As we work to put the finishing touches on the game - we've brought DUSK fully into Unity 2018.
This will allow us to do much more with the game moving forward (like the Switch port) and streamline all of our processes. Huzzah! (Patch notes below)
We also made changes to the UI/UX and menu systems!
Menus are now streamlined and split into LOOK / FEEL / SOUND.
We've also added some cheeky pixelization option names for ya (right click to enlarge)
Meanwhile...
As we get closer to finishing Episode 3
We've also started to go back and polish up Episodes 1 & 2, look for areas to improve in terms of both environmental storytelling and level design, and generally make sure the content is as good as it can be. Ye.
You'll already notice some of these small tweaks in E1M2 & E1M3.
In DUSKWorld news...
We've fixed some remaining bugs and also added a new map!
You may recognize it as E2M6 - The Erebus Reactor.
This is a very large and open map with plenty of hunting rifles abound.
HAPPY FRAG NIGHT SNIPING :bigjohn:
We'll be adding TDM next. You want it? YOU GOT IT.
We've also put out a call for achievements!
If you think you've got good ideas for DUSK achievements - let us know HERE:
Be it by sickle, by sword, by shotgun... or by old age while waiting for Episode 3.
And now... more than ever - BY PROJECTILE
That's right - the latest DUSKWorld update FINALLY brings client side projectile fixes making the Mortar, Riveter and Crossbow not only viable MP weapons... but some of the best.
Why the best? Because we also nerfed the SSG. Sorry not sorry.
We've also completely overhauled Vestibule & Dusk of the Dead.
Vestibule even has TEXTURES now. Woah...
Spectate mode now occurs on death!
Press LMB to switch between players if you get tired of stalking the guy who killed you...
The Welder has joined the fray! He's big! He's fat! He's got a welder's mask on!
With this latest update you'll find that DUSKWorld is not only more solid and polished but more BALANCED as well. SO HAVE AT IT. Now more than ever it's the best time to join the fight. We've even got new LFG channels in Discord.gg/NewBlood ... JOIN US.
And since it IS the Steam Summer Sale - we went ahead and finally added trading cards, emotes and backgrounds! (They should be live SOON) Based on the art from the upcoming DUSK comic - we think they're all very unique and a fine addition to any Steam collection. Happy hunting.
And as for what's next?
Well, as we wrap up Episode 3 we'll be bringing the entire game into Unity 2018, revamping all of the in-game menus and options, adding achievements, maybe a in-game codex filled with dank lore? and much much more. Team DUSKmatch? Team DUSKmatch.
Oh and did we mention DUSK is coming to Nintendo Switch? That's pretty cool, right? https://twitter.com/TheNewBloods/status/1006578451652886528
And as for Episode 3 itself? Are you sure you want to know?
Over the last week+ since Duels at Dusk 2 we've released an update + several hotfixes for DUSK!
The major changes include...
*The NEW sword! (In SP and coming SOON™ to MP)
The sword is now faster, beefier + can not only do a (silent) charged attack with more than 100hp...
but can ALSO now block/reflect when you have more than 50 morale. Go try it out!
There's now a player death animation and GAME OVER screen in both Campaign and Endless that will show you how many kills and secrets you got. mmm that's nice.
And don't forget there's now sweet sickle icons for completing all the awards in a level! Are you... UNHOLY?!
MOST IMPORTANTLY - there's now buttons on the main menu to get to DUSKWorld from DUSK and vice versa (as well as a New Blood website button for that sweet sweet upcoming merchandise)
Now onto DUSKWorld
Music in DUSKWorld?!
That's right - you can now bang your head to the sweet sounds of Andrew Hulshult while you get killed by a guy with the SSG (nerf inc) for the 4th time in a row :Lorelei:
https://youtu.be/ztXCawRKcLg
*Spectator Mode!* (alpha)
You can now spectate games with the ~ console!
(to spectate, use "team 0", to rejoin the game, use "team 1")
This feature is currently alpha and we'll soon allow you to spectate on death and in first person :Lorelei:
*A NEW map! (Dusk of the Dead)
You may recognize this map as a rework of E1M7 Dead of the Night
*A NEW playable character! (Wendigo)
Because the only thing scarier than a Wendigo? Is a Wendigo with a shotgun.
There's a lot of other changes and updates such as chat window fixes and the ability to force colors on other players (You're welcome, Profanum) so check it all out with the FULL patch notes here: https://steamcommunity.com/app/519860/discussions/0/1474222499229643131/
We're going to be updating both DUSK and DUSKWorld more frequently as we get ever closer to DUSK v1.0 so stay tuned.
Fresh from PAX East we've got your first look at DUSK Episode 3 thanks to our friends at EVGA https://youtu.be/MR7Bbsb01S0 Take a trip with Dave & David a/k/a "Rad Chad" & "Doom Dad" as they...
