Before we get into the return of Meet the Dev, be sure to check out the new update for Isonzo that dropped earlier today. It comes with some highly anticipated fixes as well as a toggle for bipods!
It's been a while since the last Meet the Dev, so it's about time we introduce another person from the team and get to know their story!
Meet Seyfettin!
Hello! Could you introduce yourself?
I’m Seyfettin, originally from Türkiye, now living in the Netherlands. Before that, I spent time in Spain, Croatia, and Slovenia. I speak Turkish, English, Croatian, and Spanish.
I started my career in the industry almost eight years ago as a Videogame Tester at Electronic Arts Madrid, with Battlefield 1 as my first project. Over four years at EA, I worked on major IPs like FIFA, Star Wars, The Sims, SimCity, Command & Conquer, and The Simpsons.
During the pandemic, I transitioned to Apple as a QA Engineer, working remotely for the Cork office from Madrid. However, I missed the gaming industry, so I joined 2K Games Madrid, contributing to an unannounced project and the post-release phase of NBA 2K22. After that, I moved to the Netherlands to work at Abstraction Games, where I briefly worked on Gigantic: Rampage Edition and then spent about 15 months as a console porter Dev QA on Endless Dungeon.
Then, I joined PlayStation Studios, focusing on PC ports of Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart and Horizon Forbidden West. However, I realized it wasn’t the right fit for me, and I made one of the best decisions of my career by joining BlackMill Games.
I have a deep love for history, especially World War I and the Balkans, which I also studied during my time in Croatia. That passion makes working at BlackMill Games feel like the perfect match for me.
What is your role in BlackMill Games and for the games? When did you start working here?
I’m currently a QA Tester at BlackMill Games, and I started exactly a year ago. My day-to-day work involves testing new content, reproducing and documenting bugs, and collaborating closely with the rest of the team to ensure the best possible experience for our players. I also spend time engaging with community feedback, verifying reported issues, and helping the team prioritize fixes.
Where did your passion come from?
I’ve been playing video games since I was 3. I started with an Atari & NES combo. When I was around five, I got my first PC and became obsessed with Outlaws, Doom, and Duke Nukem.
When I was eight, my father opened a cyber café in a small town on the western coast of Türkiye. It was the first one in the area. I spent most of my time there hosting LAN parties with Half-Life, Quake 3 Arena, and CS 1.6. During the summers, I also helped out by fixing computers, selling games, ‘’modding’’ consoles and games.
These days, besides my work on Isonzo, I’m also working on my own project, building levels in Unreal Engine 5.
What is the first thing you worked on in Isonzo as well as the most recently released?
The first thing I tested was Marmolada, which is an amaaaazing map. These days, I’ve been testing the upcoming map. 😏
What is a memorable moment for you in the development of Isonzo?
Definitely seeing a passionate community that respects and supports us. I really enjoy reading the Discord and forums, reproducing reported issues, hunting down bugs, and then tracking them get fixed. It’s exciting and satisfying, at the end of the day, we all want great games with as few bugs as possible. Seeing the community help in that process is an amazing feeling
Which other game dev/studio inspires you, and why?
As a studio, I really admire Hello Games. Their dedication to No Man’s Sky is incredible and very inspiring for indie studios.
On a personal level, I love Firewatch so much. It’s one of my biggest inspirations. I really appreciate well-written dialogue and deeply atmospheric games.
Favourite game at the moment or something you’re looking forward to?
I’m replaying Assassin’s Creed Odyssey as inspiration for my personal project. Every time I open that game, I’m amazed by the environmental art. It’s stunning. I mostly use the Discovery Tour mode since I’m studying environmental art in my free time.
As for upcoming games, I’m very curious about GTA 6. I want to see how far Rockstar will push the industry’s limits this time.
Is there something you like to do when not working or playing games?
Four months ago, I started using Unreal Engine for the first time. I’m currently training myself to become an Environmental Artist in the future. For my first project, I’m creating an ancient Greek island inspired by Assassin’s Creed Odyssey, modeling houses entirely within the engine.
