With Steam Next Fest wrapping up, we want to give a big shoutout and thank you to everyone playing our demo and sharing their feedback. Your input has been incredibly valuable, helping us improve and shape the game. We truly appreciate your support and enthusiasm!
Join us for the final survival stream! Tune in on June 16th at 19:00 CEST
to watch our developers showcase the game and share valuable survival tips.
You can be sure we won't leave you hanging. We’ll be active in the chat, ready to answer all your questions and clear up any doubts. So don’t hesitate to ask.
FEEDBACK
If you’d like to keep sharing your thoughts and impressions about the game, join our community on our official Discord server! It’s the best way to stay connected, share your feedback, and chat with fellow explorers and the dev team. Come be a part of the adventure!
PLAY DEMO NOW! JOIN US ON LIVE-STREAM TOMORROW AT 7PM CEST ON STEAM!
Hello, Explorers!
On June 6th, we launched the Demo for Honeycomb: The World Beyond!
We warmly invite all of you to delve into the world of Sota7 and explore its uncharted territory. But that’s not all – starting from today until June 17th, we’ll be participating in Steam Next Fest. This is your chance to have fun with the demo and get a taste of the adventures awaiting you in Honeycomb.
Our developers will be there to answer all your burning questions and showcase some gameplay from their perspective. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to be part of the adventure and share your feedback with us. We look forward to seeing you there! We'll see you TOMORROW!
KEEP UP TO DATE
If you want to stay up-to-date with the latest news, be sure to follow us on social media. To become part of our community, join our official Discord server, where our developers are always monitoring your questions. You can also share your game impressions with us there.
Science is an art!
Fufu~
Honeycomb: The World Beyond DEMO IS LIVE! Don't wait and PLAY NOW!
Hello, Explorers!
The wait is over, and we’ve got some epic news for you! Today is a huge day for us because we’re dropping the DEMO of Honeycomb: The World Beyond – a full four days before Steam Next Fest kicks off! If you’ve been itching to explore planet Sota7, your dream just came true! With our brand-new demo, you can dive into your adventure right now. From today until June 17, you can explore, discover, and experience this uncharted territory in your bioengineering quest. Don’t sleep on this – jump in and see what Sota7 has in store for you!
FEEDBACK
In this demo, we’re zooming in on survival by giving you access to one mode from the final game – Survivalist. This mode is here to teach you the ropes. It’s a challenging experience where you’ll face the hostile fauna and flora of Sota7. Your mission is to survive using the learned mechanics and survival strategies.
For those who prefer a more laid-back experience, the full game will also feature a second mode - Explorer. This mode will be more forgiving, with less aggressive wildlife and vegetation. Explorer mode will ease the pressure and provide more guidance, making exploration easier and more enjoyable.
You’ll start in the early game stages, giving you a taste of the bigger picture and letting you really immerse yourself in the world of Sota7.
We’re all ears for your feedback. We’re super keen to hear what you think about the survival aspects, the game’s pacing, and your survival on this alien turf.
For a deep dive into survival, check out our latest devlog by clicking HERE
Getting the overall feel of the game right is key. We want to know what you think. Tell us everything about the things you find fun or boring or challenging - your feedback means a lot!
CHORNOBYL LIQUIDATORS
Surviving on an unknown planet is not a piece of cake, but how about helping with the aftermath of the Chornobyl disaster? Can you survive and manage till the end?
If you're interested in the history of the Chornobyl disaster, our friends at Live Motion Games invite you to step into the role of a nameless hero starting today at 5:30 PM with the CHORNOBYL LIQUIDATORS RELEASE!
That’s it for now, Explorers! We can’t wait to hear what you think about Honeycomb: The World Beyond and get your feedback. Head over to our Steam page and add the game to your wishlist if you dig the DEMO.
Got questions or want to chat with the devs? Join our Discord for exclusive content and updates. It’s always open for you!
Stay in the loop by following us on social media – you don’t want to miss out on any news!
Meanwhile, remember - Science is an art!
