Draft of Darkness
Update Notes for Patch v1.2.12.p7
* (Card/Pistol) Bullet Time: Now gives Fatigued 5 to the user.
* Improved gamepad navigation in the flowchart.
* Fixed closing some windows (ex. Metal Scrap) with key input causing run menu UI to appear.
* Fixed issues with gamepad navigation after looting item or card selections.
* Fixed issues with gamepad navigation when navigating card or items in grid UIs (ex. Archive, Deck Edit etc.)
* Applied latest localization progress. (Russian and Japanese support is available in the Testing branch)
Update Notes for Patch v1.2.12.p2
* Applied fixes for memory leak occurring when long texts are shown in the UI (tooltips, notes, event text etc.).
* Split save data into multiple files to prevent memory usage buildup during saving. Main save files are now named "SaveData_General.es3", "SaveData_Player#.es3" and "SaveData_Run#.es3".
* Optimized save data to reduce run save file size and memory imprint during saving. Save files are compressed and no longer encrypted.
* To prevent data loss when launching the game after unsuccessful backup recovery, the corrupt files are backed up separately. This may allow manual recovery in the worst case scenario.
* Fixed a bug where "Ponder" move was able to discard itself.
* Fixed various text overflows.
* Minor fixes.
* Removed old test save import functionality. If you have an old prerelease test version save (from Early Access testing branch), you can rename it to "SaveData.es3" to attempt importing it manually.
* Applied latest localization progress (testing branch).
Update Notes for Patch v1.2.11
* Fixed a crash that occurred when retrieving items from the Nest event.
* Fixed "Stance: Attack" condition not applying its effect immediately.
* Fixed Slot Machine not refreshing resources immediately after prize is received (needed to re-trigger the event to use gained pennies).
* Updated the input system package in an attempt to fix issues in some systems where directional input gets stuck.
* Applied object pooling to the Options menu to reduce memory consumption.
* Updated the save system package in an attempt to fix crashes and memory issues during saving.
Update Notes for Patch v1.2.10
* Timers for events that resolve in a single area now won't show after leaving the area.
* First Aid Kit item can be used in the "Injured Mascot" event.
* Adjusted "You Need to See the Doctor" challenge rules: Starting Health 10->20, Starting Energy 5->8. Added Encounter Count rule: 22. Added Loot Count rule: 22. Added Strong Encounter Count rule: 2.
* "Locked Drawer" event now always appears in the Residence area in Story Mode.
* "Key Hanger" now won't spawn in the final area of a run. Shapeless Key cannot be used in the final area of a run.
* Changed Bigger Areas custom rule from 2x room count to 1.75x room count.
* Adjusted level generation to reduce long generation time for Bigger Areas rule.
* Increased the scale of speech bubbles in exploration for better visibility of text.
* Fixed an issue causing Crusher and Simulation Computer events not to spawn in Challenge and Custom modes.
* Fixed a crash involving "Gumball Machine" event when multiple events spawn during a run.
* Fixed issues with Garuda Statue and Three Statues events when they repeat during the same run.
* Reduced maximum run length in Run Length Custom Mode rule to 10 until some issues with long runs are resolved.
* Fixed "Masochist" status effect not applying properly for ally characters and for DoT and healing.
* Fixed a bug causing "Purification Machine" event not to spawn.
* Fixed text overflow in equipment tooltip move descriptions.
* Fixed various text / language errors.
Update Notes for Hotfix v1.2.9.p1
Update Notes for Patch v1.2.9
* Condition targeting moves (Inner Peace, Pierce, Strip Essence, Time Push, Snap Out of It, Guardian's Blessing, Overwhelming Presence, Patronize, Amnesia Gas, Cleanse, Demoralizing Drug, Adopt) now lets the player select which conditions to target instead of targeting the first condition added.
* Selecting purchased starting items, perks and preserved items / cards now won't cost credits when starting a run.
* (Status) Brittle Bone: Reduced "taken damage increase" to 400%.
* (Status) Altar of Darkness: Added maximum limit for all effects. Power increase per hit 10%->5%. Defense increase base 30->10, limited to 50. Crit. Chance increase base 30%->10%. Now can affect Speed.
* (Condition) Perfect Aim: Duration 1s->2s.
* Fixed an issue which prevented card activation, if card selection and target selection is done in quick succession.
* Fixed Scanner event still being able to be used (with no effect) even if you don’t have the required Pennies.