Besides that, I’m passionate about videography, shooting short films with my camera, and taking photos of strangers on the streets, talking to them, getting to know them, and capturing their stories through photography.
Anything else you want to share?
I just want to thank our community again for being patient, supporting us, and helping us improve Isonzo. We’ll continue doing our best to make the game even better!
We released a patch for Steam and Epic today, which includes the long-awaited bipod toggle!
Manual Bipod deploy
We added the Manual Soft Deploy option for weapons with a bipod. You can enable it under "Controls", then "Manual Deploying". Turning this on allows you to toggle the bipod with the "Sight Mode / Rifle Grenades" keybinding, [5] by default.
Fixed issues when failing to join match
We fixed the bug that could cause the game to get stuck at the "Joining Game" window when joining an almost full match.
Fixed matches ending early
The bug that caused matches to end early while the attackers still have tickets.
Other changes
Added Profile -> Achievements page in Main Menu
Having controllers plugged in no longer causes issues with game input on PC
Gamepad images are no longer shown as blurry on PC
FSR improvements
Improvements to tree lighting and some particle effects
[STEAM] Improved stability of the game while Epic Online Services are having issues
Various stability improvements
Download size is expected to be around 55mb.
Update v58558
Today we released a small patch, these are the changes.
Updated Social Media buttons in the main menu
Updated network version
The download size is expected to be around 140mb.
Looking forward to 2025!
Hope you had a great holiday period! Most of us took some well-deserved time off and are currently working on some exciting new updates.
It's still a bit early to start revealing things so don't go into this blog expecting grand new reveals, but let's discuss some of the things you can expect for Isonzo in the new year!
TLC Updates
We're hoping to spend some extra time working out a couple of much-requested features and fixes this year. What exactly is possible and what not we're still actively looking into, but we already have a patch on the way. As for what it will include? Well, see for yourself:
New Map, Weapons & Expansion
The final big ticket item on the latest roadmap is, of course, Solstice Part 2. Now, the blurry image we've been using for Solstice 2 does contain something not yet in the game. Looking back, it maybe could've used a bit more blur. Many already think they know what it is, so if you haven't already, be sure to have a look!
As for the map, it's a bit better hidden. Sure, most of you have spotted a large amount of fire – and you're correct, stuff's really on fire. There's something (else) that makes this map truly unique for Isonzo though, but you'll have to wait to find out what!
It's too early to reveal the next DLC, but if you've been paying attention to our YouTube or TikTok channel (yes, we have a TikTok) you may have caught a glimpse of something new already. Also, this DLC will have a twist that you're probably going to love if you're an Isonzo veteran.
Beyond the Roadmap
The astute among you may have noticed a distinct lack of... more roadmap. Aside from the roadmap being kinda a pain to edit, we're not ready to show what we've been working on quite yet. Rest assured the current end of the roadmap is not the end of the, well, road!
Others
Ascent
If you're looking to flex your rock-throwing muscles again, don't worry! Ascent will of course return again in 2025.
Pins
The Anniversary Pins campaign sold 575 units and is now officially closed! We're absolutely blown away by the support on these, and we're very excited for them to start shipping. They're facing a little production delay of a week, so they're currently scheduled to start shipping in early April. Be sure to keep an eye on the Makeship product page to stay up-to-date!
A small blog today as a little taste maker, but you'll slowly see more news pop up here and there in the coming weeks. Also, we're bringing back the Meet the Dev blogs! There are still a lot of developers that haven't introduced themselves yet.
This year was definitely one of the years of all time. For the WW1 Game Series, it was a great one! We released a ton of content that we feel really pushed the envelope in terms of quality. We really hope you've been enjoying everything this year and are looking forward to what's in store for 2025.
For now, let's walk down a year's worth of memory lane, which includes:
2 New Maps
5(-ish) New Weapons
2 Cosmetic DLC Packs + 1 Bonus DLC
Content Highlights
And of course the introduction of the limited-time game mode Ascent!
New Game Mode: Ascent
This year, we introduced Ascent to Isonzo! This limited-time game mode has the Italians scale one of Marmolada's cliffs with their ice picks and rope. The Austro-Hungarians are at the peak and have to defend the objective at all costs, with their limited supplies available. They do have a handy supply of rocks, however!
Ascent was playable in April and November and is sure to return in 2025!
[TAG-10]
New battlefields for Isonzo
Montello - Solstice
The Austro-Hungarians push across the river Piave to capture Nervesa della Battaglia and create a foothold across the river. This battle in the region of Treviso takes the fight across water and farms into urban warfare.
[TAG-20]
Adamello - White War
At an altitude of 3000 meters, Italian forces assault the Austro-Hungarians dug in at Cima Presena. To make matters worse: the battlefield is battered by a blizzard, limiting your sight and making life even more miserable. The Italians have an uphill battle ahead of them, will they pull it off?
5 new rocks additions to the Arsenal
The arsenal of Isonzo has been expanded again this year and they sure leave a lasting impression. The Austro-Hungarians receive a captured Mosin-Nagant and a new grenade, the Italians got their hands on Isonzo's very first impact grenade and the Germans got the Artillery Luger, which quickly claimed its spot among the best. Also: rock.
New Looks
Altitude
If you're looking to keep warm during the winter, look no further than the Altitude Units Pack! This DLC features many thick coats, cozy hats and goggles to keep your eyes snow-free.
If you're looking to dress like you just went to hell and back... to each their own, I guess. Secondly, the Shellshocked Units Pack is what you'll want. It's filled to the bring with worn-down coats, bloody bandages, but also some really cool armor suited for those who are actually planning to go to hell.
We collaborated with the Movember charity to bring you the Movember Handlebar DLC for Isonzo! Get yourself the epitome of mustaches and support Movember's mission support men's healthcare, taking on prostate cancer, testicular cancer, mental health and suicide prevention.
Proceeds will be donated to the not-for-profit Movember organization. The DLC is available until January 2nd, 2025!
We finally got some merch! As a (kind of late) celebration of the WW1 Game Series' Anniversary, we worked together with Makeship to create a set of three fantastic pins representing each of the games. They already reached over 200% of the funding they needed to enter production, with shipping scheduled for the end of March. They're only available for a limited time, so be sure to check them out!
To celebrate the release of Montello, we organized a digital tour through the region! There's a lot of history here, WW1 and beyond. From the most successful fighter ace of WW1 and his link to Ferrari to the estimated 300,000 teenagers who mustered the Italian front line: if you're interesting in learning about history, be sure to check it out.
The Adamello update brought along a Free Weekend on Steam and PlayStation, introducing a ton of new people to the community!
Looking Forward
There's still one more big ticket item for Isonzo on the current roadmap and we're very excited to show you next year. However, we have a lot more planned than just that. It's just kind of hard to fit it all on the roadmap at this point. We'll reveal everything in due time!
From the entire BlackMill Games team, we really hope you have a pleasant Christmas and an excellent 2025. The Christmas Truce will return to Verdun next week to wrap up this year, so be sure to join us for a fun and totally not overly competitive snowball fight.
Today we released a small patch, these are the changes.
Added DLSS and FSR 3.1, we hope this helps people have better performance on certain maps.
Squad icons now clamp to the edge of the minimap for better awareness
Improved collision on Montello
Limited the amount of Artillery Luger per class to 2
Fixed rendering issues with ferns
Additional minor changes in the back-end
The download size is expected to be around 71mb.
Celebrating the WW1 Games Series Anniversary
Can you believe it has been over 10 years since the first game of the WW1 Game Series? As some may already know, we have briefly celebrated this occasion last year. This year however we wanted to put a spotlight on you, the community.
We want to thank all our soldiers who have joined the fronts over the years. From the Verdun Early Access veterans to the newly enlisted Italian recruits. We can wholeheartedly say that we couldn't have gotten to where we are today, without everyone's continued dedication, support and interest in the WW1 Games.
We're super excited to announce that, to celebrate 10+ years with our amazing community, we’re collaborating with Makeship to bring you special limited edition Anniversary Pins! Makeship.com/products/WW1GameSeries
The pins!
We've made a pin to represent each game in the series.
The bronze pin represents Verdun, the first game in the series. Featuring the Adrian helmet, a spade and the trenches of the Western Front covered in deadly toxic gas, all enveloped by barbed wire.
The silver pin represents Tannenberg, the second game and a worthy companion to the first. Featuring the Pickelhaube, sabres and the foggy forests of the Eastern Front, decorated by silver laurels.
The gold pin represents Isonzo, the third game and a big leap for the series. Featuring the Cappello Alpino, an ice pick & the Alps as the beautiful theatre of war of the Southern Front, wrapped in rope in the blue of the ice sheets.
How everything works
Design
Together with Makeship we've designed these 3 pins for the community. highlighting weapons, tools and maps of each game.
Launch
Starting from today the Campaign is available until December 19. If the Campaign reaches the minimum order goal, the production will start. If the minimum goal is not met, all community members will be refunded for their order.
Make
Once a campaign ends, we know exactly how many anniversary pins will have to be made and production will start. Production takes 2-4 months to complete.
Ship
Once the pins are ready, they will be shipped directly to you. Shipping typically takes 7-15 business days depending on the destination country and city.
Getting it for a friend?
Getting it for a special someone? We have made this holiday themed card to print and gift to your friends until the pins arrive!
So what are you waiting for soldier, get your very own pins at Makeship RIGHT NOW, and celebrate the 10+ year anniversary of the WW1 Games and our awesome community!
To celebrate the new Adamello expansion, we're live right now together with Flakfire, showcasing the new map and weapons!
The stream is expected to be around 1 to 1.5 hours long.
We’re super excited to announce that Isonzo is free to play for everyone on Steam & PlayStation until Monday, November 18th! Whether you’ve been meaning to give the game a go or are looking to introduce your friends (or foes) to Isonzo, this is the perfect time! All non-DLC content is available, including everything in this update.
The exact dates and times are as follows:
Steam: November 14th 2024, 7 PM CET to November 18th 2024, 7 PM CET
PlayStation: November 14th 2024 to November 18th 2024, 11 AM CET
For more information on this update, check out the announcement blog:
We’re super excited to announce that Isonzo is free to play for everyone on Steam & PlayStation until Monday, November 18th! Whether you’ve been meaning to give the game a go or are looking to introduce your friends (or foes) to Isonzo, this is the perfect time! All non-DLC content is available, including everything in this update.
The exact dates and times are as follows:
Steam: November 14th 2024, 7 PM CET to November 18th 2024, 7 PM CET
PlayStation: November 14th 2024 to November 18th 2024, 11 AM CET
For more information on this update, check out the announcement blog:
The Adamello Expansion is OUT NOW with a Free Weekend!
Hello soldiers!
After some time in the sun, we make our way back to the top of the Alps. Here, the Italians advance for the Austro-Hungarian position at Cima Presena at a height of 3000 meters – if the weather allows it.
That’s not everything however. Two new weapons enter the fray, Ascent makes its long-awaited return and everyone gets to try everything for free during the Isonzo Free Weekend on Steam and PlayStation! There’s a lot to unpack, so let’s get right into it.
Free Weekend
Before we get into the new and returning content, we’re super excited to announce that Isonzo is free to play for everyone on Steam & PlayStation until Monday, November 18th! Whether you’ve been meaning to give the game a go or are looking to introduce your friends (or foes) to Isonzo, this is the perfect time! All non-DLC content is available, including everything in this update.