Dev Update #10 - OUR FIRST EVER STORY TRAILER! & STEP-BY-STEP SURVIVAL GUIDE!
Hello, Explorers!
As you know, EON Corp. is working hard to make Operation Honeycomb a success. That's why, today we'll share some of the key elements of our game with you.
In this devlog, you'll discover essential survival techniques to navigate and tame the alien and dangerous fauna and flora of Sota7. We'll also focus on introducing our concept of condition, health, and knockout in the game. Stay tuned for some tips and tricks for enduring the challenges of Sota7 and ensuring your survival in this hostile environment.
NEW TRAILER
We have to announce that our FIRST EVER STORY TRAILER is here, ready for you to uncover. It's time to show you an introduction to our story. Get a glimpse into Hennessy’s life and the mission she’s embarked on. Discover why the game is set on an alien planet instead of the Earth. Check it out and unveil the mysteries that await!
Your opinion is always welcome in the comments section! Thank you!
SURVIVAL FEST
Dear Explorers! As you know, Honeycomb: The World Beyond is a survival game, and on May 27th, we'll be participating in the Open World Survival Crafting Fest on Steam with a commentary stream about the game's features.
On this occasion we'd like to shine a brighter light on our survival mechanics and explore the whys and wherefores of how we treat them the way we do.
NEW MAP
Step into the new world with us. Much has changed since you last glimpsed Sota7 in our devlogs. We hope this will be a fresh start for you in exploring this land, awakening your curiosity as researchers navigating through this unique planet, with even greater enjoyment. Check out a few takes of what’s new, and let us know how you feel about it.
SURVIVAL GUIDE
CONDITION
In our game, we focus on Condition and taking care of Hennessy to avoid unnecessary risks. This system directly impacts your character's endurance, allowing you to conduct essential research efficiently – your lifeline in this world.
How does it work?
As a player, you're in charge of her, and your actions can push her to the brink. If stamina drops too low, she risks a knockout – our unique take on character death in the game.
Time may heal wounds, but not entirely. After a while, you'll regain consciousness, but the effects of your carelessness will linger, affecting your performance.
We designed this system to make the player think strategically, like a real survivor trying to prevail despite the harsh conditions. Taking care of Hennessy is crucial, and you'll be rewarded for it. However, every reward has its flip side. A knockout is a serious setback; limping back to base in a weakened state is no walk in the park, and can be downright perilous.
As an experienced bioengineer, survival is your top priority. Charging at bears with bare fists? Not so much. It's all about smart decisions and staying one step ahead of the dangers that lurk around the corner. Remember, always keep healing items on hand – they can be lifesavers.
THIRST AND HUNGER
As we mentioned before, keeping Hennessy healthy is our top priority. But what if you head out without any supplies?
You can always try depending on foraging for sustenance. Sota7 has some wild plants and fruits – though not all of them are safe. Almost everything is edible, but some might give you a nasty surprise.
If it comes to thirst, remember to craft a smoothie, tea or even energy drink to not pass out.
So, gear up before you go exploring. We've got two tools to help you out: the Cooker, which makes even toxic antus edible and tasty like a gourmet meal, and the Water Dispenser, which turns river water into crystal-clear hydration, perfect for those hot days.
Stay prepared and keep Hennessy in top shape - without energy, there is no exploring.
STAMINA
Even though Hennessy is a trained bioengineer on a tough mission, she’s not a robot and has her limits. One big limit? Stamina.
Basic tasks and intense activities tire her out. You can easily recharge energy by standing still and resting.
But after a long day, she needs a solid dose of sleep, which she can only get back at the base. So, planning your day wisely will yield the best results.
There are ways to cheat the system, though. Consuming certain supplies can let her go without sleep for longer, but be ready to face the consequences – they’ll mess with Hennessy’s well-being.
AIR CONDITIONS
Okay, let’s gear up a bit, shall we? We’ve got a useful tool to help Hennessy face toxic air. Keep her lungs safe by crafting a Gas Mask, allowing you to navigate polluted areas freely… For some time. Just remember, it won’t last forever.
