When we set out to bring our amazing app to the community, we made some blunders. Assuming a freemium model would give everyone what they wanted, we went forward with that. We wanted to be able to give access to everyone while also allowing those who could support us monetarily, the ability to do so.
We were wrong.
Through our interviews with GMs, players, and creators, you told us—politely, but clearly—that this model felt toxic. Even at its best, it still had the potential to become predatory over time and made many people uncomfortable investing in it. Instead, what you actually wanted was simple: pay once, own the app outright, and keep it forever, no matter what happened to our company.
At first, we didn’t get it. “But we can give it to you for free!” we thought. Then, literally after the 30th or 40th time hearing it, it clicked. You weren’t buying an app; you were investing in software for your gameplay. And for that investment to feel secure, you needed to own it—not just access it through an account, not just rent it via microtransactions. Own it. Forever.
Thinking about it now, I don’t know why that was so hard for us to understand but believe me, it was. That realization meant we had to rebuild Faes AR from the ground up. Some of the technology we licensed to power the original version wasn’t compatible with this ownership model. So, since December, we’ve been busy removing dependencies and replacing them with in-house tech. The result? A fully owned version of Faes AR that you can buy once and use forever.
Presale details
Rebuilding an augmented reality app from scratch takes time and iteration, so thank you for your patience. We are nearly ready to release to folks who want to help shape the future of the app. Our goal is to have something playable, and then work directly with you. We want to hear your take on issues, bugs, and ideas for features and content. The presale is for those that want early access and to help shape Faes AR.
Sale of Exe file Faes AR app in Mac OS & Windows. Suggested Retail Price for full app: $50.00 USD. Presale will be 50% off that - $25 USD or $35CAD.
We don’t know how long we will be able to support $25 USD or $35CAD nor do we know what to price it at after the full app launches and if our current thinking of $50 USD will continue. We will work with you on that too.
*While streaming or connecting to video conferencing only works online, Faes AR is functional offline, so you can use it anytime, anywhere, without dependency on the internet.
**Faes AR comes with a large collection of items, our Core Content, that will grow over time as we hire artists. Optional, additional packages will be available for purchase. We are striving to strike a balance between providing free content, and supporting the artists and the app over time.
Presales are live. Secure your copy today. The 1st prototype is aimed at the end of March 2025 timing.
What’s Changing in the New Faes AR?
Rebuild:
Generally speaking we will relaunch an early access version that is close to where we were with the prior version but, having the tech all in house, we will be able to make it directly for our use case instead of hacking another company’s trained model, and with your input.
Things That Will Be Better:
Pose Detection for Armor Stability – We’ve added pose detection! This will improve how armor sits on the shoulders and body. This means better positioning, especially when you change your facial expression or when you move your body.
Stronger Ownership Model – No licensed (subscription) tech dependencies. You buy it, you own it.
Things That Will Need Work:
Slightly More Latency (Think Time) – Because we’ve removed a licensed model that was trained over time, tracking could be a little slower than before.. But this will improve as we train the performance based on real-world usage, feedback and in house training. (Help the app work better over time)
Latency – Because we are now improving the app from the ground up, we are using a new tracking model to help you look your best in all items. As the app improves over time, you may notice some latency while moving or repositioning in the camera’s field of view.
Content & Customization:
There will still be content for sale (Future Purchasable Content) – Publisher module packs, specific thematic packs built by the Faes AR team or (and) by artists, publishers, or (and) world builders like yourselves will be available for purchase. We still dream of creating a thriving community of artists where they are properly paid for their work, especially in this era of generative AI.
Uploader Tool; Coming Soon! – We are developing an uploader tool so you can build, source, or (and) buy your own 2D images and 3D models to completely customize and create your own Faes AR. This is coming a little later but is on the map and is the key to selling something of real lasting value to you! (Look forward to our announcement when this amazing feature is ready)
We wouldn’t have made this shift (these changes) without you. Your feedback pushed us to rethink everything about how we deliver Faes AR. Now, we’re on a path that ensures you get a product you can trust and truly own.
For info on the presale early access go here: Patreon