The interview was written on 22.05.2023. Etienne was allowed to say everything he thinks about the project. Here are his answers (translated from German):
You are currently testing the alpha version. What are you doing there exactly?
In any case, I hardly ever play, because the current versions are not really playable. For one thing, certain functions and mechanics have not yet been implemented or adapted. At the moment, it's mainly about starting the game, saving and being able to use basic functions. This includes camera and menu control, setting, deleting and possibly changing buildings and the like. In other words, the basics that you wouldn't even notice in a finished game - only if they didn't work. The second step is playing the game: building a city, supplying the inhabitants and producing the first resources. And this is where you notice more errors or bugs.
What about bugs? There will certainly be a few. Out of all the bugs you have reported, which one stands out in your memory?
First of all, I would like to emphasise that I am generally fond of animals and have nothing against bugs. You want us to turn them over to you and have them eliminated. Joking aside: yes there are some bugs. That's why alpha testing is less playing and more "work" and can suck sometimes. I still remember the sound. In the first version there was no possibility to control the sound. And when I started the first map, a thunderstorm came by and almost burst my eardrums. Or when I started a game, a salesman was already standing on the map. When I built an arena above him, he stayed there and when the building was finished, he stood in the middle of the arena. Probably his prices were too high and he became the main attraction at the games for a short time.
How does that work out exactly. You find a bug. What happens then, or how can you test the changes? Do you immediately get a new version to test?
If I notice a bug or what I think is a bug, I make notes and possibly a screenshot about it. During testing or afterwards, I report my discoveries to you via Discord. Here I categorise what exactly it is (control, graphics, sound etc.) and add the screenshot. Other testers can then also comment here. Then sooner or later I get a hint from you: You ask for more details, report the bug as fixed or explain how it should work and we talk again about whether there is a need for adjustment. I wish I could get a new version right away, but that's unrealistic. How fast that happens varies, it depends on the problems and how fast you get to address them - as a single developer you put a lot of time into the project, but you also have a life outside of it. Also, not every bug will be fixed in the next version. Some bugs you bundle together and then tackle them as a whole, like the wayfinding of the carts. You posted on Instagram that it took you two days.
Do you only test bugs or can you also contribute ideas?
One category when reporting bugs is called "idea". Here I can post suggestions for changes to existing mechanics or even bring in new ideas. An example is the small latrine: It is 1 x 2 fields in size and covers a need that certain inhabitants develop. Initially, it could only be connected to a street from the front, but not from the side or the back. My suggestion / wish was to make the building also accessible from a certain side, where the entrance is also visible. In my opinion, this helps with the puzzle of the city districts and it is more comprehensible / logical if the entrance faces the street.
What about the variety of buildings. Does it have enough buildings so that it doesn't look so monotonous. What buildings would you like to see in the future?
What absolutely blew me away and inspires me is the diversity of the residential buildings throughout the population levels. For the "Cives", for example, you created 14 (?) different building variants with different lengths and widths. This makes it possible to create great and, above all, individual cities and neighbourhoods. And then there are the backyard buildings and gardens. They not only serve as gap fillers, but also provide additional income, food or inhabitants. I think it's great that such small and inconspicuous buildings not only serve as decoration, but also fulfil a function. So far I don't miss any buildings. What I find sobering, however, is food production. I would like to see more complexity here, as is already the case with resource production or the water supply. Personally, I love to build fields or farms with different animals and crops in farming games - colourful, large fields. Here I wouldn't want particularly complex productions. Maybe a grain field, a mill and a baker. Or an animal farm and a butcher. There is already a fisherman. In this game, you can super incorporate the productions into the city or the outskirts and they merge with the rest without resulting in a separate, remote industrial district. However, I would like to add that the food system is not yet finally configured and we are still in alpha. From there, I'm watching how it evolves and then how it feels in a first game-ready version or demo.
When the game is ready, how much game time do you think a normal fan of Roman citybuilders will play with it?
That's a very difficult question. I think it depends on the replay value. For me, it's a nice addition to Total War: Rome 2. Total War is more about strategy and warfare. But I don't draw roads, plant back gardens or plan theatre shows or gladiator games for my city, on the edge of the province. I think this way, after conquering a province in Total War, you can dive into puzzling and planning a Roman colonia to teach the barbarian pack the Roman way of life. For my part, I think you can spend tens of hours in the game - over and over again. Especially if you've seen a film like "Gladiator" again and the "Roman fever" is reignited.
Have you played similar Roman games before? How is Pax Augusta different?
I haven't played the Caesar series, for example. I think I was still playing with Lego. But Grand Ages Rome, for example, and its predecessor Imperium Romanum. What appeals to me about the idea of Pax Augusta is that it's not about building big, shiny or marble cities. It focuses on the provinces, far away from Rome and the glittering cities of antiquity. And you put a lot of emphasis on authenticity and replicating or closely following finds. That's fun for me as a history fan.
Is there anything else you would like to say?
First of all, I wish you continued success with your project. I think it deserves attention and is at least worth a look for anyone interested in building games, history and generally supporting indie developers. I wish the game will get more attention and the enthusiasts will stay. There are more and more small teams of developers or lone wolves like you who make great projects. With so much on offer, it's easy to lose track. That's why I wish that as much attention as possible would be drawn to the game or that you would point it out to your favourite streamer.