Do you want to dive deep and stay submerged longer? Craft yourself a Rebreather! This gadget boosts your underwater breathing time, but don’t forget – it’s got its limits.
HEALTH MANAGEMENT
Ready to face the wilds? Diseases and injuries can sneak up on you, so having some basic medical know-how is crucial. Risking critical condition is (almost) never worth it.
There are two kinds of medicaments in our game. Light meds, like herbal tea, are great for minor issues or a quick condition boost. You can prepare them with relative ease in your Cooker, and you’re good to go.
For serious stuff, you’ll need advanced meds that require an aid station. Think bandages and painkillers – perfect for the bigger injuries and keeping Hennessy in top shape.
SNEAK PEEK
In one of our previous updates, we presented a model of our heroine. Today, we'd like to show you a glimpse of her animated expressions. Enjoy!
KEEP UP TO DATE
We survived, Explorers! We hope our approach to condition and the reasoning behind our health system is now clear. Remember, Hennessy is our main protagonist, and taking care of her is your top priority.The tips and tricks we've shared today should help you as you explore the planet Sota7. We believe you'll handle any danger that comes your way like a pro bioengineer!
Wrapping things up, we invite you once more to watch our story trailer, and join us during survival fest! As always, our social media channels are open for you to stay in the loop with the latest news. If you like Honeycomb: The World Beyond make sure to add it to your wishlist as well.
For the finale - here's our Discord server so feel free to join us there and be closer to the devs than ever before.
Have a nice day, and remember…
Science is an art!
Dev Update #9 - Crossbreeding facts you have to know!
Hello explorers!
It's been a while since we last saw each other and we’re happy to meet you again!
With the first blooms the spring came back, making the days longer, warmer, and brighter. We felt inspired to share a development update focused on a pivotal game mechanic: crossbreeding. Cherishing the sunny days, we’ll focus on plants, leaving the animal section for later. For those who are eager to deepen their knowledge about our game, this video-devlog is for you!
Crossbreeding, though a fascinating mechanic, comes packed in layers of complexity and restrictions. Not all actions are allowed, and not every experiment leads to success. We're here to gently steer you through the dos and don'ts, paving the way for your success as a bioengineer! However, we won't reveal everything — maintaining an air of mystery is essential.
KEEP UP TO DATE
We hope that you've gleaned some insight into the nuanced world of plant crossbreeding in our game. It fills us with excitement to gradually reveal the many mysteries of Honeycomb to you. If certain facets have sparked your curiosity, we're eager to hear from you on our social media platforms — our team is ready to engage and share more with our vibrant community!
For those who love being in the know ahead of time, we've got a little sneak peek of our next devlog for you. After all, we haven't mentioned anything about animals today, have we?
As always, we encourage you to enhance your wishlist by adding Honeycomb and invite you to visit our Discord. There, you'll discover exclusive content and will be able to interact more closely with the team working on the game.
Stay curious and remember,
Science is an art!
Team Honey~
Dev update #8 - PC and Console release date, and NEW trailer!
Hello Explorers!
We hope your journey to Sota7 is smooth sailing, and you've settled into a comfy seat. We're sending you a crucial update straight from the ship, courtesy of Hennessy herself. In this message, you'll learn about a significant change in the release date, as well as added subtitle to our game, key art change, and console news… We encourage you to stay with us until the very end.
Thanks and wishing you a pleasant journey, Team Honey~
WHAT’S NEW
Getting to the heart of the matter, we wanted to share a very important message with you. Be assured that we made this decision keeping the project's best interests in mind and ensuring everything is locked in place. We hope you understand, but we've chosen to move the Honeycomb release date to Q3 2024.
We understand that it's not the first time we've adjusted the release date, but with the complete vision of the Honeycomb project in mind, we want to deliver the game to you in its full glory.
This adjustment is driven not only by the commitment to launch the complete game instead of early access but also by a major announcement we've been keeping under wraps...
It's BIG NEWS for both us and console players! Alongside the full PC version of Honeycomb, we'll try to launch the game simultaneously on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S!
