Open Test Begins for ‘Sword Eye,’ Combining Sword Action and Dungeon Crawler

• Implemented 30-player servers, an overworld, and even proximity voice chat
• Las Vegas Solo Developer Takes on Large-Scale MMO Test

ALX Theory, a one-person development studio in Las Vegas, USA, began a new playtest for the direction-based sword fighting MMO ‘Swordeye’ (formerly ‘Swordai’) via Steam on March 26.

The highlight of this test is the newly unveiled 3D open-world ‘Overworld’ map. It is the largest test ever, combining MMO elements with an extraction looter system, and you can apply on the Steam page.

Open World ‘Overworld’ Added… Up to 30 Players Co-op & Competitive

Going a step further than the existing tower map-centric Dungeon Extraction, the Overworld is core content that adds full-fledged MMO elements to Sword Eye. Up to 30 players per server can connect simultaneously to explore vast fields and collect loot.

Players grow by acquiring two-handed swords, defensive amulets, potions, and ability upgrade materials. At the central stronghold ‘Keep,’ world events occur periodically, and siege battles unfold to defend gates and buildings from large-scale NPC offensives.

Beyond the boundary, greater rewards and greater dangers await.

Sword Eye’s Extraction System is considered a representative fun element even in the Overworld. While equipment can be reliably acquired in the central area, rare items of higher value can be obtained as you move toward the outskirts.

However, if you die outside the boundary, you lose all your items and return to the last saved bind stone. Because the game adopts a structure where the reward increases with risk, every choice you make determines the outcome of the game. For beginners, mitigation mechanisms have also been provided in safe zones to limit item loss.

Combining dungeons, voice chat, and exploration elements… Approximately 20 hours of content

You can enter the dungeons of the existing Tower maps through red portals placed throughout the Overworld. The Tower Climbing mode, where you must survive as high as possible while facing NPCs and other players who become stronger as you ascend, is a core content of Sword Eye familiar to existing fans.

Proximity Voice Chat has also been newly introduced in this playtest. It is possible to coordinate strategies for world events in real time or form impromptu parties with strangers. When additional content is added, such as traversing the vast map using jump pads and searching for locked doors, hidden keys, and chests, the total content volume to look forward to in this playtest amounts to approximately 20 hours.

“I make the games I want to play”… The tenacity of a solo developer

ALX Theory LLC is a studio led by a single developer from Las Vegas, Alex Sutherland. He is single-handedly creating “the game I wanted to play” by combining his two favorite genres: close-quarters combat slashers and dungeon crawlers. He communicates with players regarding game updates through the official Discord and YouTube channels.

Sword Eye is garnering attention for its unique approach of combining direction-based swordsmanship, an extraction system, and an MMO structure, and it plans to proceed with full-scale content verification through this playtest.

Information regarding the Sword Eye playtest