[p][/p][p]Firstly, thank you so much to every single one of you who have supported development and the game’s launch this year. It’s genuinely been an absolute pleasure watching your gameplay clips and reading your incredible feedback across Steam, our Discord server and various social media channels.[/p][p][/p][p]Your support means the world to us, whether it’s purchasing the game or wishlisting and sharing it with friends - your support makes Deathground possible![/p][p] [img src="https://clan.akamai.steamstatic.com/images/38255468/13fd65893ba9f79be5e61e573e9e7abdd6b9bc94.png"] [/p]
End Of Year DevLog
[p]To wrap up the year, we’ve put together a new Devlog that we’d love you to watch. Still trapped in the Bunker, Joe takes you through major changes made since we launched the game, along with details on upcoming updates heading into the new year - which includes some exciting new features and mechanics currently in development.[/p][p][/p][p][/p]
Latest Patch Update and Steam Winter Sale
[p]Also in case you missed it, Deathground’s first story event, ‘Epoch’, as well as a festive side quest just dropped on Steam a few days ago. You can find the full details and patch notes here.[/p][p][/p][p]Finally, a quick reminder that Deathground is currently 20% off as part of the Steam Winter Sale. It’s a great opportunity to jump in if you haven’t already, or to share the experience with a friend at a discounted price.[/p][p] [img src="https://clan.akamai.steamstatic.com/images/38255468/f5cc2ed1220104ac871bd2b590aa5b93832be0f5.png"][/p][p][img src="https://clan.akamai.steamstatic.com/images/38255468/13fd65893ba9f79be5e61e573e9e7abdd6b9bc94.png"]We hope everyone has a fantastic festive season and a Happy New Year![/p][p]We’ll see you in 2026,[/p][p][img src="https://clan.akamai.steamstatic.com/images/38255468/18f15212d7600b3ccc1c4973656aaea9e6178646.png"][/p][p][/p]
The 'Epoch' Update is OUT NOW for Deathground! (Patch 6)
Patch 6 is now live for Deathground! (Version 0.1.55b)
[p][/p][p]Operatives, we’ve received some strange seismic and electromagnetic fluctuations originating from under the ‘Mission Control’ building.[/p][p]Look, I know the Colonel won't authorise any additional reconnaissance in the area, but we can’t ignore readings like this, and I think it’s worth checking out, off the books…[/p][p][/p][p][img src="https://clan.akamai.steamstatic.com/images/38255468/79eeefcb30378c0b60f844e530c6ecd81ffb95a1.png"][/p][p]Deathground's first story event, 'Epoch' is now available, alongside a festive side quest that's guaranteed to fill the Bunker with holiday cheer this Christmas. Please see the major update and patch notes below for the full details.[/p][p][/p][p][img src="https://clan.akamai.steamstatic.com/images/38255468/5cc821b5dec36f04b6e1bee9961ccaa11d2e799d.png"][/p][p]Return to ‘Mission control’ with your team and investigate the deep archives. However, because ‘Epoch’ isn’t being run by Colonel Wells, you won’t have as many resources at your disposal.[/p]
[p]Limited healing items[/p]
[p]The more danger-prone amongst you might want to bring a medkit, because you won’t find any medical supplies in the archive room.[/p]
[p]Limited supply caches[/p]
[p]Unfortunately, it looks like someone’s already pilfered the survivalist supply caches in the mission control building, so you’ll be limited to your starting ammo for the tranquilliser rifle.[/p]
[p]Limited Clone-pod respawns[/p]
[p]There aren’t any clone pods this side of the mission control building, so all operatives will start without re-spawns, but maybe there’s still a working clone pod or two in the panic room?[/p]
[p]We know everyone is excited for more new maps, full missions, sub-missions and content in general, we’re excited for you to tackle this first bite with even more on it's way next year![/p][p][/p][p][img src="https://clan.akamai.steamstatic.com/images/38255468/20dfbc1b91db2f64a72297c5a3dc7206ed0d6fb4.png"][/p]
Bunker has been decorated to celebrate the holiday season, and there’s a festive side-quest for you to tackle!