We wanted to make sure players on all platforms will be able to embark on this journey at once.
We hope you understand our decision, and perhaps it'll add a bit of sweetness with our new TRAILER, diligently prepared for you over the past few weeks:
KEY ART
Just as bees breathe life into our planet, we've decided to infuse new life into our capsule. Hennessy stands in the glow of dawn over Sota7, looking out beyond the horizon. Her time is now, and the world is full of new things for her to discover. It's time to embrace this boundless space, leaving behind her symbolic cradle.
On Sota7, Hennessy has a chance to encounter life forms that don't necessarily conform to her expectations and enjoy much more freedom than she ever did living in the safe enclosures offered by the ARKs back on Earth.
NEW SUBTITLE
After much back-and-forth within our team, we've decided that our game could use a subtitle to better capture the essence of what Honeycomb is all about. But before we dive into that, let's kick things off with a fundamental question - why did we call the game Honeycomb in the first place? Our most important inspiration for the game is nature and the role it plays in the survival of our planet and frankly, without bees, mankind would be gone in less than five years.
Since our game mechanics are so closely tied to the natural process of cross-pollination and humanity’s continued struggle to survive against all odds, “honeycomb” represents Earth, a place that humanity built up as its cradle. It’s a safe, well-known space, but also a closed and limited environment.
The subtitle we’ve chosen complements the main title and points to the other core mechanic of our game - exploration. “The World Beyond” is what we’d like to invite you to see for yourselves - a realm that stretches beyond our comfort zone, surpassing the cradle. Sota7 is a door to that limitless, unfamiliar place – a world filled with captivating discoveries and potential hazards, inviting us to venture into the unexplored.
Inspired by the addition of a new subtitle, we also opted for a subtle change in the logo. We aimed to highlight Art Nouveau elements in a more sci-fi-inspired style. The delicate floral motifs on the lettering signify vegetation, while the centrally placed letter Y resembles a capsule containing plant life. We're curious to hear your thoughts, so be sure to let us know in the comments what you think about the new visual direction of our logo.
KEEP UP TO DATE
So… that's a wrap for today, Explorers. We hope you like the changes and share our excitement about the console and full PC release in Q3 2024. We're aware that this is another delay, but we want to make things right.
As always we encourage you to visit and follow us on social media, and wishlist us on Steam Page as well. But if you’re curious about some exclusive content, check our our Discord server, by clicking on the banner below, or HERE.
Science is an art! Team Honey~
Explore biomes and meet the life forms that have been discovered so far on Sota7
Hello, Explorers!
Before we start this devlog for real, we have hot news for you straight from Sota7. We’ve just launched our Honeycomb gameplay live stream! Make sure to visit our Steam page and see how two developers from our team fare against the challenges of our planet. And that's not all! If you'd like to play the Honeycomb demo, we are currently at Gamescom in Cologne till August 27th.
Swing by for a high-five and some potential feedback. We'll be waiting for you at the Hall 10.1 E028. Until then, fellow explorers!
Alright, now that we've got the news segment behind us, without further ado, I invite you for a short stroll!
Remember our last devlog? The one where we showed you what the vast and unexplored lands of planet Sota7 might look like? Well, today we have something special in store for you. Put your walking shoes on, because we're going on a little stroll.
ANIMALS
Sota7 isn't just about stunning landscapes, it's also home to a variety of life forms. From the tiniest, like zuma, who made an appearance in the previous devlog, to the larger and more menacing!
In our Gamescom demo (available only at the event), you can encounter adorable woxes, striders, and the universally charming camillas, who mimic the behavior of others. They seem interested in Hennessy as well. Who knows, maybe they’d like to accompany her on her journey?
Hennessy is sure to meet other interesting animals on her journey - take for instance these woxes. These nimble little creatures thrive in an aquatic environment and they don’t like being disturbed. Let’s hope they get along - they will have to share the planet, after all.
OUR WORLD
As we take those first steps on Sota7, remember it's an uncharted planet. There are all sorts of wonders of Mother Nature waiting out there. Its flora and fauna will surprise you time and time again.