Reflect upon the stealthy corridors of The Iron Cathedral!
HUP through Fire and Ice!
Then shudder at the horrors of The Forgotten City!
That's right kids we've got...
FLOATY BOIS
STABBY SWORDS
BIG CITY LIVIN'
WATERY GRAVES
and VERY BAD DOGGOS
And remember that this is only a TASTE of what's to come in Episode 3.
We're being purposefully candid about a lot of things because we just really really really don't want to spoil a lot of the stuff we've got coming up. Trust me when I say episode 3 is gonna get WEIRD
We're gonna turn you upside down and inside out
Yet, as you no doubt noticed above - one of the biggest changes we've made is to The Sword.
No longer a hidden and useless weapon, the sword is now faster, stronger AND can also reflect projectiles! (if you have more than 50 morale)
And we're so in love with the way the new sword works that we're not going to wait to give it to you - it's going into the next patch which is coming THIS WEEK ːsteamhappyː
BUT WAIT, THERE'S MORE.
That patch will also bring DUSKWorld updates like a new map, new playable character and Spectator Mode. There will even be some Single Player quality of life imrprovements like a new GAME OVER screen and color coded sickles for level awards on he world map :D:
Speaking of DUSKWorld - don't forget to sign up or tune in to Duels at Dusk 2!
Our second DUSKWorld 1v1 tournament is shaping up to be bigger and better in every way. With both UA & EU brackets and even bigger prizes.
SIGN UP NOW: Discord.gg/NewBlood
Once again we have to thank each and every one of you who have supported DUSK since we first revealed the game back in 2016. It's been a crazy wild ride and we wouldn't be here without YOU.
https://youtu.be/MR7Bbsb01S0
And as much as we're excited to get DUSK v1.0 out the door - we're even more excited to start working on post launch content and release the SDK (level editor) so we can see what YOU can do with DUSK.
I think it's safe to say that the amount of DUSK Steam Workshop is going to be ROBUST.
^community maps already?!
You feel that? That sensation crawling up the back of your neck? No...it's not paranoia. It's HYPE.
We'll be showing off DUSK & AMID EVIL at the booth, giving away prizes from Corsair for 'Endless Mode' high scores and selling NB merch!
Even a little bit of DUSK Episode 3?!?!? You know it.
For those of you who can't make it to the show we'll be streaming DUSK Episode 3 + AMID EVIL Episode 4 LIVE from the EVGA booth on Sunday at 1pm EST ːsteamhappyː
DON'T MISS IT
Twitch.tv/TEAMEVGA
Thanks for your continued support - we hope to see you at the show!
AMID EVIL? AM I DEVIL?!
DuskDudes and Dudettes, Lurkers and Lurk...ettes?!
For those of you who've been anxiously awaiting more single player retro FPS content from the New Blood family... WAIT NO MORE. Soon™ is NOW as AMID EVIL is available in Early Access:
But that's not all. Work on DUSK Episode 3 continues at a DELICIOUS pace as David experiments with new ideas + settings for what's shaping up to be the most MENTAL episode yet.
He's even apparently learned how to make TEXTURES. Crazy, we know...
Meanwhile, in DUSKWorld - the next update will include improvements to projectiles and physics objects (SoapWar anyone?!) as we work on BIGGER content updates like new modes, models, magic and features...
And last but not least - after the first 1v1 tournament was a resounding success (GGs Cease) the NEXT Duels at DUSK tournament will take place on April 28th! And better yet - there will be both US and EU brackets!
SIGN UP... NOW!
US https://challonge.com/tournaments/signup/CL1P3MsWCm
EU https://challonge.com/tournaments/signup/Wp4nkBc7Ar
START PRACTICING, KIDDOS.
Oh and FRAG NIGHT is on Saturdays now :Lorelei:
Discord.gg/NewBlood
http://store.steampowered.com/app/519860/DUSK/
DUELS AT DUSK
DuskDudes & Dudettes! Lurkers & Intruders!
The time has come for...
DUELS. AT. DUSK.
That's right - the first ever DUSKWorld 1v1 Tournament is happening NEXT WEEK on Friday, February 23rd at 4pm Central time (10pm GMT) ːsteamhappyː
Seeing as this is our FIRST tournament and DUSKWorld is still very much in a BETA state, we're keeping this tourney relatively small + low key for now but you can sign up at Discord.gg/NewBlood (check #dusk-events)
What can you win? Well, we've already announced that we'll be giving away Steam Gift Cards but I'm here to tell you we'll also be giving the winners brand new (and shiny) keyboards & mice from our friends at Corsair. You can't very well play DUSKWorld properly with some old garbage KB+M, can you? OF COURSE NOT.
