Strategic Entertainment yesterday announced the availability of a free demo for Chase the King, its upcoming chess game that lets players earn in-game money they then spend to purchase pieces that let them dominate the board.
I can think of a few rounds of chess that might have gone better for me if I could have purchased some pieces I needed. A half-board of queen pieces would suit me fine, but I suppose there are safeguards in place to prevent such things.
One complication to ensure matches in Chase the King remain risky and engaging: every purchase uses up not only virtual coins, but an in-game turn. There also are loot drops, which complicate matters.
"Every chess player knows the feeling of a slow game grinding toward a draw," Reynolds noted in a press release. "Chase the King hands you a king and an empty board, then asks one question every turn: move, or spend? That choice turns every match into a fight you have to build as you go."
Founded by Erik Reynolds, a former PR executive turned developer, Strategic Entertainment is a solo development studio based in Charleston, South Carolina. Reynolds has noted that he is making use of limited AI to bring his project together.
Credit: Strategic Entertainment
Credit: Strategic Entertainment
Credit: Strategic Entertainment"As a solo developer I have guided every element by hand," he noted, "but I have no budget and love working with agents to help my build."
According to Reynolds, he is currently using generative AI to produce a variety of backgrounds for the game's 100-level ranked climb element. However, he plans to incorporate "100% human made backgrounds" over time, as submissions come in. Contributors will be provided $100 for each approved submission, budget willing.
Here is a list of the game's key features copied from a recent press release:
Build Your Army: A chess variant set in a dark, atmospheric world where you have to earn and buy pieces to win with your play on the board. Points are accumulated by moving, capturing enemies and other random drops off of enemies.
Single-player: Take on the board on your own terms. 100 levels to 3200 chess elo.
Cosmetics storefront: Unlock boards, pieces and backgrounds to personalize your game (In development).
Playable demo: Try Chase The King on Steam before launch in the next few days/weeks. Wishlist now to stay up to date.
Launch price: $5.99. (Your coffee costs more)
The official Chase the King game profile on Steam is now available, and allows you to add it to your wish list. The promised demo is also listed, so you can figure out whether Strategic Entertainment's unusual take on chess is right for you.