We previously unveiled the concepts for Stem Sanctuary, Nenu Grove, and Ash Woods. Now you can see what they look like in-game!
We've added a day and night cycle as well, so now you will be able to experience a living world in both sunlight and moonlight.
RESOURCES
Roaming an uncharted planet comes with its own risks, so proper preparation is key. Building a base of operations will be necessary if you want to survive. You will need a good amount of resources to make that possible. Sota7 is replete with various materials, which are there for the taking... or are they? Sometimes, you've got to dig deeper, and that's where our trusty trowel comes into play, helping you unearth those buried minerals!
As a bioengineer you can also graft plants onto other plants by using the branch-cutting scissors. The scissors can be used to cut fruits and vegetables as well – now that's what you call a useful device!
UI/UX
Alright, let's get technical for a moment. A game can't function without an interface. We're constantly prototyping different versions and today, we wanted to give you a brief glimpse into the creation of a possible inventory interface, where you'll find all the materials you've gathered.
STATUS EFFECTS
Continuing our journey through the interface, a crucial element for knowing what's happening in the game is status effects. First and foremost, we need to look after Hennessy’s health, which is represented by icons for hydration or dehydration, hunger or being full, and various energy levels. During her adventure, Hennessy might also get injured - either by her own carelessness or territorial life forms. It’s important to take care of Hennessy’s health - after all, she’s out there on her own.
KEEP UP TO DATE
That's all for today's devlog. We hope you enjoyed our materials and we're eager to hear your thoughts, so please share them with us in the comments.
Keep an eye on our social media channels to stay in the loop, and make sure to hit that follow button and add Honeycomb to your Steam wishlist to stay on top of all the latest game updates!
If you'd like to catch up on our exclusive content, we also invite you to join our Discord, where you'll find the link in the banner below. See you there!
Science is an art! Team Honey~
Delve into the unknown – see how we shape the world of Sota7 in our Devlog #6
Hello, Explorers!
Today, we’re excited to take you on a short journey through the uncharted territories of the planet Sota7. Zuma is ready – are you?
What potential dangers and mysteries await us in this unknown land? Today, we will unveil some of the secrets hidden within this new world and give you a glimpse of what lies behind the curtain.
So far we’ve only shown you the rough map sketches and blockouts. Now we're pumped to give you a sneak peek of the actual spot where the adventure's gonna go down.
A lot of effort goes into crafting an entire world – and even more into making it fun to traverse. Drawing inspiration from different media and real-life phenomena, our concept artists work tirelessly to create unforgettable places for your adventure on Sota7.
Nenu Grove
This quiet place was inspired by mangrove forests and Japanese gardens. Combining the wild overgrowth of mangroves that occur primarily alongside the equator with a more manicured appearance of Japanese gardens, this region is the only one of its kind on the map. With a giant waterfall at its heart, it shouldn’t be too difficult to find – just follow the river upstream! The challenge lies in evading its dangers and staying under the radar. The local fauna can be far from friendly. Another curious thing – for an area this resemblant of tropical regions of Earth, this place sure feels a little colder than what you’d expect…
Ash Woods
The intimidating basalt pillars surrounded by volcanic sand tower over the entire area, casting a stark shadow on the lush grass. Against the dramatic backdrop of a blue sky and plantlife thriving thanks to the fertile soil, they create one of a kind environment for water-loving creatures. The surrounding waters are way warmer than they appear - and one can only wonder what mysteries are carried within their currents. Dark sandy beaches neighboring these woods were inspired by the volcanic beaches of Iceland.
Stem Sanctuary
A deep sense of calm envelopes this quaint corner of Sota7. The trees here might look familiar, but scientifically they don’t have much in common with bamboo. Sometimes their lightweight trunks form a seemingly impenetrable wall, isolating it from the entire world. It’s a sanctuary for more than one reason - not only does it have a uniquely serene atmosphere, predators seem to steer clear of it. This makes it a safe haven for prey animals that inhabit Sota7 - expect to see a lot of friendly snouts… After they’ve warmed up to the visitor from the stars.