* Fixed some errors with Altar of Darkness event.
* Fixed Recovery, Dim Light moves and Overwrought status not detecting some of the damage dealing moves correctly.
* Fixed Sewer Crawler tile being walkable after loading a save.
* Fixed a language error with Handicapped.
* Fixed higher starting health rule in custom run mode not setting current health properly.
* Fixed Blood Mushroom effect triggering with Corrosion and some of the other HP loss effects.
* Fixed scrolling issue when hovering over the background of scroll areas in Challenge Mode and Custom Mode.
* Improved card hovering and targeting optimisation to eliminate stutter on some systems.
Update Notes for Patch v1.2.8.p2
* Fixed an error with the Beast Claw item.
* Added a safeguard where translation errors now won't cause crashes but show a translation error text instead.
* Fixed a crash with the Earth-Eroding Worm enemy.
* Fixed several errors in card and item descriptions.
* (Enemy) Earth-Eroding Worm: Blood Rush: Bloodlust layers 4->2, cooldown: 6->30, use HP percentage: 50%->30%. Melt Eyes: Use HP percentage 70%->30%, Cooldown 4->8.
* Increased the Challenge Gem rewards of some of the challenges. You should get the extra rewards if you've already completed them.
Apologies for the frequent patches. It has become a tradition to send out panic bugfix patches following a major update. There may be a few more daily fix patches in the coming days.
Sewers Update Full Release
Simplified Chinese and Turkish Support, More Languages Coming
Draft of Darkness now supports additional languages beyond English. Initially, Simplified Chinese and Turkish are available, with plans to introduce Russian, Japanese, and Spanish soon. We are actively working on improving translations thanks to our community members and plan to improve localization with upcoming patches.
While not guaranteed, I'm exploring the possibility of enabling custom translations to further enhance language support.
New Area: Sewers
The Sewers introduce a new starting area, offering an alternative to the Residence. Available in Story Mode after completing Part 1 of the story, this dank labyrinth is teeming with slimy monsters and acidic hazards. It features 6 new enemies, 3 new bosses, and unique events. The Sewers' tight corridors contrast with the Residence Area, challenging players to make strategic decisions that can turn the tide in their favor.
This update introduces over 23 new events where you'll make critical choices to survive or risk being consumed by the Darkness! Nine of these events are exclusive to the Sewers, enhancing its dark atmosphere, while the remainder can occur in various areas. We've also refined the cyclic spawn mechanism, reducing the repetition of events across different areas and runs.
New Game Mode: Challenge
Challenge Mode offers a variety of unique challenges, each with its own twist on the game's mechanics. These challenges, designed to extend gameplay beyond Story Mode, can be tackled on any difficulty, allowing you to face them as you see fit.
Successful completion of Challenge Mode rewards players with Challenge Gems, which can be used in the Credits Shop. The shop now features "Epic" rarity moves for all weapons, purchasable with Challenge Gems. Unlocking these moves adds them to your arsenal during runs.
New Game Mode: Custom
Custom Mode introduces the ability to adjust runs with various modifiers, which can either increase or decrease the Credits earned. This mode gives you the chance to craft your own challenges and share them with the community.
Both Challenge and Custom modes are separate from Story Mode, with all areas accessible from the start. Story events are excluded, allowing players to focus purely on gameplay without needing to complete Story Mode.
Future Plans
This is the second planned post-release update for Draft of Darkness, expanding the game's content, and this one is the size of an expansion! With this update, I'm happy to say that the game has reached a state I've been aiming for. This project has been a massive undertaking for a solo developer, and it took years to reach its current state. Although it hasn't performed well financially—falling far short of justifying the time and money invested when looking purely at the numbers—I'm proud to have succeeded in staying dedicated and completing my first major project after failing to do so for so many others. I'd like to extend my heartfelt thanks to all of you for your support thus far and hope you're pleased with how Draft of Darkness has turned out!
Going forward, I don’t plan on releasing major updates. Big updates, as you may have noticed, require a significant amount of time. Given the current size of the game, managing such updates as a solo developer is becoming increasingly challenging, and it’s unrealistic to expect players to wait patiently for them every time. Instead, I’ll focus on releasing frequent bug fixes and balance updates in the coming weeks, along with introducing the remaining planned languages. While I do intend to further expand the content for Custom Mode and Challenge Mode, my immediate priority will be on maintenance, addressing important backlog tasks, and implementing suggestions. If you have any suggestions, bug reports, or requests, please feel free to post in the forums or join our Discord Server!