[p][/p][p]Just in time for the holiday season, a D.A.R.T. team member (probably Finn, the ‘observer’) has taken the liberty of decorating the Bunker. [/p][p]As a side quest, they’ve hidden a present in Geothermal, Agricultural, and Biomedical - Collect all 3, and you’ll unlock a little festive surprise![/p][p][/p][p][img src="https://clan.akamai.steamstatic.com/images/38255468/1eb2c505ba6c9ad1c94472c7e83562c03d0852e4.png"][/p][p][img src="https://clan.akamai.steamstatic.com/images/38255468/13fd65893ba9f79be5e61e573e9e7abdd6b9bc94.png"][/p][p][/p]
PATCH NOTES: (V 0.1.55b)
[p]⚠ Important: Before launching, please ensure your PC meets the minimum system requirements and that your graphics drivers are fully updated! For reference: [/p]
[p]NVIDIA users: Make sure you have the ‘NVIDIA app' installed and that the latest GeForce Game Ready Driver is updated under the drivers tab. [/p]
[p]AMD users: Make sure you have the ‘AMD app’. It will automatically detect your hardware and guide you through updating to the latest driver version.[/p]
[p]Please note: While our team is working to further optimise the game if your system does not meet the minimum requirements, your gameplay experience may not perform as expected.[/p][p][/p]
Highlights and changes
[p]Epoch story mission[/p]
[p]After seeing unusual readings coming from sensors near the mission control building, the operatives go to investigate - Venture back to Mission control to find what, or who in the deep archive is causing the strange signal[/p]
[p]Updated artwork for some archive room assets[/p]
[p](Developer's Note: This is the first of several short story missions which you’ll encounter throughout the Deathground. Things are changing, including the archive room itself, which is looking a little more overgrown than the last time you were here…)[/p]
[p]Bunker Festive overlay and side-mission[/p]
[p]It seems that someone has hidden presents in each of the main missions (Geothermal, Agricultural, and Biomedical). Find all 3, and a new secret collectable and some holiday cheer await you in the bunker.[/p]
[p]This festive overlay event will last until Monday, the 5th of January.[/p]
[p][/p]
[p]Seasonal dinosaur cosmetics option has been added to the gameplay options menu[/p]
[p]You can now toggle on/off seasonal dinosaur cosmetics alongside feathers in the gameplay options menu.[/p]
[p]Enabling this feature during the festive overlay event will equip Raptors with a Santa hat.[/p]
[p]This option is disabled by default[/p]
[p](Developer's Note: Unlike Halloween, this seasonal update will be launching on time, rather than after the season has finished for half the world…)[/p][p][/p]
Quality of life adjustments
[p]All items have been reworked to make interaction, dropping, and swapping much easier[/p]
[p]Medkits have now been re-added to medical shelf containers, now that item swapping as been adjusted[/p]
[p]The game now displays a ‘brightness slider’ on first startup[/p]
[p]Ultrawide support has now been added, and UI clipping seen while using some resolutions has been fixed[/p]
[p]The multiplayer lobby has received an initial overhaul introducing new poses and animations, along with visible equipped items on each character. [/p]
[p]This is an early pass and we'll be continuing to expand and improve the lobby in future updates.[/p]
[p](Developer's Note: We also removed that creepy 2D shadow silhouette which acts as a stand in when a player has joined the game, but hasn’t yet selected a character, and replaced it with an equally creepy 3D animated shadow silhouette)[/p][p][/p]
Bugfixes - General
[p]Character ‘skinning’ updates to remove clipping and incorrect arm twisting (Still ongoing)[/p]
[p]Fixed an issue where swapped loadout items would clip through containers, now swapped items drop at the player's feet instead[/p]
[p]Fixed an issue where several loadout items would drop in incorrect orientation[/p]
