To begin...

First of all, apologies for the lack of updates over the last 3 weeks as I've been away with work. Moving onto the next patch then, this update is gonna feature a rework to the saving system and vehicle spawning system, as well as new content, QOL additions and bug fixes. Now going into more of what this update will actually include. Also, the game is as well down from $15.99 USD to $11.99 USD. To add, I have a Twitter account for the game now that will be used, link here: https://twitter.com/PlaySurrounDead

What will be in this update...

Rework of saving system:

At the moment, the saving system for SurrounDead isn't that good, it only allows one save and the save folder is cluttered. With this update, I will be completely reworking this system with the plan of 2 things happening.

Multiple saves

With this rework, it will allow players to have multiple different save slots. Players will be able to load up old saves or create a new game if they wanted to while still having another saved game. I know a lot of people have wanted this and it's coming now.

A better optimized system

It's cluttered to put it simply, with this rework I'll be looking at organizing the saves and getting away from the clutter that is happening in people's saves folder (If you've had a look). Also, included with this is reworking the vehicle spawning system so that issues with vehicles spawning multiple times can finally stop.

Portable horde beacon:

Also coming with this update would be a new buildable to the game; the horde beacon. Placing this in a location will spawn a number of waves of enemies that will attack the player. While difficult the rewards for completing the waves will be very generous (Also that the beacon is a one-time use).

Steam achievements:

Show off the achievements you get in game on Steam. From achievements like 1000 kills, to 100 boss kills, 50km walked, many achievements will be added.

New base building objects/mechanics:

From new walls, to defenses, and now to generators. Expect to have to find gasoline around generators around the world to power lights and defenses at your base.

Controller layout and possibly in-game configuration:

Playing on a Steam Deck can be a bit of a pain at the moment. With this, a layout will be created and added to the game and possibly the addition of controller configuration in this update.

New POIs:

New locations, expect POIs to pop up heading towards the port, where soon that will start to get fleshed out.

Upcoming QOL changes & bug fixes:

• Infestations spawn waves of enemies while being damaged
• Easier access for switching weapons
• Fixed issue with human AI getting stuck in melee/combat and first person ADS issue
• And more...

What could possibly be in this update...

Clothing system - First Pass:

Customize your player with a variety of clothing, from business, to police, to paramedic, the choice is yours. (When this system is first added there will only be models for the male player model and female coming in the future)

End game content/locations - First Pass:

Within the first pass of this content it will include; smaller locations around the map that will give clues to where and how to get into the largest location, which is your main objective. Puzzles will be added and new mechanics to make these locations unique. Also, expect the loot to be plentiful.

What about the future?

End game content/locations - Finishing it off:

Adding the large end game location and all the mechanics to go with it, wont spoil anything here.

Rework of AI:

Another system to rework is the AI. From optimizing certain functions of the AI to possibly using an AI behavior system called 'Utility AI'. Other stuff includes having AI stats be randomized, adding unique special zombie AI and allowing boss zombies to have a ranged attack.

Quests, bounties & story:

Head to safe zones and help the communities thrive, to taking down thieves and destroying bandit camps, there is a vast range of quests that can be added. You'll also discover more about the world and uncover the lore of what happened to the world you are in and the direction it is going in. As well, there will be a bounty board, accept a bounty on it and it will be marked on the map, go to that location and take out the individuals there, head back to bounty board and collect your rewards. These will as well rotate/be random each time you join and more will be added with each update. In the future, you will as well be able to gain reputation with different factions in the world and this will affect who are your enemies and who's your friends are.

Multiplayer:

Not too much to say, you want it, I want it, no news yet tho.

Miscellaneous:

• Translations: Highly requested and in the works of getting this out for translating to start.
• Vehicle modding: Not coming yet, but still coming.
• Horde mode: Fun for everyone, something separate to the survival mode.
• Steam Workshop: Looking into this, if/when completing really looking forward to see what people create.
• Survival improvements: Player has to look for gas filters for their masks, to refilling bottles from the river and more.
• And more...

https://trello.com/b/RiofWR3h/surroundead-trello Finally, thank you.

[ 2023-05-20 22:24:02 CET ] [ Original post ]