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Update Notes for Patch v1.2-v1.2.8 (Full Release)
Mechanics
* Custom Mode: A new game mode where modifiers can be added to create runs with custom rules. Rules can be "codes", which modify the run parameters (ex. Bigger ares, no shops, starting health...); and they can be "goals", which can be achieved during the run. Rules have credits multipliers that add to the run's credits prize.
* Challenge Mode: A new game mode with specially designed custom runs. Successfully completing challenges gives "Challenge Gems", which can be spent in the Credits Shop to unlock new content.
* Added an unlock notification screen showing when something is unlocked.
* Separated the credits shop into categories. Added a new category for unlocks.
* Changed the "run time" to be turn-based. The achievements looking at the real-time timer now considers the turn based timer instead.
* Changed how events spawn for better event rotation and preventing repeated events in custom / challenge runs.
* Fast travel now advances timers.Content
* New area added: Sewers (as first area) (can be unlocked with Challenge Gems).
* Added challenges: "Boss Rush", "Boss Duo Rush", "Dark Escape", "Extermination Team", "Long March", "No Time to Shop", "Punching Jake", "The Darkness Prowls", "Trouble in Sewers", "True Hardcore", "Valkyrie's Revenge", "You Need to See the Doctor".
* Added custom rules: "Big Areas", "Darkness Level at Area Start", "Strong Encounter Count", "Encounter Count", "Starting Energy", "Starting Health", "Goal: Victory", "Goal: Time Trial", "Loot Count", "No Terminals", "Recruit Count", "Shop Count", "Small Areas", "Vision Range".
* 23 new Decision Events are added: "Novice Robot", "Scanner Machine", "Chained Cupboard", "Bloodied Mirror", "Trickster 2", "Gumball Machine", "Slimy Bag", "Altar of Darkness", "Iron Maiden", "Electric Cable Hazard", "Automatic Teller Machine", "Pile of Rubble", "Punch Machine", "Shape Sorter", "Sewage Pipe", "Hidden Arrows", "Old Clothes Dispenser", "Locked Fence", "Tree Roots", "Purification Machine", "Darkness Filled Corridor", "Secret Stash", "Newspaper Machine".
* 6 new normal enemies are added (Sewers):
"Spitting Prowler", "Bloodthirsty Prowler", "Night Prowler", "Sewer Crawler", "Grunge", "Newborn Zombie".
* 3 new bosses are added (Sewers):
"Sewer Disease", "Sewer Walker", "Impending Nightmare".
* 1 new unarmed Rare Run move added: "Think".
* 12 new "Epic" run moves are added (can be unlocked with Challenge Gems):
"Desperado" (Pistol), "Assassin's Prowess" (Knife), "Uprising" (Syringe), "Seraph's Vision" (Flashlight), "Unbreakable Will" (Axe), "Lock and Load" (Shotgun), "Paired Entanglement" (Dark Weapon), "Sticky Situation" (Spray Gun), "Lick Wounds" (Chainsaw), "Bolt: A.I." (Crossbow), "Master Stance" (Shield).
Changes
* (Card/Shield) Shield Cake: Dmg per block 0.25x->0.2x (+1: 0.5x->0.4x)
* (Card/Pistol) Blind Fire: Energy Cost 5->4.
* (Card/Pistol) Warning Shot: Energy Cost 3->1.
* (Card/Knife) Choppy Chop: Dmg 0.75x->0.5x (+1: 1.5x->1x)
* (Card/Flashlight) Dim Light: Resource Cost 3->2; Crit. Chance Increase 30%->40%.
* (Card) Incite: Now can only target other entities.
* (Item/Consumable) Crowbar: Rarity: Epic->Rare. Max drop count: 1->2.
* (Perk) Vicious: Now always reduces Physical Defence on Bleeding trigger, instead of having a chance.
* Reduced "This is an Emergency" achievement time requirement to 15 minutes. Reduced "Parkour Runner" time requirement to 15 minutes. This is because run time is now calculated as turn based time.Utility
* Added localization support.
* Added initial language choices (translations pending): English, Simplified Chinese, Japanese, Russian, Spanish, Turkish, Brazilian Portugese.
* Simplified Chinese language support progress. (Credits: Qaym)
* Turkish language support progress.
* Added support for importing translations through Google Spreadsheets.