[p]Fixed an issue where several loadout items would continue to use ‘held’ animations, even after being dropped/placed in the world[/p]
[p]Fixed multiple issues where items could not be picked up or could be picked up through containers[/p]
[p]Fixed an issue where some items would not correctly spawn inside of randomised containers[/p]
[p][/p]
Bugfixes - Dinosaur / AI
[p]Fixed an issue where some compsognathus were unable to correctly spawn / despawn[/p]
[p]Several improvements to Raptor technical animation features, including:[/p]
[p]Fixed an issue with the Raptor leg IK setup / control rig, causing animations to behave incorrectly, which should more reliably keep feet planted on the ground[/p]
[p]Fixed an issue which caused Raptor's feet to rotate incorrectly on some surfaces[/p]
[p](Developer's Note: These are some of the first updates to technical animation, with additional improvements in active development.)[/p][p][img src="https://clan.akamai.steamstatic.com/images/38255468/13fd65893ba9f79be5e61e573e9e7abdd6b9bc94.png"][/p][p]We have a lot of great content and polish on the horizon. Here's a reminder of our DeathRoad to release: [/p][p][img src="https://clan.akamai.steamstatic.com/images/38255468/6453174d51c265494ef711608eae67efd2870876.png"][/p][p]To view in full size, click here.[/p][p]See FAQs and Discussions and we will do our best to get back to you![/p][p]Join our Discord and for Bug Reporting or search for teammates.[/p][p][/p][p][img src="https://clan.akamai.steamstatic.com/images/38255468/13fd65893ba9f79be5e61e573e9e7abdd6b9bc94.png"][TAG-310]Happy Holidays from all of us at Jaw Drop Games,[/p][p][img src="https://clan.akamai.steamstatic.com/images/38255468/18f15212d7600b3ccc1c4973656aaea9e6178646.png"][/p]
Patch 5 is OUT NOW for Deathground!
Patch 5 is now live for Deathground! (Version 0.1.54b)
[p align="start"]Hi Operatives, we hope you're all doing well. Please see the latest patch notes below as we continue to work on the upcoming and major updates. Thanks again for all of your feedback, support and bug-reporting to help this process. [/p][p][/p][p][img src="https://clan.akamai.steamstatic.com/images/38255468/13fd65893ba9f79be5e61e573e9e7abdd6b9bc94.png"][/p]
PATCH NOTES: (V 0.1.54b)
[p]⚠ Important: Before launching, please ensure your PC meets the minimum system requirements and that your graphics drivers are fully updated! For reference: [/p]
[p]NVIDIA users: Make sure you have the ‘NVIDIA app' installed and that the latest GeForce Game Ready Driver is updated under the drivers tab. [/p]
[p]AMD users: Make sure you have the ‘AMD app’. It will automatically detect your hardware and guide you through updating to the latest driver version.[/p]
[p]Please note: While our team is working to further optimise the game if your system does not meet the minimum requirements, your gameplay experience may not perform as expected.[/p][p][/p][p][img src="https://clan.akamai.steamstatic.com/images/38255468/200ecffd0cfd94be74ff8b5bc6334538b051dabf.gif"][TAG-50][/p][p][/p]
Highlights and changes
[p]Improvements to the 'ping system' in the form of what we're calling 'smart-ping'![/p]
[p]Adjustments to the targeting threshold which make it easier for players to tag objects, especially at greater distances[/p]
[p]Specific objects in the environment now feature unique icons when tagged (gameplay items, interactable containers and hiding spaces)[/p]
[p]We plan to continue expanding this system with more unique icons as gameplay elements are added or adjusted[/p]
[p]Implemented a new 'Communication Wheel' with various icons for non-verbal in-game communication[/p]
[p]Players can access the communication wheel by holding the ping input (Middle mouse button / R3 by default)[/p]
[p]Players can communicate using basic icons for 'Hello', 'Help', 'Thanks', 'Yes', 'No', 'Group-up', 'Run' and 'Danger'[/p]