The exact dates and times are as follows:
Steam: November 14th 2024, 7 PM CET to November 18th 2024, 7 PM CET
PlayStation: November 14th 2024 to November 18th 2024, 11 AM CET
The Free Weekend has already started on PlayStation, but Steam will start in 3 hours from the publishing of this announcement.
The Italians launched a large-scale assault on the Presena Glacier held by Austro-Hungarian. Attacking from multiple angles, the Italians swiftly captured the forward positions of Zigolon and Marocarro. Cima Presena proved to be a bit more difficult as the Austro-Hungarian defenses were solid. That’s where you come in!
Now, as you might be able to imagine, the alpine weather at an altitude of 3000 meters is a force to be reckoned with. This battle was extremely cold and snow storms were frequent. During winter, the weather got so bad and the snow so thick that fighting simply became impossible. The battle may have been between two armies, but there’s truly no foe like the weather: nessun nemico come il tempo.
In Isonzo, Adamello features three distinct lanes, two of which have you plough through the snowy trenches to get to where you need to be. The third lane has you fight on the other side of the ridge, where you really need to watch your step if you value your life.
For the finale, all three lanes merge into a large open area with very little cover. The Austro-Hungarians are defending the peak and the Italians will need to climb to it!
The Adamello Expansion includes two new weapons, an impact grenade for the Italians and a “rifle” for the… Germans? Surprise!
Yes, the German Empire gets its hands on the Artillery Luger this update. It’s a variant of the Luger P08 frequently used by the Stoßtruppen, filling the role of a lightweight rifle or carbine. It features an extended barrel, shoulder stock with a holster and a Trommelmagazin with a whopping 32 round capacity. Regardless of these modifications however, it’s still a pistol: its low power makes it not as reliable as a rifle and damage drops off quickly over longer ranges. You can find the Artillery Luger among the main weapons of the Engineer and Assault classes!
The Italians get the Petardo Offensivo P.O., a late-war redesign of a French grenade. It wasn't that powerful, but very noisy, which made it ideal for provoking fear in the enemy. In Isonzo, the P.O. is a relatively low-powered grenade that explodes the moment it hits something, be it the ground, an enemy or an ally. If you do hit an ally with this impact grenade, they won’t be damaged. If you’re in the blast radius as well however, you may be less safe! It’s available to the Rifleman, Engineer and Assault classes.
Ascent: Round 2
Ascent makes its return and we know you’re excited to get back to climbing! This limited-time game mode has the Italians grapple up the rocky cliffside of Marmolada using ice picks and rope to get to the objective at the top. The Austro-Hungarians are defending the summit and will need to defeat the Italians with the limited ammo they have – though when in a pinch, a rock aided by gravity will leave a lasting impact as well.
For more information about Ascent, be sure to check out the original announcement: https://store.steampowered.com/news/app/1556790/view/4187858160677938414
The Ascent event is available on all platforms until November 26th, 10 AM CET. Be sure to give it a go, as there’s an achievement up for grabs!
Patch notes
There’s a short list of other changes this update, including support for some of the new PS5 Pro enhancements.
New Content
New Map: Adamello (White War)
New Weapons: - Petardo Offensivo P.O. (Kingdom of Italy) - Artillery Luger (German Empire)
Fixes
Fixed players sometimes spawning in wire
Improved spawning around destroyed bridges
Fixed "Most reloads", "Most time spent in one place", "Lowest Average Altitude" and "Highest Average Altitude" medals not being correctly awarded
Improvements to unlocking achievements
Fixed Average Accuracy showing as 0 in the After Action Report
Steam only
New Achievements
"Ice-sonzo" - Complete a "White War" offensive, participating in each battle
"Fate of Italy" - Finish a "German Intervention" offensive, participating in each battle
PlayStation only
PlayStation 5 Pro Enhancements: Added support for Full 4K resolution and improved performance through the High Frequency CPU mode
Fixed not being able to unlock achievements after the free weekend