Biome Design
Designing a world is a complex and challenging task that requires developers to engage in a multi-layered and multifactorial creative process. To illustrate this process we’re going to use a timelapse of three distinct biomes as they rose from the blank canvas and evolved into regions that you will get to explore in-game..
We begin by shaping the landscape on the map blueprint. Here, we gradually transition into the creative process and can start sculpting the terrain, creating rivers, lakes, or mountains - nothing is impossible.
Next stage is to place simple models of rocks, mountains, stones, and cliffs that will be exchanged for more detailed ones.
To make the world vibrant, we add grass and diverse trees to create different environments like forests and meadows. Game designers and concept artists design the plants, trees, and flowers, while 3D artists create and texture the models based on these designs. These models are then scattered throughout the world for a realistic look.
Our goal is a consistent and unified design throughout the entire world, optimizing for smooth gameplay.
Air Pollution
In the undiscovered world of Sota7, dangers lurk not only on the ground but also in the very air you breathe. Take heed and ensure your character's well-being, as neglecting them can have dire consequences. This toxic fog makes you extremely dizzy - and if you aren't careful, you might end up passed out far away from the safety of your base... Take care to prepare appropriately before venturing out. Oxygen is non-negotiable! Stay vigilant, for your survival depends on it!
Hoverboard
Moving in such diverse terrain can be more challenging than it seems, so we came up with a way to make it easier. To replace walking and save time, we decided to introduce the Hoverboard into the game. Not going to lie - the cool factor was a thing. We couldn’t resist a bit of “Back to the Future” flavor.
New sky
As we embark on our mission to infuse our world with lifelike weather, we’re aiming for gradual implementation. Our focus starts with the sky itself! We invite you to witness the transformation of the clouds as they shift and evolve. Observe the interplay of light and shadow, the formation of different patterns, and the dance of atmospheric phenomena. Your feedback is very important for us, so please take a moment to share your thoughts.
Keep up to date
Well, that's all for today's devlog, explorers! Now you have delved deeper into the mysteries of our world, unraveling its secrets bit by tantalizing bit.
We hope you feel the rush of adventure as much as we do when we bring you new content. As always, we invite you to wishlist us on Steam and also follow our social media channels, or visit discord server to stay updated.
Honeycomb general update #5 – It’s animation time! Let’s get into the wildlife
Hello, Explorers 🧭
It’s time for another development update, and today we’ve got a pretty cool pack of news for you. As always, I’d like to thank you for your comments here on Steam, on our social media, and Discord server. Before we proceed to the world of Sota7, I'd like to mention one significant thing. As you may know, a few months ago we announced co-op mode for Honeycomb. In this devlog, I have an important announcement to make on this subject, so be sure to read till the end to know all the details.
Hennessy
To start today's development update with a high note, let me introduce you to our heroine. She’s a real bioengineer, skillful and brave enough to take part in the operation Honeycomb. Say hello to Hennessy!
Biomes
It’s time to reveal more about the world where our adventure will take place. As you probably know, Sota7 is a vast planet full of diverse biomes, each full of character. Dive into exploration and experience plenty of new plants and animal species waiting around the corner.
Fauna and animations
On Sota7, you’ll find various species of bizarre animals. Today, I’d like to show you how some of them come to life with our little animation showcase. Shall we start our journey through wildlife?
Say hello to our Striders, they’re very relaxed fellows who like to chill and enjoy calm days. Don’t get too close: they may run away!
Okay, Explorers, now try to keep quiet. This feline animal is swift and not too fond of company. Don't try to lure it with “here, kitty, kitty”. It won't work.
The next resident of the Sota7 is this big, bearish-looking boy. As you can see, he likes to relax and enjoy his rest, so let’s not disturb his peace. His commanding presence belies his docile temperament. He might look angry, but he is a member of a very peaceful species.
In our first ever development update, you might have seen an image showing one of our first animals. Now It's time to present how they move, run, walk, and lie down. Aren’t they super cute?