Meanwhile - the news of this 1v1 "FRAGSTRAVAGANZA" doesn't come without news about DUSKWorld itself! So here's what you can expect in the upcoming versions of DUSKWorld - some coming as soon as NEXT WEEK:
Spectator mode (how else you gonna watch the tournaments?!)
*Password Protected Servers (so you can cyber)
*Map tweaks (sure whatever)
*Bugfixes and optimized netcode (yey)
*Minor "quality of life" features (ok)
*Projectile rework (so they work better)
*Custom MP map support (already?!)
*Additional game modes (there will be soap)
*A dedicated server tool (host your own damn server)
AND...
THIRD. PERSON. FLIP. ANIMATIONS. (wuhhhh)
And as for single player?!
Progress continues!
David has been hard at work playing Hitman on Episode 3 and we'll have more to show you SOON™
Y'all like Arcane Dimensons?!
To stay up to date on all the latest be sure to drop into Discord.gg/NewBlood and follow us @DUSKDev on Twitter. And don't forget to show up for DUSKWorld Community FRAG NIGHT. Every Friday. Which is today. Like right now?! OSHI-
See you in DUSKWorld
:Lorelei:
OVERWHELMING
It's been two weeks since we launched DUSK in Early Access - and as you've no doubt noticed - the response is now officially, undeniably, OVERWHELMINGLY POSITIVE.
The team is ecstatic, thrilled and humbled - but this is no accident.
Those of you who have been here with us since day zero know that we've been building this game WITH YOU from the very beginning and that this outcome is the result of us building DUSK brick by brick, level by level, hup by hup with your feedback and guidance the entire time.
This is the result of never rushing, never stressing, and always communicating with YOU.
Because of YOU, people now know exactly the kind of game DUSK is, exactly the kind of player DUSK is for, and exactly just how legit it is at being both of those things.
So we're here to thank you once again. The reason this game is what it is and the reason we're here - is because of you.
But remember that THIS is only the beginning.
Work on Episode 3 continues and DUSKWorld multiplayer updates will keep coming during Early Access. New servers, new features, new fixes, new models, new maps, new modes, but the same old GLORIOUS gameplay.
But don't just expect updates: During Early Access we'll also be running DUSK single player contests, DUSKWorld multiplayer tournaments, and of course continue hosting community Frag Night every Friday.
Be sure to drop into Discord.gg/NewBlood for all the latest.
And while this may be the beginning... DUSK's full launch isn't even nearly the end.
We've got a LONG year ahead of us.
After we hit v1.0 it's time for the SDK, Steam Workshop, Co-op, Mac / Linux and more.
The sky is the limit as long as we have YOUR support. And so far it looks like we do :D:
Know that we are equal parts proud, honored and humbled at the response DUSK has gotten.
BUT WAIT, THERE'S MORE - For those of you who are spent on DUSK's first two episodes and crave even MORE retro FPS madness?
Well, you're in luck.
Our UNREAL ode to Heretic & Hexen - AMID EVIL - will be going into Early Access in the coming weeks with THREE out of SEVEN episodes and Endless Mode playable.
Damn, we haven't even announced that yet... but I guess we just did.
That's all for now, lurkers... see you... SOON :Lorelei:
WE ARE ONE
It's been a long time.
It's been a long road.
But we are finally here.
Episode 1
Episode 2
DUSKWorld
Watch the trailer:
https://youtu.be/N7BS6P6rUZ4
Join the community
Discord.gg/NewBlood
And know that THIS is only the beginning...
Remember when DUSK was just a single pre-alpha level?
Remember when DUSK was just a single episode?
Remember when DUSKWorld only had a single map?
Remember when we didn't know you?
Remember when you didn't know us?
Seems like a lifetime ago... doesn't it?
But now we are here.
We are one.
NOW... go forth... and HUP
http://store.steampowered.com/app/519860/DUSK/
2018
T'was the night before DUSKmas And as you might know – DUSK isn't coming this year anymore. Alas we are sorry - an actual delay - since at one point we did say it would be that way!
Anyway, enough of the rhymes - we're sorry but not TOO sorry. Because we bring good news...
DUSK: Episode 2 is DONE and DUSKWorld Multiplayer (as you should know) is currently in a very stable and fun closed beta. And we want to give them both to you. ALL of you. ASAP
But SOON™ isn't soon enough anymore. In fact, Valve called me a couple of weeks ago (yeah they do that) and asked what all this SOON™ nonsense was about. It was only kinda awkward.
So, after explaining to them where we were at in development and our plans for releasing the rest of the game, they suggested the best course of action was to put DUSK in Early Access.
Now, after discussing it with the team and our community, we're going to be doing just that.
DUSK will be entering Early Access on January 11th, 2018.
Now here are some things you might be asking yourself...
