I tried Grifford Academy a while back during a festival, and I have to say, the game really caught me off guard, especially with its difficulty level. What looked like a colorful and lighthearted title during my demo turned out to have some serious bite. It hit hard.
Now, LandShark Games’ Grifford Academy has launched into Early Access, offering a first glimpse at its distinctive blend of turn-based combat, character-focused storytelling, and a lite academia setting.
Set in the mystical book realm of Caldria, Grifford Academy follows Erika, Viva, and Cap, three teenagers thrown into a realm of ancient magic, where their personal struggles collide with sinister forces. The game blends classic turn-based battles with a rich character growth system, focusing on friendship, loyalty, and the trials of adolescence.
Early Access marks the beginning of an open development phase aimed at shaping the future of the game. According to founder Paul Naylor, community feedback will play a pivotal role in guiding its evolution. “Early Access was always something we wanted for Grifford Academy,” Naylor said. “The game is about growth, both for its characters and for its design. We’re looking forward to seeing how player feedback influences the final version and exploring its systemic depth together.”
While Grifford Academy arrives in Early Access, it already delivers a complete story, allowing players to experience its narrative from start to finish. According to LandShark Games, the Early Access period will run approximately three to six months, focusing on refining balance, polishing mechanics, and integrating player feedback.
Throughout the Early Access period, LandShark Games will introduce new features and improvements, including Recipe Hunting, Pets, and a Roguelite Mode, with priorities set by the player community. The official Early Access Roadmap is now live on Steam, offering a clear picture of what to expect leading up to the 1.0 launch in 2026. Below is the early access trailer.