Now let’s move on to another cute animal from the world of Honeycomb. Let me quote our compendium to give you a better perspective on its character profile:
These adorable critters belong to the Mustelideae family, the same as weasels and otters. They’re somewhat elusive creatures – they certainly don’t wait around to find out your intentions! They feed primarily on fish and as such can be found near water sources”
Flora
I could say “Welcome to the Jungle”, but truthfully, it’s more like a Japanese cold forest. I invite you to explore the world of Sota7 vegetation.
That's the very first stage of the growing process of our two plants: Antus and Succulent.
Antus: In the image below, you can see 3D models presenting 2 plants from the same family and the effect of the allogamy process (for more information about crossbreeding mechanics, you can check our previous devlogs). Colobantus is the effect of mixing Diantus and Amantus, however the final look still remains a mystery 🤫
Succulents – As we’re still working on our plant database, this succulent doesn't have a name yet, but its crossbreeding process is the same, as for the previous one. How would you name them? Feel free to give your suggestions in the comment section.
As if this wasn’t enough, we’ve prepared two more Flora representatives. Those trees are two varieties of the Filoy, which you can find on our planet. Its fruits are a little sour and crunchy, not that tasty… Wouldn’t recommend it.
Co-op mode
After extensive discussions about how the implementation of co-op could affect the player experience, we’ve made the difficult decision to stop the development of co-op features for Honeycomb. We came to the conclusion that ultimately we care more about exploring more ideas in-depth instead of spreading ourselves thin working on both single player and co-op, especially in a new engine. This is all to ensure that you get the most fun out of our game – which is why I am certain you’ll understand this decision. Our priorities remain the same – listening to your feedback and answering your questions. Please leave them in the comment section or join our Discord channel.
Keep up to date
Okay, we’ve come to the end of this development update, Explorers. I hope that you’ve enjoyed today’s news and understand our decision towards Co-op mode. We really care about your opinion, so don’t hesitate to share it in the comments section below. If you want to keep up to date, wishlist us on Steam and follow our social media. See you in the next devlog!
Honeycomb dev update #4 - Technology design - our journey so far 🛰️
Hi there, Explorers! 🧭
It’s been a while since we let you in on the latest in Honeycomb. That’s because we’ve been toiling away like a bunch of busy bees! In fact, our Technology Designer needs a break… And would like to tell you about the fruit of our efforts and how we got where we are. There’s plenty to learn, so without further ado - let’s delve into the world of tech design and find out how one comes up with what trees should look like… You can also look forward to a small surprise that awaits you at the end of this devlog - we’re hosting some visitors from above, and it’s not what you think it is!
Tech design isn’t all about numbers - technology has a feel and an aesthetic to it. We all know a chunky computer from the 80s gives a very different vibe than a MacBook - and video games are all about feeling. So we decided on a unique style from the get-go, and we’re working to incorporate it into every piece that appears in-game. A futuristic take on Art Nouveau doesn’t mean just throwing in some sci-fi elements into existing designs, however. Our designers work in accordance with tenets of the art movement - putting emphasis on fluidity of lines, flowing and sinuous motifs, and floral shapes.
Our Technology Designer translates his ideas into 3D right away, no sketches required. Above you can see the effects of an exercise he did when we just started working on defining the style of our game.. He transformed the look of a typical chair from IKEA and designed its sci-fi and Art Nouveau counterparts, drawing attention to the most characteristic structural elements. The next step was to blend these extremes until he felt like he had the perfect model. After that, we had a solid base for any future designs and could just follow a similar workflow. Easy-peasy!
Above are presented a few stages of base development. You can read more about it in our previous development update.
FACILITIES
Soon after we’ve created the base, we shifted our focus to base operation(s). All that tech (...and the bioengineer) has to run on something!
Silo consists of a water container and a power accumulator. It’s how you’re going to conserve these precious resources for a rainy day. We tried to make it blend in with the base while also giving it a distinct look by drawing inspiration from the Tesla coil - you can see it in the glowing sphere on top!