Oh God, Early Access - does this mean the game is never coming out?
Hah, no – DUSK is definitely coming out SOON. Literally. Within the next few months.
What will be included in the game on January 11th?
I already own DUSK, do I need to buy anything else?
No.
Is the price going to change?
Nope. $20 then, $20 now, $20 forever.
Are you guys out of money?
Nah, but if you want to give us some that's cool...
So why didn't you put the game in Early Access originally?
Good question! In hindsight we probably should have. But back in August we naively thought we would have the game finished a few months after pre-orders went live and also that we didn't need Early Access to test the game.
We were very wrong. Well, not very wrong - but pretty wrong.
We also didn't anticipate just how many people would want and love the game.
There are currently about 7,500 people who have DUSK and 30,000 more wishing for it.
And while we've been doing a good job of testing the game internally and with our community (sup), if even 1/3 of those people jump into DUSK & DuskWorld on Day 1 and we're not prepared?
It could be catastrophic.
DUSK deserves better than a bad launch. And we know better than to let that happen.
Ok, so why Early Access NOW?
Well, by opening the game up to more people in Early Access – we'll be able to get all the DUSKWorld testing we need on a larger scale, give you Episode 2 sooner than later (why not) and also finally allow DUSK to start being seen on the Steam store as a purchasable game with user reviews plus possibly get promotion from Valve – all of which is super important for an indie game.
We'll also finally get to merge all the separate DUSK apps into one which will make our lives and yours so much simpler, don't ya think?
Also - when we weighed the pros and cons of putting DUSK into Early Access? There really was no downside. We get more players, more testers, more sales, more of a presence on the Steam store, and more love from you (we hope) for giving you more content.
The only downside to Early Access is that it has somewhat of a soiled reputation because of games that have abused the model, languished in it for eternity, or never lived up to promises.
Plus admittedly – we really liked the idea of the game being done “When It's Done” - but we've learned that's really just not how things work these days. Not if you want to continually grow your player base and build trust with them (hi guys).
Yet for every Early Access horror story, there are great triumphs.
Don't Starve, Darkest Dungeon, Grim Dawn and Divinity: OS 2 come to mind.
We also think it's safe to say that given the amount of content we've already put out, plus the amount of communication and transparency we've given to you during development (sup) – DUSK is certainly going to be an Early Access game done right.
And it won't be in EA for long. We promise.
Plus it's not like the game would come out any sooner if we didn't put it in Early Access. You'd just be waiting. Which seems silly at this point. You DO want Episode 2 and Multiplayer... right?!
Gotcha, so did DuskWorld slow down DUSK single player development?
Nope.DUSKWorld is being developed by other members of the New Blood fam (Hi Scott & Cam)
Did AMID EVIL slow development down?
No. completely different devs (Ayo Leon!)
DID anything slow DUSK development down?
Not really – but we don't rush. Oh and David and his wife had a baby (Hi Lavender!) Plus, after the release of Episode 1 the expectations for DUSK were raised SIGNIFICANTLY. The hype became real. It was pretty scary, but in a good way.
In fact, at one point David asked if I wanted to bring in more people to help him build the single player campaign and I said HELL NO.
This is HIS game and Episode 3 is being built just like Episode 1 and 2 were. This is his baby.
Well... his second baby. And I won't rush him or stress him (any more than I have to)
Ok - so what's left to finish after Early Access for the full launch?
The DAWN SDK, Steam Workshop, Co-op?, Mac, Linux and who knows what else!
It's gonna be a long year.
Fair enough... But I pre-ordered the game in 2017? ...What do I get?!
Good point. We love those of you who were already willing to give us your hard earned money the most - so to thank you for being there for us on DAY ZERO...
We will be upgrading everyone who pre-ordered the game before Christmas to the Digital Collector's Edition of DUSK for FREE.
Yes, that means you will be getting the DUSK 40 page Digital Comic & Original Soundtrack by Andrew Hulshult (The $30 version of the game) completely FREE.
We think that's a pretty good way of saying thank you.
But don't thank us for being so generous. Thank Andrew for agreeing to literally give away thousands of copies of his OST for free. He really is that dude. May he be praised.
Whatever, I'm tired of waiting for this game and I want my money back!
That's cool, too – you can still refund DUSK at any time since it's still a pre-order – but we hope you'll be back when the full game launches.
Anything else?
I mean, we could just continue on as-is and not put the game in Early Access and just keep you all waiting until the full release - but at this point we think it would be not only detrimental to the game, but unfair to all of you who've been waiting for more DUSK.
So! We hope you're as stoked to get your hands on Episode 2 & DUSKWorld as we are to give it to you. In less than 3 weeks from now. Sooner than SOON™
Here's a TL:DR
DUSK goes into Early Access on January 11th, 2018 and it includes:
