I think that after all of those years TFP placed themselves into a corner with a never-ending bar for expectations called yet another Alpha. It would be better to announce finally the release date and turn the game into Lifetime (which is another form of Alpha state in 2021 A.D.) Service with constant smaller/bigger updates every year. Devs might constantly add content, discuss gameplay solutions, and balance the game as it is now. Some people may say that the alpha state is a very convenient tool to hide the fact that the game does not feel like a finished product. I would say "release the kraken" and announce constant updates for the game.
Keep most of the 7DTD versions available, possibly have two optional progression modes (one as a "skill perk points" and the other overhauled "learn by doing" so players could choose/determine their own pathway (but solve constant crafting of items). But, first look at gameplay itself rather than gameplay solutions in order to make sure that the game doesn`t look rough at the edges. The game must make a good first impression rather than become a meaningful catorgy for newcomers in terms of certain mechanics. More hardcore/radical solutions might represent a separate game mode also.
Make the game an ultimate survival sandbox and then see how it goes... who knows, perhaps someday the game reaches 35K active players on steam on daily basis. Honestly, I only hope for another decade of 7DTD, so people saying to stop with the game updates might still complain
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