[h5]Hello Runners! As we continue to develop Into The Grid at full speed, we plan to share updates more frequently. For additional behind-the-scenes content, remember to join our Discord! We hope you enjoy these updates and join us on this journey. Let's get started![/h5]

ROADMAP

[h5]This provides a high-level overview of our upcoming milestones along with their current estimates, when available (subject to change). 1Gameplay Trailer (June) 2Playtest Round: UI Redesign (August)* 3Playtest Round: Map Exploration (August)* 4Demo Launch (September) 5Steam Next Fest (October 2024 - February 2025) 6Early Access Release (TBD) 72nd Character Release: The Maker (TBD) * Events 2 and 3 may occur simultaneously or separately; this is yet to be determined.[/h5]

ONGOING WORK

[h5]What actions are we taking to move closer to our goals? See below.[/h5] [h4]Gameplay Trailer[/h4] [h5]We are assembling a brand new trailer that will highlight more gameplay. It will premiere at a special event. Stay tuned ;)[/h5] [h4]UI Redesign[/h4] [h5]Taking into consideration the valuable feedback gathered from playtests, and in line with our search for an identity that matches the mature and harsh tone of the universe we're creating, we are overhauling the entire game's UI. We're aiming for a more minimalistic and retro-futuristic aesthetic.[/h5]
WIP - Subject to change. [h4]Code Refactor[/h4] [h5]We're undertaking significant work to enhance the game's code, making it more scalable, less prone to bugs, and future-proof. This is crucial as the game will be built in modules. This approach allows us to add new mechanics and content incrementally, maintaining the game's freshness for many years, as it has been our intention from the beginning. As part of this development, we're also creating the "Enemy Brain" System. This system will enable us to create smarter ICEs that can adapt and modify their behaviors based on any game state we choose.[/h5] [h4]Grid Exploration[/h4] [h5]In tandem with the code refactor, we have commenced work on the Exploration System, making significant progress. The procedural generation, based on game design rules, is functional and allows us to:

• Generate Grids of virtually any size.
• Define Node Types.
• Group Nodes into Clusters and assign their Watcher ICEs.
• Position Gates and assign their Bouncer ICEs.
• Spawn Sentinel ICEs.

We have also implemented:

• A Pathing System to demonstrate possible and impossible movements to the player.
• A Glitches System that enables the Runner to collect these "Relics/Artifacts" that modify the game's rules.

Future developments include implementing:

• Possible actions when engaging with each Node Type.
• The triggers for elevating/lessening the Trace level and the effects of each level.
• The triggers for disabling Bouncer ICEs to unlock Gates.
• The Events system for narrative encounters and their outcomes.
• New cards, Commands, enemy abilities, and Glitches effects.

[quote]Remember that you can find a detailed article on how the Grids function here.[/quote] There is still much more to come, which we will reveal and update in due time.[/h5] [h4]2nd CHARACTER: THE MAKER[/h4] [h5]We are making significant progress with the design of our second character. This character, like all others, will introduce new mechanics, Commands, an entirely new card pool, and its own storyline. Stay tuned as we will reveal more details about this in the future.[/h5]
[h5]That concludes this update. We eagerly await your comments and suggestions. Remember to join our Discord for live chat with the team and other Runners! [url=https://discord.gg/sYm63y9mT2]
Until the next update, see you in The Grid![/h5]