The Epic exclusivity period for "Griftlands" has ended and the game is now available for purchase on Steam (with a demo). The latest title from indie studio Klei follows their usual model of a limited alpha version before being released in Early Access, and while most of Klei's alpha versions are sold directly from the Klei website (I remember getting the Chrome Store back in 2012 with Don't Starve and I remember getting a demo of it), the alpha version of Griftlands has been an Epic exclusive since last year. Perhaps they accomplished the same goal of limiting the number of players trying out the beta before it was completed. It is now.

When Griftlands was first released, it was an open-world sci-fi RPG with a polished art style. Now it is a "Slay the Spire"-style card game, but it deviates more from its inspiration than, say, Monster Train. For starters, this title is forgiving of permadeath.

Another major difference is that there are two types of card-based battles, one for combat, the other a form of simulated negotiation. This is social combat, a clever way to dramatize the back-and-forth of bargaining and tense situations that could spill over into actual violence if mishandled.

Those who purchased Griftlands on Epic can also activate it on Steam. I just followed the process described here and had no trouble. This is a good thing.