* Default fonts are changed to fonts that are more suitable for localization. Alternative fonts are added for Chinese, Japanese and Cyrillic characters.
* 2 new music tracks are added: "Sewers Encounter", "Sewers Boss".
* Added visual effects for Stealth condition.
* Changed encounter condition inflict & decay animations to show icons instead of names.Fixes
* Weird Painting choice gives Dash move instead of Energetic Slash, which is an equipment move.
* Fixed companions having different sufferings if recruited later.
* Fixed crashes occurring with Toxic Worm enemy in certain cases (Burrowed status).
* Fixed "Sunburn" dealing damage based on condition count instead of layer count.
* Fixed some of the card attribute bonuses showing up as ??? in modifier breakdown.
* Fixed Perpetual perk affecting Fleeing.
* Fixed "Crippling Shot" not applying Crippled.
* Fixed Cian's "Light" move dealing Dark Damage.
* Fixed a bug with weapon drops when no character can use weapons.
* Sapphire Cube and Sapphire Fragment now triggers with Restoration heal.
* Fixed Mona repeating her lines in encounter, if her move cooldowns are reset.
* Various fixes.
v1.2 Sewers Update Beta
Check out this cool new trailer!
Localization
Draft of Darkness now supports localization! This means that the technical changes required for translating the game are finally in place. Translations are still in progress. Currently, I'm relying on machine translation and looking for volunteers who will participate in the community effort to complete the translation of Draft of Darkness into different languages. If you are interested in contributing, please contact me via our Discord Server! I will be notifying those who have already contacted me before, as well. The languages that will, at the very least, receive machine translation include: Simplified Chinese, Japanese, Russian, Spanish, and Turkish.
What's New?
I can't wait to discuss the additions in detail upon release. For now, here's a quick list of what's new:
- The Sewers Area: You can now start your runs in the Sewers instead of the Residence. The Sewers are filled with 6 new enemies, 3 new bosses, acidic hazards, and unique events.
- Challenge Mode: A new mode where you can complete specially designed runs, ranging from boss rushes to time trials.
- Custom Mode: A new mode that allows you to create runs with custom modifiers and goals. Modifiers will increase or decrease the credits you earn at the end of runs.
- New Content: A variety of content has been added, including 23+ new decision events, new epic moves unlockable with challenge gems, and more!
v1.2 Release
My goal is to wrap up the translations, iron out any bugs from developing the localization system and integrating the new features, and add in some final touches I've been planning. I'm targeting to roll out the update in a month. Currently aiming for March 25th (tentative).
Warning: If you decide to play the Beta and switch to the testing branch, your main save file will be upgraded to the new version. Either backup your save file before switching, or do not switch back to the main branch until the Beta ends. Otherwise, your save file will be corrupted.
Update Notes for Patch v1.2
Mechanics
* Custom Mode: A new game mode where modifiers can be added to create runs with custom rules. Rules can be "codes", which modify the run parameters (ex. Bigger ares, no shops, starting health...); and they can be "goals", which can be achieved during the run. Rules have credits multipliers that add to the run's credits prize.
* Challenge Mode: A new game mode with specially designed custom runs. Successfully completing challenges gives "Challenge Gems", which can be spent in the Credits Shop to unlock new content.
* Added an unlock notification screen showing when something is unlocked.
* Separated the credits shop into categories. Added a new category for unlocks.
* Changed the "run time" to be turn-based. The achievements looking at the real-time timer now considers the turn based timer instead.Content
* New area added: Sewers (as first area) (can be unlocked with Challenge Gems).
* Added challenges: "Boss Rush", "Boss Duo Rush", "Dark Escape", "Extermination Team", "Long March", "No Time to Shop", "Punching Jake", "The Darkness Prowls", "Trouble in Sewers", "True Hardcore", "Valkyrie's Revenge", "You Need to See the Doctor".
* Added custom rules: "Big Areas", "Darkness Level at Area Start", "Strong Encounter Count", "Encounter Count", "Starting Energy", "Starting Health", "Goal: Victory", "Goal: Time Trial", "Loot Count", "No Terminals", "Recruit Count", "Shop Count", "Small Areas", "Vision Range".
* 23 new Decision Events are added: "Novice Robot", "Scanner Machine", "Chained Cupboard", "Bloodied Mirror", "Trickster 2", "Gumball Machine", "Slimy Bag", "Altar of Darkness", "Iron Maiden", "Electric Cable Hazard", "Automatic Teller Machine", "Pile of Rubble", "Punch Machine", "Shape Sorter", "Sewage Pipe", "Hidden Arrows", "Old Clothes Dispenser", "Locked Fence", "Tree Roots", "Purification Machine", "Darkness Filled Corridor", "Secret Stash", "Newspaper Machine".