[p](Developer's Note: these are just the first of several community-requested features that we've been working on, and there are additional in-game communication options in development as we speak, so stay tuned operatives!)[/p][p][/p][p][img src="https://clan.akamai.steamstatic.com/images/38255468/b7609d58bfaf752b3dd07a81f9b9286c12b2067a.gif"][TAG-102][/p][p][img src="https://clan.akamai.steamstatic.com/images/38255468/d8160dbc4c9fefb198f45cc56e8b4128667f1c22.gif"][TAG-106][/p]
[p]Miscellaneous updates to multiple levels / missions[/p]
[p]Art dressing and lighting improvements to 'Agricultural - Spray the Greenhouse'[/p]
[p]Art dressing, lighting and level design (layout) adjustments to 'Biomedical - Secure the Specimen'[/p]
[p]Art dressing and level design (Layout) adjustments to 'Mission Control - Introduction'[/p]
[p](Developer's Note: You'll continue to see both small and large updates to levels, both based on your feedback, and in preparation for new missions / sub-missions / story events throughout development!)[/p][p][/p]
Quality of life adjustments
[p]Adjustments to Interaction prompts[/p]
[p]Interactions now clearly specify whether they are a 'press' interaction or a 'hold' interaction[/p]
[p]Hold interactions now feature a progress wheel where applicable, for example, when swapping items[/p]
[p]Updates to multiple loadout items[/p]
[p]The 'motion detector' now clearly displays range lines and distance measurements to better highlight the current scanning range[/p]
[p]The Hacking Device now features additional UI elements, which aim to make the minigame easier for colour-blind players[/p]
[p]An additional setting for sensitivity when aiming down sights has been added to the control settings menu[/p]
[p][/p]
Bugfixes - General
[p]Collision fixes to multiple assets (particularly within the Biomedical and Introduction maps)[/p]
[p]Fixed an issue which caused FSR Frame Generation to not correctly enable when chosen in the settings menu[/p]
[p]Fixed an issue where re-equipping or aiming the tranquilliser rifle while reloading would cause a noticeable desync between the dart, rifle and player hand animations[/p]
[p]Fixed minor aiming issues on both the Hacking Device and Motion Detector[/p]
[p]Fixed an issue where the reduced movement speed effect would remain applied even after dropping the Dinosaur Egg[/p]
[p]Fixed players being able to "consume" other players items with certain interactions[/p]
[p][/p]
Bugfixes - AI
[p]Fixed an issue where Raptors would become stunned instead of chasing the player[/p]
[p]Fixed minor technical animation issues which cause the Raptors' feet to slide while walking[/p]
[p]Fixed an issue where Raptors would not wait until the roar animation was complete, leading to roar audio playing without the correct accompanying animation[/p]
[p]Fixed an issue where raptors could sometimes attack players through walls or other solid objects[/p]
[p](Developer's Note: Whoops, that last one really is our bad! Raptors will now do a few additional checks when attempting to attack - and if they're blocked they'll continue to chase until they either lose you or get close enough to attack without a wall in the way!)[/p][p][img src="https://clan.akamai.steamstatic.com/images/38255468/13fd65893ba9f79be5e61e573e9e7abdd6b9bc94.png"][/p][p]We have a lot of great content and polish on the horizon. Here's a reminder of our DeathRoad to release: [/p][p][img src="https://clan.akamai.steamstatic.com/images/38255468/6453174d51c265494ef711608eae67efd2870876.png"][/p][p]To view in full size, click here.[/p][p]See FAQs and Discussions and we will do our best to get back to you![/p][p]Join our Discord and for Bug Reporting or search for teammates.[/p][p][/p][p][img src="https://clan.akamai.steamstatic.com/images/38255468/13fd65893ba9f79be5e61e573e9e7abdd6b9bc94.png"]Thanks,[/p][p][img src="https://clan.akamai.steamstatic.com/images/38255468/a1fdb43aa75b7ffbc5f2a4311d9130c85767b9df.png"]
July 2025 - Alpha Complete!
