Hey Scientists,

It's been a while, hasn't it? Last development status was released around 6 months ago, which is INSANE to me because I've made quite a bit of progress! However, there was a problem. The multiplayer service I was using in the Unity version of the game only allows for 20 concurrent players. I didn't expect this to be the case, but after realizing this, I attempted to switch multiplayer services, only to scratch my head after struggling to figure out how to replace all of the code I had already made within the last year or so....

So, what did I do?

I just switched the game engine entirely lol

And so now, Lights Out Multiplayer is currently being remade from scratch in Unreal Engine. But why Unreal Engine in particular? It's because it's SO MUCH EASIER to implement multiplayer (more specifically, Steam multiplayer). So, what progress have I made for the Unreal Engine version? All of the networking related aspects have been implemented, player movement stuff has been implemented and certain gameplay mechanics have been implemented. Unfortunately, despite how much progress I've made, it's still a while away from being finished. But I'm certainly getting there! Now, for some unfortunate news. With the game engine switch, I'm sad to say that the October 31st release date won't be reachable, especially with the fact that I'm still working on my other projects (namely Polaroid, which I'm currently working on a MASSIVE update for. You can buy and play the game now though!) and I have a life outside of game development. So, when is Lights Out Multiplayer going to release now?

Q2 2024.

So yeah, that's all I really wanted to say in this development status! I'm so sorry for the silence in relation to Lights Out Multiplayer, I've just been so busy working on other projects and I haven't had much time to work on it, so yeah. I'm hoping to actively post about Lights Out Multiplayer after Polaroid v1.2 releases, since it'll be my main focus! Thank you so much for reading all the way 'til the end! I appreciate it, and I hope that you enjoyed this little development status. If you did enjoy it, please consider liking this post. This'll let me know if I should continue with these posts! Cheers! - Dante Garner

Hey everyone! It's me, Dante Garner, the only developer of Lights Out Multiplayer (as well as all of the other Optimal Games projects!) I want to keep everyone updated on the current status of the game, so I've decided that I'm going to start writing up "Development Statuses" so that those of you who are interested in the game can understand where the game is at in terms of development!

What is in the game as of right now?

Well, to start off with, how about I talk about maps? The game currently has 2 maps:

Atlas Laboratories

This is where the story of the game begins

The Forest

(I'll probably come up with a better name soon lol) These are the only maps so far that I've technically properly implemented, though they do still need a whole lotta playtesting to ensure they work properly. Now, how about I move onto gameplay-related stuff? First of all, majority of the systems required for the game to work have been implemented, such as the core gameplay loop, random role assignment, settings, leveling up, skill assignment, etc. etc. HOWEVER, I've been working on a few new gameplay mechanics to spice up the gameplay just a bit, and so far It's been pretty successful in doing so. I'll reveal more information about it in the next development status. Anyways, majority of the models and textures are also implemented, as well as SFX (though a lot of them do probably need changing to ensure I avoid copyright or whatever.) so I'd say that the game is coming together pretty well. With that being said, however, I actually HAVEN'T been working on the game as of recent. Everything I've talked about here are things I was working on a few months ago. I've taken a break from working on it to work on other projects, such as Polaroid, which recently released! You can check it out here! I've also been working on one of my other steam games, Speed is Key, which will be releasing in Early Access as well sometime in 2023-2024! You can check it out here, and if you're interested in it, feel free to wishlist it! So, now for the big question:

When will Lights Out Multiplayer be released?

I intend on releasing it on the 31st of October (aka Halloween!) It's going to release in Early Access, and it'll release with 3 maps (the two I mentioned before, and another one which I'll show off in another development status!) So yeah, that's it! Thank you so much for reading all the way 'til the end! I appreciate it, and I hope that you enjoyed this little development status. If you did enjoy it, please consider liking this post. This'll let me know if I should continue with these posts! Cheers! - Dante Garner