* 6 new normal enemies are added (Sewers):
"Spitting Prowler", "Bloodthirsty Prowler", "Night Prowler", "Sewer Crawler", "Grunge", "Newborn Zombie".
* 3 new bosses are added (Sewers):
"Sewer Disease", "Sewer Walker", "Impending Nightmare".
* 1 new unarmed Rare Run move added: "Think".
* 12 new "Epic" run moves are added (can be unlocked with Challenge Gems):
"Desperado" (Pistol), "Assassin's Prowess" (Knife), "Uprising" (Syringe), "Seraph's Vision" (Flashlight), "Unbreakable Will" (Axe), "Lock and Load" (Shotgun), "Paired Entanglement" (Dark Weapon), "Sticky Situation" (Spray Gun), "Lick Wounds" (Chainsaw), "Bolt: A.I." (Crossbow), "Master Stance" (Shield).
Changes
* (Card/Shield) Shield Cake: Dmg per block 0.25x->0.2x (+1: 0.5x->0.4x)
* (Item/Consumable) Crowbar: Rarity: Epic->Rare. Max drop count: 1->2.Utility
* Added localization support.
* Added initial language choices (translations pending): English, Simplified Chinese, Japanese, Russian, Spanish, Turkish.
* Partial machine translations are being added.
* Added support for importing translations through Google Spreadsheets.
* Default fonts are changed to fonts that are more suitable for localization. Alternative fonts are added for Chinese, Japanese and Cyrillic characters.
* 2 new music tracks are added: "Sewers Encounter", "Sewers Boss".
* Added visual effects for Stealth condition.
* Changed encounter condition inflict & decay animations to show icons instead of names.
v1.2 Update Progress
Custom Run & Challenges
The forthcoming update introduces two exciting modes: Custom Run and Challenge modes. In Custom Run mode, you'll have the flexibility to adjust various parameters, set goals, and explore different ways to modify your runs. On the other hand, Challenge mode will feature unique runs with various gimmicks and goals, offering a fresh and engaging way to experience the game. Completing challenges will also unlock new content in the Credits Shop.
An early screenshot of the challenge selection screen.The development of the Challenge and Custom Run systems is nearly complete, and I'm actively working on expanding the content within these frameworks.
New Content & Changes
Version 1.2 will add additional metaprogression, unlockable items, numerous challenges, events and more! (Maybe even a new area?) My goal is to provide enough content so that players who have already completed the game can return for a new experience.
New content not shown here, but an unlock notification screen is added.Localization / Translation
While budget constraints prevent a professional translation of the game, I've invested time in creating a system to allow custom localization. I've implemented a system, and started transferring all in-game text to this system. Though this task has consumed three weeks of effort so far (which was kind of discouraging), I'm still committed to completing it. (More like, too far in not to complete...)
After finishing the localization system, I plan to offer machine translation as a starting point. Additionally, volunteers can edit a spreadsheet file within the game files to enhance translations. I'll include these improved translations in official patches.
If you'd like to volunteer to assist with translating the game into another language, please reach out to me (@crawlygames) on our Discord Server.
An early screenshot of testing the localization system in the Options menu. New fonts will be added to fix the special characters.Overall Progress
The v1.2 update will be a free, DLC-quality update. While there's no official release date as of now, it's unlikely to be completed by year-end. I extend my best wishes for a happy new year in advance and am optimistic about releasing the update early in 2024.
While I was busy with the localization and custom runs, we fell a bit behind on fix patches. A small fix patch (v1.1.1_p2) has been deployed, and more will come soon as I work on balance changes and bug fixes.
Be a Hero Event for CCON Stuttgart 2023
Draft of Darkness is part of the Be a Hero event on Steam scheduled for December 9th and 10th. To celebrate, DoD will be discounted by 25%. Be sure to check out the event and take advantage of the special offer!
Update Notes for Patch v1.1.1_p2
* Fixed Glitch event teleporting the player to the boss room while locked door events are present, causing a soft lock.
* Fixed an issue where selling / buying items caused the scroll bar to move to the top.
* Fixed an issue where filtering / sorting cards when editing the starting deck caused the edited deck to reset.