Studio 11 bit, the Polish developer behind Frostpunk and This War of Mine, is preparing to host a closed beta for its upcoming project, The Alters. Participants can expect to be treated to pizza as part of the testing experience, with updates shared by DTF Portal. The focus of this beta is to gather feedback on core game systems, balance, and player feel ahead of any wider release plan, while also building a sense of community around the studio’s new venture.
The testing sessions are planned to take place at Studio 11 bit’s Warsaw office. Individuals who want to take part will need to complete a designated form designed for prospective beta testers. In return for their time, testers will receive refreshments, including drinks and pizza, along with a stipend of 188 PLN, which is roughly equivalent to 4,000 rubles. The studio has not disclosed the total number of available tester slots, keeping the allocation private while they assess interest and capacity for the beta window.
At this stage, a concrete release date for The Alters has not been announced. The beta is expected to play a pivotal role in confirming the game’s direction, user experience, and technical readiness, potentially signaling the final phase of development. The alterations and responses gathered during the closed testing will inform subsequent steps in production and scheduling as the project evolves toward a broader public presence.
The Altered concept centers on a character named Jan Dolsky, described as a humble worker who finds himself stranded on a bleak, distant world. He develops alternate versions of himself, with each personality embodying a distinct approach to survival and a different pathway back home. This mechanic invites players to explore how choices shape outcomes, relationships, and the overall narrative arc within the game world.
Each personality stage represents a unique life trajectory for Dolsky, inviting players to navigate a series of decisions that define what his life could have been. The Alters frequently poses a provocative question that drives decision-making: What if? This question acts as a catalyst for branching paths, moral quandaries, and emergent storytelling that responds to player actions and timing in a way that aims to feel personal and consequential.
Industry notes mention that the project has faced shifts in scheduling, and industry watchers will monitor how Studio 11 bit balances creative ambition with technical feasibility. The news comes amid broader discussions about the studio’s ongoing portfolio and its direction after the success of earlier titles. The Altering premise, if realized as envisioned, could offer a distinctive take on narrative-driven survival experiences with a focus on character-driven arcs and player choice.
In related developments, Square Enix has recently confirmed the cancellation of the mobile release for Just Cause, marking another example of strategic pivots in the current market. While unrelated to The Alters, this move illustrates how major publishers continuously reassess platform strategy to align with audience behavior and resource allocation. The industry continues to evolve as studios test new ideas against practical constraints, with beta programs like the one at Studio 11 bit serving as valuable windows into what resonates with players and where development resources are best spent.