game continues to be developed and optimized.

It will be the first RollerCoaster Tycoon game to release on PC for over a decade and will incorporate next-gen features to deliver a theme park simulation experience not found anywhere else. RollerCoaster Tycoon World allows players to create their own theme park as well as designing and testing their very own rollercoasters to use in their theme parks using a number of different tools and features available to them.

Players will be able to help shape the final details of the game by having their own input into the game leading up to launch. Throughout Early Access, a range of new features will be added including a number of new rides as well as optimizations and enhancements made to the game leading up to release.

“The RollerCoaster Tycoon franchise is beloved by millions of fans worldwide, which is something we take very seriously. After careful consideration, the decision to go through the Steam Early Access program was made to ensure that we can get RollerCoaster Tycoon World in the hands of the dedicated fans that have followed us throughout the development process as soon as possible,” said Fred Chesnais, Chief Executive Officer, Atari.

“As passionate RollerCoaster Tycoonfans ourselves, we look forward to working with our community and those new to the series on how we can make RollerCoaster Tycoon World the best theme park simulation game possible. Early Access allows us to openly communicate with fans about upcoming content and features and the community will help us shape our roadmap.”

However Atari have stated that they acknowledge that not everyone will be satisfied with the game releasing in Early Access and are therefore allowing anyone who pre-ordered a copy of the game through Atari.com or RollerCoasterTycoon.com to claim a refund. If you wish to claim a refund, you have until March 31 to do so.

“This gives you a day to try Early Access, no strings attached,” said Atari. “If you preordered via Steam or another retailer, they will be able to facilitate refunds as needed. If you don’t want to participate in Early Access, we understand, and you are in no way obligated. We hope you will come back when the game is launched.”

Here are some of the key features players can expect from the Early Access version of RollerCoaster Tycoon World:

Genre-Redefining Coaster Builder: Spline-based, 3D track editor allows for the creation of the most creative freeform coasters imaginable. Easily manipulate the track to build the tamest to most puke-inducing coasters by creating loops, banks, corkscrews, inversions and more. Players have the power to test roller coasters before opening the ride to guests to ensure it meets the physics standards required to stay on the track, or the coaster might just jump the rails.

Responsive Environments & Guests: Themed zones can be created throughout a player’s park, with various themed rides and objects affecting how much guests enjoy the experience. Sci-fi, Western, and Adventure are just a few themes that will impact not only ratings, but increase the area’s attractiveness to certain peeps.

UGC Functionality: For the first time, modding capabilities are integrated directly into the game. Native support of Steam Workshop allows for customer scenery, 3D objects, blueprinted coasters, parks, and more to be imported into the game and seamlessly shared from within the game. The UGC tools have been designed to be accessible and easy to use for everyone.