At first, solar panels were supposed to look like ship sails but over time their shapes started looking more and more flower-like. In the end, they are very similar to blossoms. Solar panels will supply energy to your base… Talk about flower power.
Another one of our facilities is the Antenna. In this project, our Technology Designer used organic design motifs, which he considers to be a contemporary version of Art Nouveau. The Antenna will create a radiolocation area, allowing the players to use crucial mechanics such as the Drone Hive.
DRONES
A lot of mysterious places and valuable materials are waiting on Sota7 to be discovered by you. You need to expand your base to find them all! Thankfully you won't have to rely only on yourself.
Drone Scout is a companion which will support the Explorers as an extra pair of “eyes”. With its help you can observe a diverse world of Sota7 from a bird’s eye view and explore uncharted territories. The design of this device is based on flexible and flowing shapes. Openworks structures and magnetic engines replaced conventional drive mechanisms.
Drone Builder is a gadget which allows the player to construct the base on a basic level. When working our Technology Designer was inspired by car keys. Drone Builder’s form is closely related to the style we used for the base.
Drone Engineer is the biggest and most functional drone in the game. It works in cooperation with the Drone Hive. Engineer lets the player construct a base in planning mode, while the Hive contains two smaller constructing drones that build it. A source of inspiration was of course the beehive. 🐝 In a way, the Engineer is like the queen bee who orders the worker bees from the Hive around.
VEHICLES / MEANS OF TRANSPORT
Sota7 isn’t just a planet - it’s a planet that needs to be thoroughly explored. You can go where your feet take you or sit back in one of your vehicles and enjoy the trip through remarkable areas.
Hoverboard is the smallest available vehicle. It allows you to move quickly from one place to another. Its construction was heavily influenced by organic design. We wanted to design something that would incorporate openwork elements, an electromagnetic engine and would still look like something that could be transformed into a smaller device. That’s how we landed on this branch-like model.
Buggy is a medium size vehicle with cargo space. During development the concept of the Buggy went through a lot of metamorphoses. All of this ultimately contributed to the creation of this vehicle with an electromagnetic drive and openwork supporting structure. Our Tech Designer disclosed that he looked at a lot of fish pictures while designing this thing. We decided not to question him further.
AN ASSORTMENT OF ODDITIES
If that’s not enough to convince you that we’ve been pretty busy, we’d like to show you some more odds and ends. We can’t really put them in their own neat categories, but they are indeed pretty neat. Just take a look:
Vertical Farm is a device which allows you to breed plants in laboratory conditions. As for functionality, the concepts don't differ from each other. As you can see, this apparatus has a double structure and a UV lamp. Like the previous ones, this project was inspired by the base design as well, especially in terms of its supporting structure.
Shhh, it’s alright… Just sleep. Yes, this is exactly what it looks like. The injector is a tranquilizer dart gun. Killing or hurting the animals isn't part of your mission on Sota7, but that doesn’t mean that you’re supposed to stay far away from them… or that they’ll always be friendly. Thanks to the injector you can obtain samples from dangerous species without harming them, or them harming you. Our Technology Designer considers it one of his favorites. He said this design went through a lot of changes, but he ended up really liking it… Which isn’t always how it works out.
If you’re still craving more after all this excitement, you can take a look at our friends’ devlog about their game, Aloft - a sandbox survival indie where you have to survive in a world threatened by an eternal hurricane.
Steam Base Builder Fest. As you might expect we’ll participate in Steam Base Builder Fest. Look at the stream we’ve made for this occasion! We hope that you’ll like the new mechanics we presented.
KEEP UP TO DATE
Alrighty, that’s it for today, Explorers. We hope that you found this devlog interesting. We are all looking forward to your comments! Your opinion means a lot to us. Once again, we want to invite you to Honeycomb’s Discord Server, because it’s important for us to stay in touch with you. You can also follow us on our social media outlets to keep up to date.
Finally, we’d like to encourage you to add Honeycomb to your wishlist and to follow the game, so that you’ll be kept informed about future updates of the game.
