Well, not sure what I would call a "proper release" but the first in the "pre-release series" will probably be out tomorrow (just want to make a few small changes - the bigger changes completed today). The demo10 release (from a few weeks ago) is the first release to include all the currently planned features, just in very rough shape. From here on out, it is more about refining and fleshing out what is there, as opposed to adding anything new (the pre0 release is mostly about AI and movement improvements with some balance changes).

Yes, we do need to keep in touch. For whatever reason, I never feel like I have much to say so I rarely talk to anyone, it seems.

We can try out an OctoberPlains pre-release, if you are interested, or take a look at one of the other games. I will need to figure out if their multi-player support requires that everyone buy through Steam or if it doesn't matter (I think it depends on the game).

Stardew Valley is definitely a good choice as it has a pretty laid-back atmosphere (it is an often-cited example of what people call a "cozy game"). Looking at my Steam library, the next best possibility is probably Core Keeper, but you said that the visuals were hard to look at (it does have a pretty dark look). Necesse might be another possibility (more like a colony management simulator with some top-down combat elements).

Let me know what you think and feel free to E-Mail me, whenever.