Clawing Closer
[p]We’ve reached a huge milestone: Deathground Alpha is complete! Our Alpha-pledged Kickstarter backers received their final Mission Debrief at the start of this month. They’ve been playtesting all available maps for the Early Access launch, one last time, before we head into our private Beta playtesting period.[/p][p]We’ve got some further fixes and exciting updates to get into the Beta build. But before we dive into Beta updates, check out episode 5 of DevGround, Deathground's DevLog, to see how the Alpha build ended up. [/p]
New DevLog Episode
[p]Chapter breakdown:[/p][p]0:00 Welcome back! 0:46 Lighting the Way 1:45 Compy Chaos 2:26 Mouthbags?! 3:20 FAQs[/p]
New Screenshots
[p]In case you missed these captures on Deathground's social media recently, here's a few tasty treats![/p][carousel autoadvance="true"][img src="https://clan.akamai.steamstatic.com/images/38255468/d41463db7025507a733c347770c672788ce7309e.png"][img src="https://clan.akamai.steamstatic.com/images/38255468/ae1ab3989b72a20f594852912006207b94eeb828.png"][img src="https://clan.akamai.steamstatic.com/images/38255468/b9d87cd8268c61240b7614f7641e7d14455754e0.png"]
Until next time…
[p]Thank you for your continued support and patience as we head closer to Steam Early Access release. Once we've finished up adding some exciting updates to our Beta build, we'll be sharing a roadmap of what will be available from Early Access. Plus, what to look forward to between Early Access and 1.0![/p][p][/p][p][img src="https://clan.akamai.steamstatic.com/images/38255468/3bf47af11bf75aade056ae8dab218f739da5fda5.png"]We've been listed as one to watch in the latest edition of Edge Magazine! [/p][p]Cheers for checking in! As always, here's your reminder of where else you can find us: Join us and the rest of the community over on Discord. Watch more behind-the-scenes on TikTok and YouTube. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, X/Twitter, Threads and Bluesky. See you there![/p][p][/p][p]Wishlist![/p][p][img src="https://clan.akamai.steamstatic.com/images/38255468/4ffca81e1aa817a219d7b7842c33933fe2b23efc.png"][/p]
New Developer Overview Trailer!
Down-low with the Devs
[p]In case you missed the Future Games Show Summer Showcase, take a look at some new Deathground gameplay, unseen environments and mechanics - all coming in Q3 2025 for our Early Access launch! [/p][p]Dan, Joe and Sarah also address some community-submitted questions, offering fresh insights into dinosaur threats, map variety and missions. Hit play![/p]
New screenshots!
[p]Wanted to hit pause? Here's just a few of our favourite jaw-drop moments![/p][carousel autoadvance="true"][img src="https://clan.akamai.steamstatic.com/images/38255468/9a25715d56161b9251d2772c8c0591062df4e7be.png"][TAG-20][img src="https://clan.akamai.steamstatic.com/images/38255468/5bbcd2bc6b402f4b5b77cfd47a0fa721dcef82e1.png"][img src="https://clan.akamai.steamstatic.com/images/38255468/c3fc4bdd8d2e0be7324ca6067a62c821b1646878.png"][img src="https://clan.akamai.steamstatic.com/images/38255468/ea10ebb283e3d1aca3829862ac26bb69c60f50ec.png"][img src="https://clan.akamai.steamstatic.com/images/38255468/4789be3b674887c9165d0b1aa7db3cbed0c7fc4f.png"]
Until next time…
[p]Cheers for tuning in! As always, join us and the rest of the community over on Discord or watch more behind-the-scenes on TikTok. Don’t forget, you can find and follow us on Facebook, Instagram and X/Twitter too. We're still working out Threads and Bluesky but hey, we'll see you there too.[/p][p][/p][p]Wishlist![/p][p][img src="https://clan.akamai.steamstatic.com/images/38255468/4ffca81e1aa817a219d7b7842c33933fe2b23efc.png"][/p]
June 2025 - Laying down the Lore
New DevLog Episode
[p]DevGround Episode 4 is now ready for you to catch up with Deathground's developments! We're breaking into the Biomedical Facility in this latest episode, as well as giving you a little Deathground lore-drop. We’re also giving you a glimpse of some Raptor updates, plus a couple of announcements. Catch up now and hit play![/p][p]Chapter breakdown:[/p][p]0:00 Welcome back! 0:16 Break into the Biomedical Facility with me... 1:14 Stand off, with a Raptor?! 2:15 Playable Character update 3:26 Announcement time[/p]
Future Games Show
[p]Thanks for reading and watching. As announced in our DevLog above, Deathground will be featured in the Future Games Show TOMORROW![/p][p][/p][p][img src="https://clan.akamai.steamstatic.com/images/38255468/8397cadcc06533539d53bba65ab7db9557300fd5.png"][/p][p]The Summer Showcase will be live-streamed at 9pm BST (1pm PT/4pm ET) on Saturday 7th June. Our Dev Feature gives a first look at new gameplay, unseen environments and mechanics. Dan (Studio Head), Joe (Art & Design) and Sarah aka Gee (Community) also address some community-submitted questions, offering fresh insights into dinosaur threats, map variety and missions.[/p][p]Set a reminder to watch here: https://bit.ly/FGS-Summer-Showcase-2025[/p]
Until next time…
[p]Cheers for tuning in! As always, join us and the rest of the community over on Discord or watch more behind-the-scenes on TikTok. Don’t forget, you can find and follow us on Facebook, Instagram and X/Twitter too. We're still working out Threads and Bluesky but hey, we'll see you there too.[/p][p][/p][p]Wishlist![/p][p][img src="https://clan.akamai.steamstatic.com/images/38255468/4ffca81e1aa817a219d7b7842c33933fe2b23efc.png"][/p]
April 2025 - Sedate, Survive, Stay Alive!
New DevLog Episode
DevGround Episode 3 is now ready for you to catch up with Deathground's developments! In this month’s episode, we delve a little deeper into the Greenhouse map, see some behind-the-scenes of the Brachiosaurus coming to life, and give a little extra insight into the latest character updates, including lore-specific primary loadout items and more. Ready? Hit play!
Chapter breakdown: 0:00 Welcome back! 0:11 Oh hello, Future Games Show 0:54 Early Access!? 1:37 Dipping the lights... 2:35 Bringing the Brachiosaurus to life 3:17 Ping! Look over there! 3:43 Hiding vs. Healing 4:32 Using the Tranquilliser Rifle 5:01 Playable Character Options...
Until next time…
Cheers for tuning in! As always, join us and the rest of the community over on Discord or watch more behind-the-scenes on TikTok. Don’t forget, you can find and follow us on Facebook, Instagram and X/Twitter too. We're still working out Threads and Bluesky but hey, we'll see you there too.
And in case you missed it, you can watch our new gameplay teaser trailer below!
In case you missed our announcement at the end of DevGround Episode 2, Deathground's DevLog, the game is going to be featured in the Future Games Show later today!
The Spring Showcase will start at 1pm PT, 4pm ET, 8pm GMT and 9pm CET, and will be broadcast on Twitch, YouTube, X, Facebook, TikTok, GamesRadar, Steam, Epic Game Store, PC Gamer, IGN, GameSpot, BiliBili and more. It will be hosted by actors Nolan North (Nathan Drake, Uncharted Series) and Jennifer English (Shadowheart, Baldur’s Gate 3). To make sure you get the ping when the show starts, you can set a reminder to watch!
Until next time…
We hope you enjoy the show later, we'll be hanging out in Discord throughout the broadcast. Come and join us there!
In the meantime, you can watch more behind-the-scenes on TikTok, find and follow us on Facebook, Instagram and X/Twitter too. We're still working out Threads and Bluesky but hey, we'll see you there too.
DevGround Episode 2 is now ready for you to catch up with Deathground's developments! As well as answering some community questions from last month's DevLog, in this month’s episode, we're sneaking into the Agricultural Facility to get a glimpse of the Greenhouse map and more. Plus, a little extra insight into the latest Dino AI tricks and character updates, and make sure to stay tuned until the end for a special announcement...
Ready? Hit play!
Until next time…
Thanks for watching and we hope you enjoy the show next week!
As always, join us and the rest of the community over on Discord or watch more behind-the-scenes on TikTok. Don’t forget, you can find and follow us on Facebook, Instagram and X/Twitter too. We're still working out Threads and Bluesky but hey, we'll see you there too.
We've wanted to make more visual and engaging content for some time to help keep you in the loop. We hope this makes it easier to get your Deathground fill! We're switching it up to do monthly public DevLogs to replace written and sometimes lengthy updates.
DevGround Episode 1 is here, hit play and enjoy catching up with Deathground's development in less than 5 minutes!
For any of our Kickstarter backers, don't forget to read the latest update here for the announcement!
Until next time…
We hope you liked this new style of content as a way to digest updates faster and easier. This is only the start, let us know what you'd like to see more of.
As always, join us and the rest of the community over on Discord or watch more behind-the-scenes on TikTok. Don’t forget, you can find and follow us on Facebook, Instagram and X/Twitter too. And if you’re an Alpha-pledged Kickstarter backer, keep an eye out for your next Mission Briefing coming soon!
